First, let me wish you all a Happy and Healthy New Year! I am elated to turn the 2020 page for so many reasons. I also feel it is important to reflect on this past year, to try and use what I have learned to help make the world a little brighter, pass along useful knowledge and experience, help those who need it the most, toeducate myself about others in this great world of ours, discover and unlearn uncomfortable truths within myself, and to be even more grateful for all the blessings we do have.

The late Robert F. Kennedy delivered a speech in 1966 that included a “Chinese Curse:” "May he live in interesting times." They are times of danger, of uncertainty and they are also the most creative of any time in the history of mankind. Like it or not, we certainly do live in interesting times. And I am hopeful for the possibility of good change ahead of us. Certainly, looking forward to seeing and hugging our kids, traveling freely without fear, spontaneous dinner parties with great friends and general togetherness. In the meantime, I will continue to read, learn, cook and hug my wife and dogs!

Which brings me to 2,000-year-old preserved food. I read a recent NPR article about archaeologists uncovering an ancient Roman fast-food shop (a Thermopolium) in Pompeii’s archeological park. It has been preserved since the Mount Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD. Many food stalls have been discovered over the centuries; however, this ornately decorated street food stall is in its entirety! Besides the many well-preserved frescoes painted on the fronts of the stationary counter, archeologists have found traces of a wide variety of foods served: jars of crushed beans, duck, pork, fish, beef and snails that were possibly used to make soups and stews. Quite a testimony to the great variety of proteins used to prepare these mobile meals for travelers and citizens during this time. So, basically, the street foods that flourish all around the world today have 2,000-year-old roots.

For the fun of it I read "35 iconic street foods every world traveler must try" from www.thedailymeal.com. I was curious to see how many I have eaten and how many more I need to try. Like banana Cue from the Philippines; Bunny chow, a curry served in hollowed out white bread from South Africa; and Chuan, highly seasoned skewered variety of meats from China. Many I have had the pleasure of consuming and will happily travel again for more, including Currywurst in Germany, fish & chips in New Zealand, crepes in France. Most regional dishes and street foods got their start using what was locally available to a particular area. Some use traditional methods from indigenous people and some street food uses methods brought there by immigrants. Most street food seems to be a symphony married together from of all the above!

My query for you all: What is the best street food you've eaten, and where were you enjoying it? We all need some good stories right now so please indulge us all!!!

Wishing you all the best for 2021. Peace out, 2020. Live well. Cheers.

Looking ahead, and a 2,000-year-old duck

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