Three Unforgettable Meals

Every once in a while, a meal becomes an experience that is remembered for a lifetime. Some people consider dining a form of entertainment, but this goes a little far…usually. Here are three meals that have triggered a lifelong pursuit to repeat the experience:

 

Grilled Salmon, on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, South Chile. Often atmosphere plays a part in the dining entertainment experience. The shores of this southern lake are definitely the case. However, atmosphere is never enough all by itself to qualify as an amazing dining experience. For instance, Congrio eaten in the Giratorio restaurant in Santiago, Chile does not count in spite of the memorable view. The eel just wasn’t that great. The resort hotel on Llanquihue with its spectacular view of the Andes and its beautiful gardens contributed perfectly to the most wonderful grilled piece of fish ever cooked. Many another salmon has been tried since and they all fall short.

 

Black Bean Soup, Cuban Restaurant, Houston, Texas. Yes Houston. Proof positive that food is supreme in the dining experience was this soup served in a hollowed-out hard roll and topped with just the right amount of cream. Often a simple hole-in-the-wall can be the source of a great meal. While this restaurant in Houston was a nice upscale place, a couple of great hole-in-the-walls that need to be tried include: Dino’s Pizza, Punta Arenas, Chile and La Cocina Mexican Restaurant, Sweetwater, Texas.

 

Ostrich Steak with Ratatouille, in the shadow of the Frauenkirche, Dresden, Germany. Whatever happened to that Ostrich boom that was supposed to happen? This is the other red meat. Ostrich is like beef only leaner, better for you, and it tastes better. Pound for pound there is more meat on an Ostrich than any cow. Why has this meat not taken off?