Would you happily choose one culture’s food traditions over all others? For the rest of your life? Some of our colleagues seem almost enthusiastic about the prospect. In this Verbatim column, adopted from the familiar “Heard on the Street” format, we offer our responders a chance to answer the question posed in the title. These are their replies, reported verbatim.
A Global Feast
I would choose Spain, and here’s why. It’s my impression that Spain’s location on the Mediterranean Sea has brought the influence of other countries’ food traditions and resulted in the tremendous variety of foods that have become a part of Spanish cuisine. In addition, I really enjoy the experience of sharing tapas (small plates of appetizer portions) instead of choosing an entree for dinner. Dining is very social in Spain, and I love the idea of gathering with family and friends to enjoy a wide assortment of delicious foods and lively conversation. And thinking about this has made me very hungry!
Josh Simpson
Little Kamper LP
Manteca, California
It would have to be the Italian cuisine for me. I’ve always been a fan of Italian sauces and the variety of dishes that encompass both meat and fish. And I would typically order Italian sausage before even Polish kielbasa (apologies, family). I know I’ll be satisfied when I sit down to anything Italian. The ‘icing on the cake’ comes in the form of tiramisu!
Bruce Swiecicki
Consulting Engineer
Tinley Park, Illinois
Mexican food. My first husband was Mexican, and I learned to love many of the traditional dishes. For our wedding dinner, birria (goat head) was served. The women from his family taught me to prepare many dishes from scratch — frijoles, carnitas, pozole, chorizo con huevos, to name a few, and tamales being the most time-consuming. Tacos with rice and beans are still on the menu at least once a week. So quick and easy for a weeknight dinner. I also appreciate the fresh ingredients, flavors and the love in which each dish is prepared. Cooking is my love language. Salud!
Julie Johnson
Ted Johnson Propane
Baldwin Park, California
I have always enjoyed casseroles, which normally combines vegetables, a protein, sauce and some kind of starch. Chinese or Asian cooking often follows that same idea, so I would probably say Asian cuisine. There are so many dishes that include many different vegetables; have your choice of meats with different sauces and then have it over noodles or rice. I think that covers all the bases. I love the variety that this cuisine provides. Truth be told, I like my Chinese buffets, but my wife is not a fan, so I partake when I am on the road. I even go so far sometimes to schedule appointments around some of my favorite stops (Fishkill exit on I-84). The bonus is the positive message you get from the fortune cookie, so you even leave in a good frame of mind!
Tom Krupa
NGL Supply Terminals Co.
Richmond, Virginia
I’m going to cheat and say Middle Eastern and Greek because I love gyros, shawarma, falafels and kebabs.
Sam Fung
Emerson Fisher LP Gas
McKinney, Texas
Mexican food, no question. I already eat it most days, so this would be easy for me. There is so much variety, and the flavors always hit just right. I love spicy food, and one of the best things about Mexican cuisine is how easy it is to turn up the heat or tone it down depending on your mood. I am also a big fan of queso and sour cream, which somehow manage to make everything even better. Plus, it’s great for meal prep. I can make a batch of seasoned meat with veggies and rice and have easy, satisfying lunches ready to go. It is flexible, flavorful and never boring.
Staci Rammel
Woodruff Energy
Bridgeton, New Jersey
Over the years I have had the pleasure to enjoy food all around the world. I enjoy local cuisine that I cannot get at home. If I had only one to choose, it would likely be Italian food. The traditional flavors represent the culture of a passionate people. The sauces and fresh pasta are amazing. I also enjoy pairing wine with the food, and Italian cuisine does that well. Growing up in Boston, we had some of the best Italian restaurants in the country. Many of my friends were Italian, and their families knew how to cook and make food part of everyday life.
Ed Varney
Topline Management
McKinney, Texas
What cuisine would I eat? The choice was between two — British pub food, which some might argue is not a ‘cuisine,’ and Indian. Since choosing Indian sounds more sophisticated, I’m going with that one. Why? The many flavors, the multitude of vegetarian options and NA’AN BREAD. I love na’an bread. And though I do eat chicken and fish, these are incorporated into some of the dishes, so I would not be forced to eat vegetables night and day. Plus, I would never eat a cow.
Leslie Woodward
Fairview Fittings
Oakville, Ontario, Canada
My choice is Italian because there are so many authentic and delicious Italian dishes to choose from. It all starts with margherita pizza, my Friday night go-to meal. The list is extensive: bolognese sauce, lasagna, gnocchi, parmigiana, bruschetta, carbonara, polenta, fettuccine alfredo, risotto, minestrone soup, and one of my all-time favorites, osso buco. Italian food is a comfort food readily available, reasonably priced and goes well with wine. Add in the special side dishes, salads and desserts like tiramisu, gelato, cannoli, ricotta cake, zeppole and biscotti, you can see why it’s more of an experience than a meal. Delizioso, squisito, ottimo! (Delicious, exquisite, the best!)
Jerry Schimmel
P3 Propane Safety
Cumberland, Rhode Island
Mexican! Love it and could eat it every day. You might say I like a little spice in my life. Of course, in Oklahoma and Texas, we mostly have TexMex, which I enjoy as well as the true Mexican food that involves more seafood. Now I’m craving a good margarita with some chips and salsa!
Paula Moore
Blackburn Propane Service Inc.
Durant, Oklahoma
Since I do not eat meat, this is a very hard question to answer. I am glad there are many choices to choose from, as it is not easy to be limited to just one country.
Richard Strycharz Jr.
Walter’s Propane
Sunderland, Massachusetts
If I had to choose one country’s cuisine for the rest of my life, it would be Italian — because, let’s be honest, gelato! From fresh pastas and crusty breads to savory meats, cheeses and seafood — every bite is a feast. Just thinking about it makes me hungry and reminds me of so many special memories gathered around the table.
Lauren Clark
Berquist Inc.
Toledo, Ohio
Let’s Eat!
No doubt, Italian and Mexican are the most popular among this group, with strong support for Spanish and Asian and further mentions for Middle Eastern, Greek and British pub food. The basic appreciation and enjoyment of well-prepared meals is a distinctive feature of our colleagues’ descriptions of meals they enjoy. At my house, my husband does the cooking these days. He’s an adventurous chef and is continually on the lookout for delicious new recipes. My reliable request, when asked, is for Mediterranean dishes. But the bottom line is we eat joyfully and heartily whatever the cook prepares, and dinner time is “when it’s ready.” It’s a happy arrangement!
