Dining and Libations Abroad: A Cultural Quest

“Food is everything we are. It’s an extension of nationalist feeling, ethnic feeling, your personal history, your province, your region, your tribe, your grandma. It’s inseparable from those from the get-go.”

Anthony bourdain

Who better to speak to the importance of food when traveling than Anthony Bourdain? He will often be quoted on the topic of dining and libations abroad. He inspired people to experience international cultures through food while encouraging them to be brave enough to embrace the unknown.

The Food

Food is an intricate part of the travel and cultural experience. It would be best to embark on this quest with a sense of adventure and a willingness to experiment in ways you had not imagined. People speak through their food. It is a window into their heart, culture, and traditions. We need to take the time to listen to them and appreciate the story while dining abroad.

The core of most cultures lives in food; it is what family, friends, and communities gather around. As we, the traveler, enter their world, sharing that food is a means to show respect for what is important to them. We are guests in their homes at that moment, and while there, we choose to be a good one. The value of that should never be diminished or dismissed.

Even when dining in Lisbon, a full-size octopus arrives on your plate, and you have no idea what the parts are or if you can eat them.

Blushing, Joelle subsequently asks, “is there any part we can’t eat.”

No, eat it all. Really? Ok then, we dig in.

Why be so bold?

Every table around us ordered it. When we asked about it, the server’s look of pride hints at the value of having this experience. Later, when the Chef comes out to speak to us about the meal but only talks about the Octopus, we realize what this simple act means to him. Then he regaled us with fresh octopus stories and told us that nobody in Lisbon does it better than he does. It was the icing on the cake of the incredible dining abroad experience.

Was it good? It was. We found it flavorful, fresh, and not chewy or fishy—truly a unique experience.

It was like no other Octopus we had ever had before. But that is a lot of Octopus to eat, and the tentacles were a bit creepy.

Seek unique and authenticity when dining abroad

We are firm believers in seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path local cuisine. Whether a hole-in-the-wall restaurant with three tables or an upscale restaurant, seek out the region’s cuisine. You can get a burger at home.

Please don’t order a burger! Just don’t!

Travel is the time to take your palate on an adventure. Why should it only be your eyes that get to experience adventure? The rewards and memories will be incredible.

Will there be times when you find the dining experience less than desirable? Sure, it will, but the stories will be well worth it. Traveling is a journey, and food is an essential component.

“I think food, culture, people and landscape are all absolutely inseparable.”

Anthony Bourdain

How to make the most of your culinary adventures when dining abroad

• Before you go, research the cuisine and unique specialties of the regions you visit. It will enhance your dining experience on every level.
• Avoid touristy restaurants, especially on busy waterfronts or near tourist draws. Google reviews of the restaurant before you enter any dining establishment.
• Find where locals eat. Ask the hotel desk, the Uber driver, or the Airbnb owner where the locals go. Pick their brains, and ask what their favorite restaurant is and where tourists don’t. Our Octopus experience in Lisbon was such a case. Our host was so excited when we asked, and we were willing to do what he suggested. He made the reservations and walked us there the day before to ensure we could find the place. It would not have been easy otherwise. He said he had lived his whole life in Lisbon, and other than his mother, no one in Lisbon had made Octopus better.
• Query people about the next place you are heading to. We were in Zagreb, Croatia, and the staff asked where we were going next, which was Pula. They said, oh, one of the team is from there; let us find her. She was glowing as she shared suggestions for the best places for regional food. We took her guidance and ate off the beaten path at an authentic Konoba full of locals.
• Ask your server for suggestions from the menu. What is traditional? Is it a local favorite? Of all the choices, what do you think is the best? They may initially seem irritated, as was the case in a Bosnian restaurant we visited. But then he engaged and picked our whole menu. We trusted him and had a delicious and authentic meal!
• Don’t be afraid to explore food you never imagined trying. Some of our best memories are from those experiences. We suggest avoiding raw food that smells odd, looks old, or seems not recently caught. It is ok to ask the server if the item is in season or fresh. We often ask if they recommend it today or this time of year.
• Most of us will not speak the language, especially regarding food. Use Google Translate. In a restaurant, the server can read it easily. The easiest is: “Can you pick for us? We trust you.” Have them point out what they are picking out to see the price so you don’t get a sticker shock. Once you do this, the server becomes more attentive and excited about your visit. Their pride is apparent and quite touching.
• Allow yourself to wander off the beaten path, get lost, and find a hole-in-the-wall eatery. If you get a little nervous about that, Google it before going in, just in case the reviews are awful. One advantage of Google reviews is that you can learn the best dishes to order.
• Take the time to find some local produce markets and street food stands. You will get an inside look at the food locals buy for their meals there. Most of these markets serve local specialties, so you get an inside perspective of what the people enjoy.
• Dining abroad should be an adventure; make it one.
• Finally, stand back, watch, and absorb.

As we travel, we have collected a few recipes to share with our readers from our dining abroad experiences. Click here to see the recipes you may want to try for yourself.

“Your body is not a temple. It is an amusement park. Enjoy the ride.”

Anthony Bourdain

The libations and beverages while dining abroad

One of the true pleasures of dining abroad is learning what that country or local region has as its favorite beverage. It can be so varied and distinct. We found it is as central to the experience as the food is. At times, it outshined the food.

In Greece, most restaurants end the meal with a complimentary shot of Mastiha, which tastes a lot like tree bark because it is. It takes getting used to, but you expect it with the bill with time, and you are disappointed when it does not. They serve it with such pride and glint in their eye, and it would be insulting to refuse. It is a gift; accept it with the same manners and grace as any gift.

Espresso is a classic end to a meal in most European countries, and people surprisingly seem put off when you say no. As if to question how you can digest your food without coffee, in Europe, that honestly is a good question.

