SpiceLines

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