In keeping with O.A.T.’s Japan’s Cultural Treasures adventure, Bonnie learned to make sushi from an experienced chef.
By Bonnie Mack, 10-time Traveler from Clearwater, FL
When people who know me ask about my lifetime of traveling around the world, they seem more surprised at my dining choices, than where I traveled. Exotic countries like Borneo, Nepal, Vietnam, India, Thailand, and so on, make them assume I also have a penchant for exotic food—fried bugs in Thailand, for example. They almost seem disappointed when I tell them about my favorite meals in places like …
Varanasi, India
Bonnie enjoyed beautiful dining rooms, like the one at the Nahargarh Hotel in Ranthambore, India, but she sought her usual "comfort food."
Spices and colorful vegetables seem to be a staple at every meal. However, after a few weeks, I was yearning for a familiar dish. The dining room of my hotel was softly lit, and lovely music was playing in the background. I searched the international menu for a meal I've eaten all around the world, one that seemed to never taste the same, but was always satisfying—spaghetti Bolognese!
My eyes lit up in delight, and my mouth started to water, as I anticipated my first taste. I can't imagine what attracted the attention of the maitre d'. However, he stood over my table, asking if anything was wrong with my meal. Choking down the last bite (in record time, no less), I looked up at him. "I've had spaghetti Bolognese all around the world," I began, "and I've never tasted any that could compare with what I've just eaten. Please send my compliments to the chef."
Bangkok, Thailand
The hotel's dining room was packed with tourists from all around the world, and the breakfast buffet was just as expansive. After surveying the usual cereals, eggs, sausages, and pastries, I strolled to the Asian dishes, most of which I couldn't identify. I lifted the silver domed cover to reveal thin noodles in a dark brown sauce. The little card below the chafing dish indicated they were "garlic noodles"—for breakfast?
I began filling my plate with scoop after scoop of the noodles. Close by was a bowl of peanut butter. I love peanut butter, so I put a few spoonfuls on top of the noodles. My travel companion, whose plate was filled with fresh fruit, grimaced when I told her what was on my plate. Every morning, I looked forward to my garlic noodles with peanut butter, and I dreaded the thought of leaving them behind, when we moved to another country.
Zadar, Croatia
The deep blue sky duly reflected its brilliant color on the water of the Adriatic Sea. We worked our way around the walled city, whose plazas were filled with outdoor cafes. I selected one that overlooked the sea and sat beneath a huge umbrella to protect myself from the hot sun. Scanning the huge menu, I found an old favorite—pasta carbonara!
Italian food easily made its way across the Adriatic to Zadar, Croatia.
When I was in Italy in 1972, my guide introduced me to this special dish that was made with bacon, parmesan cheese, and cream. He pointed out that it was unusual to find it on a menu and, thus, it became one of my favorites. Aside from eating this dish in Italy, I've dined on it in Morocco, Latvia, and Germany, to name a few countries. Oddly enough, finding this entree on American menus is a rarity. Quite frankly, nowhere can compare with the pasta carbonara I enjoyed at the outdoor cafe in Zadar.
Tokyo, Japan
Bonnie wasn't quite prepared for traditional Japanese food for breakfast.
Staying in a traditional Japanese hotel was full of unique and very interesting experiences. My first surprise came when we arrived at the hotel, and had to immediately remove our shoes, and either store them in a locker, or carry them to our room. I eventually became accustomed to seeing the Japanese strolling around the hotel in the leisure pants and shirts provided to each guest—along with three pairs of slippers (one for the bedroom, another for use in the bathroom, and the third for "emergency"). I never found out what "emergency" the hotel had in mind—perhaps evacuating in case of a fire? More likely, in the event that the other two pairs of slippers were misplaced.
Bonnie discovered panko-breaded deep-fried shrimp tucked away in a corner of the buffet table, and it soon became her favorite breakfast.
I'm not certain which surprised me more, when I entered the breakfast room—seeing some of the Japanese dining in their "leisure suits" without their slippers (or socks, for that matter), or a breakfast buffet that was almost entirely comprised of fish, vegetables, and a variety of sauces. I circled the extensive buffet several times, before selecting panko-breaded deep-fried shrimp, with a variety of sauces from which to choose.
While traveling in Japan during O.A.T.’s Japan’s Cultural Treasures, Bonnie learned to make rice balls.
The shrimp was a little difficult to find, tucked away in all the heavy breading. For all I know, there may not have been a shrimp inside. After a few days of this new "breakfast staple," I looked forward to enjoying it smothered in tartar sauce!
While you may not opt to get creative with your breakfasts, our Japan’s Cultural Treasures adventure offers delectable culinary experiences.
