Vanilla orchids bloom only once, for a few hours, when they must be
pollinated by hand in order to produce beans. To read more about
vanilla production in Veracruz, see In the Land of the Vanilla Orchid.
True confessions: I secretly started this blog as an excuse for travel to spice-perfumed places.
So when I’m not at the stove, sautéing Almost Naked Finnish Potatoes with Garlic and Sour Cream or simmering a pot of pale green salsa for Aurora’s divine Chicken Echiladas in Tomatillo Salsa with Garlic and Cumin (see The Spice Kitchen for all the recipes), I’m in Paris lusting for a copper tarte tatin pan at Dehillerin, trolling the dill-scented aisles of Kuznechy market in St. Petersburg, or tracking the elusive vanilla orchid to its birthplace in Mexico.
If this index of wondrous culinary destinations sparks your appetite for spicy travel, there’s more to come: In 2008 I’ll be sampling South India, Singapore and Spain—and delectable spots in between.
Bali
On Bali, Surf's Up--and So Is the Food
Charleston
13 Reasons I Love Charleston: Shrimp and Grits, White Peaches and Buttermilk Biscuits
S.N.O.B.'s Spicy Shrimp and Grits with Country Ham, Tomato and Cayenne
Helsinki
At Kauppatori Market, Salty Licorice and Garlic Potatoes
A Warm Teapot for Cool Mornings
London
How to spend $11,863.14 in Two Hours on Marylebone High Street
Paris
Patrick Roger’s Exotic Chocolates: Lime, Basil and Coffee
Frederick Malle’s Library of Rare Perfumes
Supper, High Concept, at Le Chateaubriand
Delirious at Deyrolle: a Wondrous Cabinet of Curiosities
At Jean Paul Hevin, an Austere and Luxurious Chocolate Tart
At Le Comptoir, a Schizophrenic Lunch
Delirious at Dehillerin: An Irresistible Trove of Copper Pots and Pans
At Pierre Herme, "Fetish" Macarons
Eco-Chic at Le Musee du Quai Branly
San Francisco
At Quince, Oxtail Soppressata and Smiles All Around
At the Ferry Building, Autumn Pears, Italian Honey and Spicy Japanese Salads
St. Petersburg (Russia)
What We Ate in St. Petersburg: Pistachio Stuffed Rabbit Roll, Potato Dranki and Butter Soaked Blini with Caviar
At Podvorye, Peonies, Chilled Vodka and Spicy Beef with Sour Cream
At Kuznechny Market, Giant Garlic, Tubs of Sour Cream and Pickled Cucumbers
Empty Stalls in St. Petersburg; a Once Lively Market Is Now Subdued
Stockholm
The Pleasures of Water; a Saffron-Scented Swedish Bouillabaisse
Veracruz
Manchamanteles; Staining the Tablecloth, Deliciously
Great Coffee, If You Can Find It; A Grower’s Lament
Dona Elena’s Rich Coffee Flan
A Coatepec Cook, Ready for Her Close-Up
El Tajin, in Sun Light
El Tajin, by Night…
The Secret of Vanilla’s Aroma
In the Land of the Vanilla Orchid
Bass in Tomatillo Salsa, Wrapped in Banana Leaves
In Sylvia’s Kitchen, an Embarrassment of Riches
At the Fish Market, Blue Crab and a Wicked Blade
Veracruz-Style Scrambled Eggs with Black Beans, Tomato Salsa and Charred Jalapeno
Breakfast at Lolita’s
The Danzon, Under Moonlight
Ice Cream Goes Tropical
A Sultry Savory Spice Journey; Supper at El Bayo
India
In India, the Scent of Sandalwood, Imagined Ghosts and a Sumptuous Fish Curry
Kerala Red Snapper Curry with Kashmiri Chilies, Ginger and Coconut Milk
Milk and Turmeric for the Nagas; a Sumptuous Banana Leaf Feast for the Rest of Us
In the Backwaters of Kerala, Bliss on a Houseboat; Ginger Chai and Golden Fried Bananas
Creamy Indian Vermicelli Pudding with Cardamom and Cashews
In Kerala, a Fragrant Ayurvedic Massage; Masala Spice Scrub with Ginger and Cardamom