2022 in food

# Food Experiences 2021-2022

## 2021: KFG Brunch

- Ironically, this starts in 2021 with the KFG brunch during the fall.

I did not know I could like steak and I did not know the Caesar dressing from stores is a complete lie.

The meals we shared reinvigorated my enjoyment of food.

2022: Spain

- 2022 started with bad meals throughout Madrid and Barcelona. Seriously Spain, what is this?

It’s not a tortilla, and it’s not good. The first time I ever had potatoes that soft encased in bread, though, made it memorable.

Let the Americas have tortillas and call this what it is: peasant casserole.

Potatas Bravas and Tapas

- The potatas bravas throughout Spain were inconsistent. To my palate, the tapas were hit or miss as well.

The exception was at Azimuth in the [Almanac](https://www.almanachotels.com/barcelona/food-drinks).

From the [menu](https://document-tc.galaxy.tf/wdpdf-eoz10mzsy1uyq5ng3ng6o88gj/food-menu.pdf), I recommend:

- Hummus

- Iberico ham

- Smoked fish

- Tataki

- Empanadas

- The Madrid (MAD) airport is one of my favorites, aesthetically, next to IST.

After losing Bekk many times looking for the right gate, we found [Mas Q Menos](https://www.masqmenos.com/portfolio/bocadillos/).

The *lomo de cerdo with crystal bread* was the best meal in Spain for me.

Paris

- Paris was mostly average. On the first night, we had Urfa kabab with strangers at [Urfa Durm](https://goo.gl/maps/hhjxN8qb1wwhCpAS8).

They made us feel at home in the city.

- Dinner at [Bouillon Chartier](https://www.bouillon-chartier.com/montparnasse/galerie-montparnasse/) stood out for the staff and the duck.

Morocco

- Walking the Medina’s open markets led us to a hidden [garage](https://goo.gl/maps/Ht9Ekz9irzCzkCtb6).

The cooks served the best baked chicken I’ve ever had. They flattened the thigh and leg quarters for an even sear (I need a tagine!).

It was a rush of flavors that vindicated my earlier complaints about European food.

Amsterdam

- In Amsterdam, Bekk’s mac and cheese was the highlight.

I was grateful for the time inside our Airbnb, which helped me realize I must work on myself as a habit.

## Sanliurfa, Turkey

- Smoking [hookah](https://goo.gl/maps/QKyxgXpuBaciq32E6) near [Balıklıgöl](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bal%C4%B1kl%C4%B1g%C3%B6l) under canopies was memorable.

The meal from [Konak](https://goo.gl/maps/L6nG7X4mtFfg93k4A) after visiting Gobekli Tepe was phenomenal.

Istanbul

- [Tahin](https://goo.gl/maps/jvxwg5kpnySKT9CAA), a Lebanese spot, does veggies very well.

- [Handmade Burger Co.](https://goo.gl/maps/WdeYfUNRWrNRDMTQ6) changed my opinion about burger joints.

Thailand

- Thailand is high on the food tier list.

At [Factory Cafe](https://goo.gl/maps/uVF6qY5fKBtFYRx7A) in Ko Tao, I recommend the smoothies and veggies.

Nearby, a [Chinese spot](https://goo.gl/maps/K7rtRozFQoJCtXoe6) serves amazing dishes.

### 7-Elevens

- The 7-Elevens in Thailand amazed me.

A 13-year-old kid served me the best fried chicken I’ve ever had. Big shout out to him!

Chicago

- *Gene and Judes and Jim’s Original* are must-visits in Chicago.

Damali and I spent a working vacation enjoying these iconic spots.

Road Trip

- A road trip from Macon, GA to Cannon Beach, OR provided unforgettable food experiences.

### Highlights:

- *Triplets Food Mart*, Baton Rouge: Possibly the best fried chicken.

- *Sabas*, New Orleans: Tapas with KFG, real hummus, and great conversations.

- *Voodoo Donuts*, Vancouver, WA: Donuts delivered by my aunt Jo.

- *Pizza A’ Fetta*, Cannon Beach, OR: Solid pizza while enjoying solitude.

- *Josephson’s Smokehouse*, Astoria, OR: Transcendent lox.

- *Urban Kitchen*, Bozeman, MT: A much-needed respite after a rough day.

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Recipe: Simple Salad

- 2 cups of mixed greens

- Spritz of lemon

- Finishing oil

- Red onion

- Kosher salt

- Freshly ground pepper

- Feta crumbles

- Optional: diced beets, blueberries, almonds, tangerines

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Closing Thoughts

- Big shout-out to Damali for enjoying meals I cooked.

- Peace.