—  live to eat  —

"Food is our common ground, a universal experience." -James Beard
 

How many of you eat on-the-go? How many of you sit down to a nice meal? I'm sure we've done both depending on where we are, what we're doing, and who we're with. Too often in the U.S. we are in a hurry, or too busy that we order fast food, eat on our way to meetings, or even forget to eat all together. This would be considered a social 'crime' in Japan, where the natives there frown upon the simple act of walking and eating at the same time! Instead, they revel in their meals, and take their eating seriously. It's not uncommon for businessmen to spend hours eating and drinking with their colleagues after a long day at the office.

In cultures all across the world, food is what brings people together. It's at the core of our survival. It's sociological, historical, celebratory, and can even be nostalgic for some. And it's finding common ground no matter where you come from. Food allows us to ask questions and explain how we know and come to love the foods we eat & discover our dining companions' connection to what's on the plate. It's where we learn social norms and customs and share stories and laughter around the dinner table that ultimately bond us together.

With that said, food is one of the highlights of travel for me. I like to know what the local flavor is, and where the locals go to eat. Whether it be lobster rolls and fried clams on Cape Cod, oysters on the half shell at happy hour prices in Newport, R.I., the most delicious Burmese tea salad in San Francisco, or the best taquitos and churros in Los Angeles, I am all over it. And when you tour with THE DAY WE TRAVEL, know that all the good eating spots will be shared with you. Just stay open-minded and bring an appetite! Live to eat, savor good food, and share with your travel companions your story at the dinner table. I look forward to dining with you on tour!