I'm not talking about a Grateful Dead flashback, but you are on the right track if you're starting to think about a bus--or maybe just the family wagon, jeep, or latest SUV. This summer, despite rising fuel costs, road trips have hit the prime-time, big time. More people are traveling by car, and they’re doing so in record numbers. With summer in full swing, there are plenty of reasons to hit the road in the great American tradition, but now, consider one more: food!
That's right. And I'm not talking about Dairy Queen, Perkins, Denny’s, or Jack in the Box. Think: catch-of-the-day, roadside stand specials, and mouthwatering, hot-out-of-the-oven novelties--foods that either aren't widely available where you live or are somehow never quite the same when you eat them at home. From New York bagels to giant artichokes from Castroville, California, these yummies are best when eaten fresh from their locales.
To get to these eats this summer, it’s as easy as packing your car, fueling up, and hitting the road with a good map! I say join the many who camp out while seeing the country this summer, but eat like kings! My problem with camping is that I usually tire of the same old hot dogs and beans. So I consulted an expert on "car camping," who also just happens to be a gourmand! We share a passion for places that offer distinct, unique, and personal experiences (the kind of wonderful discoveries you mostly find by wandering). She had some excellent tips, which can easily make your average car trip a scrumptious affair--without busting your budget.
First, you have to be open to finding your way slowly, stopping often and letting every whim that comes your way take over. (This is so contrary to our American GO! mode, which I think makes it an excellent change for us all.) Second, you have to be prepared to car camp (in other words, sleep in your car) or to pitch a tent. While you could sleep at roadside motels or even at a deluxe hotel nearby, some might consider it cheating (but hey, I won't tell!). Third, you need to equip your car with a collapsible or compact barbecue and charcoal. My friend totes a simple Hibachi which she douses with water after every use and then stows in the trunk. I couldn't find the exact one, but did spy another called the Chrome Barbecue Grill at Smith & Hawken, which she says would work. For more information on the grill visit: http://www.smithandhawken.com/jhtml/site/catalog/Product.jhtml?PRODID=15386&CATID=22026&PARENTCATID=14677)
The other fundamental items to pack for your traveling kitchen are: a pocketknife, sea or kosher salt, pepper and grinder, olive oil, red wine or sherry vinegar, and plenty of Ziplock bags to store marinades and leftovers. (Just dispose of your bags when finished!) Consider making several portions of your basic marinade before you go. Just season each one with the day's finds as you travel.
Part of the fun is making this road trip an adventure! Be open to finding your way to new things, but in general, you'll want to pick up vegetables and herbs (to add to your pre-made marinade) at local farmer’s markets. Meats are also fun to purchase since specialty meats, seafood, and game (think: andouille sausage from Louisiana; buffalo burger patties from Wyoming, Colorado, and Montana; little neck clams and lobsters around New England; and quail from New Mexico) are widely available in their native states. Don't forget to check out local bakeries, cheese-mongers, etc… It's easy and fun, and hey, you can cook absolutely anything on a grill (or so I'm told).
Should you decide to take the kids on the journey, but want to avoid the "are-we-there-yet-blues," try the latest Brain Quest for the car with 1,100 questions and answers and six games for the car, which will entertain and occupy any curious child. For more details visit: www.brainquest.com
This summer add a new twist to your trip. Forage by day, feast by night!
July 01, 2005