Seek local traditions

While in Croatia, we were often offered grappa at the end of our meal. In Pula, the server joined us with his shot. While in Iceland, they can begin the meal with a shot of Brennivin. In Portugal, Port was served during meals or even at the beginning. The French often have Pernod, Suze, or a Kir Royal as an aperitif. In Italy, it was often Aperol. In Scotland, whiskey and so on.

Rarely does a day go by that we don’t stop at a pub for a beer to rest our feet, preferably a dark brew.

Wine accompanies all our evening meals. It would not be a meal without it.

When dining abroad, we have found that most European restaurants are happy to help you pick the wine and offer many complimentary tastes to help you decide. As if to commit to a whole bottle of anything you have not tried first is silly. This rule also applies to beers, especially when choosing a microbrew. In France’s Normandy region, there are wide varieties of Hard Cider.

Look around you and inquire

Regional drinks culturally are an essential part of dining abroad as the food. It is rare to look around at a restaurant and not see some alcoholic beverage on the table. It starts from the beginning until the completion of the meal. These meals run long, so you rarely see people drunk as it accompanies food.

But then there are many ways to enjoy these libations outside cafes, restaurants, and bars.

Wineries, Breweries, Whiskey Distilleries, Port Houses, Meaderies, Cider houses, Coffee roasters, and Rum Production Facilities.

We visit these on all our travels, both internationally and in the U.S.; we can’t begin to describe what we learn and the fun we have. In some places, the tastings are free or for a small fee. Engage your pourer, and your three samples can turn into 10. Next thing you know, they are opening” “special bottles.” You go in planning 15 minutes, and 2 hours later, you walk out. The people you meet are extraordinary, and they will talk your ear off if you show genuine interest.

We do have a warning. You will want to take some home with you; those bottles are heavy!! Keep track of whether you plan to pack them. If you are forced to drink three bottles the night before your flight, it will make for a miserable flight home. Many places can ship directly if you can’t be without them. The price tag is hefty, but it is an option.

Often, a country or region has specialty liquor that it is famous for. We have gathered a few of our favorites, shared their history, and thrown in a few recipes to try. Check out our Libations of the Worlds page.

“I need the anesthetic qualities of the local fire water.”

anthony bourdain

How do you make the most of your visits to wineries, breweries, and production facilities?

• Before leaving for the trip, take the time to research the alcoholic drinks and beverages of that country or region. Learn the history and the work behind the product.
• If going to wineries, Port houses, breweries, and such, go midweek if possible, as there will be fewer crowds, and you get more personal service. Midweek, they are more liberal in the number of tastings than stated and in larger pours. When done with your tasting, ask if they have anything else, in particular, they suggest trying. Most of the time, not all of them will start pouring more for free. This is more likely to occur when there are not many guests around.
• There are often behind-the-scenes aspects that are not open to many. If the place is quiet, the next thing you know, you are in the back room having a barrel tasting.
• Book in advance, especially in peak season. We planned a day in Douro Valley in Portugal to visit the vineyards. It was the offseason, but we learned quickly that the best port vineyards were booked solid. We were able to get some in, but not our first choices. In Porto, the Port House tours were often full as well. This was often the case along the Whisky trail in Scotland. We always travel shoulder seasons, which is even more important for peak travel season.
• Engage the pourer. Be inquisitive. We have discovered the pourer often does this work because they are passionate about it. If you show genuine interest, you will be well rewarded.
• Try something new. Stop yourself from saying, “I don’t like that,” because you might be missing something special. Try how they prepare it; the varietals used could be a different experience for your taste buds.
• Want to try many different ones, but you have to drive? Ask if they have samplers or flights. They can be five to ten different pours of beer. Wine and Port can be three to five. You don’t have to each get your own flight; you can share. Each of them has a different flight, so you can taste a wider variety of their collections. We often get one white and one red flight at wineries.
• We tend always to buy something if we enjoy the product. Let them know early which ones you are considering buying or have decided to buy. If they think you are purchasing something, you will normally find much more attention is given to bigger pours.

Heading to the bar or pub?

• If you have trouble deciding what to order, tell your server. They will often offer you samples to help you discover what you prefer.
• Ask if they have flights or samplers. Share one, or each gets different ones so you can try many of the brews on tap.
• Raising your glass to the time-honored practice of clinking glasses and wishing good cheer exists worldwide. The act of raising glasses is a universal experience. The distinct actions and the words used have many variations. Therefore, take the time to learn the drinking toast tradition or ask your server to teach you. Repeat the best you can, and they will often enjoy helping your pronunciation. It can bring many giggles and/or rolled eyes in jest. Make sure to thank them in their local language for their effort. Appreciation and kindness go a long way.
• Seek places away from tourist areas. You can have a brew or cocktail with many Americans around at home. Avoid that when overseas.
• Ask for locally made beers or wine for the country and the region. Seek recommendations from local favorites.
• With Gastropubs throughout the world, it has redefined the Pub/Bar dining abroad experience. The most delicious meals of your trip can be found in these settings.
• Sit in a location to people-watch because making the experience all it can be is essential.
• We have found some of the most incredible places, which are the ones you go down into. This means don’t be afraid of going underground. In Croatia, on the island of Krk, yes, no vowel, the restaurant has the original 2000-year-old Roman walls of the city and relics on display found when building the restaurant. Therefore, it was a bar, restaurant, and museum.
• Mingle if you can because it gives you a chance to meet and get to know the locals. They tend to be inquisitive. Read cues.
• If you hear music, enter. It can be a language all of its own; it tells stories and brings communities together. You can be in a small village pub in Ireland when suddenly the locals break out in song. It is an experience that always stays with you.
• Lastly, on the safety side, always drink water and get at least a snack while consuming alcohol.

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