Yesterday I joined KPBS-Radio host Maureen Cavanaugh on her morning program “These Days.” Together with San Diego freelancer Caron Golden, we talked about the best meals we had ever eaten. (You can listen to or read the transcript on line at KPBS.org.)
The hour was a vast smorgesbord including opulent duck confit and Chocolate Bavarois, cheap Vietnamese sandwiches called Bahn Mi, summer corn risotto, “Oh-My-God” lamb chops,” bubbling cheese creations in a log cabin above Lake Annecy, and crispy, wispy Wienerschnitzel in the Tyrolian Alps.
When a caller brought up the subject of memorable “exotic” dining experiences, I shared my story of lunch on Bangkok’s unique Damnoen Saduak floating market. The market consists of scores of flimsy little boats bobbing in the river, packed with produce merchants, mini restaurants and hungry shoppers. (This photo is by Britannica.com.)
My husband and I hired a boat and guide to row us out into the narrow, vine-clogged canals. I ordered “soup” from a smiling vendor in another boat. I loved the dish’s vivid flavors and tantalizing textures -- rice noodles, fish balls, crushed peanuts, bean sprouts, and a spritz of mystery sauce.
When I finished, I handed the chipped ceramic bowl and chopsticks back to the woman, who promptly swished them “clean” in the murky river.
Clearly, I could have been a food-borne illness statistic. Instead, I got a happy “memorable meal” story to tell.
Later in the show, when Cavanaugh asked about memorable "home-cooked" meals, I reminisced about my “big birthday” dinner last summer, an extravaganza of baby grilled cheese sandwiches made with brioche, aged cheddar and braised bacon; heirloom tomato gazpacho with avocado mousse; baby beet salad with goat cheese; and Cabernet-braised short ribs with roasted Vidalia onion-potato puree.
It was all cooked and served in my home. Thus, I argued, that it was my most memorable home-cooked meal.
But it wasn’t cooked by me. Rather, chef Carl Schroeder of Market Restaurant, Del Mar did the honors and totally wowed my group of family and friends. (This photo of Carl is from Examiner.com.)
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