travellingbennetts

On our previous shorter visits to the USA we had experienced the unique dining style that defines this country. Serving sizes had been the most confronting, a standard diner breakfast of eggs, crispy bacon, beans, sausage, “biscuits” (actually a savoury scone) and “gravy” (white sauce) can conceivably feed a family of 4 instead of just one middle aged female.

So our 5 month riding trip was going to be a re-introduction to the highs and lows of the entire buffet of options – and that is certainly extensive! I was willing to put my waistband on the line to experience all the epic variety this entails – sit back with your elastic pants and enjoy the culinary journey…..

Firstly, let’s start with the “sweets” course, I had developed an enjoyment of USA candy bars from our riding trip to Alaska in 2019. The range that is available is broad and most are not sold back home in Australia.  I started the trip sampling a different chocolate bar a day – which lasted a couple of weeks before realising that at this rate I would outgrow my Klim riding suit in short course. I rationed myself to one or two different chocolate bars per week and my Top 5 would have to be: Turtles; Butterfingers; Skor; Payday and PB & J Reece Cups.

A visit to Graceland in Memphis Tennessee provided a once in a lifetime cultural dining opportunity – yes a fried peanut butter and banana sandwich (fried in bacon grease of course)! This was a speciality of Elvis’ mum Gladys, true Southern comfort food and amazingly enjoyable.  Duncan was very hesitant and didn’t order one but tasted mine and proclaimed it “hunka, hunka burning love…” or maybe it was the bacon fat talking.

USA staples of wings and ribs were unavoidable and while I do not enjoy the mess of eating ribs, the best we tried were at the Applebee’s family restaurant chain.  Of the wings selection a dry-rub lemon pepper offering were a treat at a sports bar in Boise, Idaho. Chicken Fried Steak was another must have which I had in Dodge City, Kansas.  It is basically a lightly crumbled cut of thin steak which came with a side of corn bread to assist with the gravy mop up.

The South presented delights such as catfish, lightly fried and served with a delicious coleslaw in Mississippi. A Fried Green Tomato Po’ Boy (a style of sandwich) was a lunch highlight in New Orleans, Louisiana. But of course leave room for the Peach Cobbler (we would call it Peach Crumble) served with vanilla ice cream a la mode.

Other local fish varieties that were eaten and given the Bennett tick of approval were Rockfish in Delaware, grilled with a green salad on the side.  The fish restaurant we dined at was amusingly called Crabby Dicks. The Haddock in Skowhegan, Maine was fresh and plentiful – we shared a serving after witnessing another table groaning under the weight of 2 plates.

Muskegon by the massive Lake Michigan provided the lunch delight of Walleye fish sliders with a side of Thai seasoned Brussel sprouts.  I was so impressed by the wonderfully buttery mild flavour of the fish that I ordered a grilled fillet that night for dinner at a craft brewery.

The West Coast also provided a seafood bonanza with Halibut in Oregon and chowders, both clam and smoked salmon, were indulged in on both coasts.

In Oregon we drove past a salmon jerky stand and sadly didn’t stop to try this intriguing snack.  I thought we would pass some more vendors but it was not to be, a return visit may be required.

Back to dessert – one of my favourite topics – I struggled through a brick sized Boston Cream Pie in Boston (where else). I brought it near the railway station prior to our trip back to near Salem where we were staying.  Suffice to say a good portion was consumed on the train. I was thwarted by not finding the quintessential Apple Pie in a diner, however the Walmart grocery section came through, I bought a single size pie and a carton of thick cream and indulged in our self-catering AirBnB.

Now beverages, coffee is a contentious issue for Australians travelling abroad.  We are fussy and used to excellent quality flat whites, lattes and caps.  I had found previously the USA was home to bottomless cups of drip coffee, but the coffee shop scene has improved since this abomination and the Starbucks brews.  Small coffee shops were found, best quality in Washington State. However the cost was eye-watering – around $8 US or $14 AU for a mid-sized coffee.  And of course, a tip on top of that!

My go-to beverage for the trip was iced tea, and every diner and even service stations had a fresh brew on the go.  Sweetened, unsweetened and semi sweetened options were available and very thirst quenching with a slice of lemon.

Alcoholic beverages were enjoyed as well, with Duncan sampling a myriad of IPA (India Pale Ale) beers.  My favourite was the Californian white wines, the Napa Valley being hard to beat. A wine tour in this region showcased the range and style unique to this region. I am now a firm California Chardonnay fan.

Some of the most memorable meals we had were while staying with our good friend and fellow rider Alden in Colorado.  Gumbo and slow cooked steak all accompanied by a tasty Margarita! These home cooked delights were a real treat for us after several weeks on the road. Good food and company in a homely environment were just what we needed.

We travel to enrich our cultural experiences, and I can certainly say that an extended visit to the USA gave a wonderful opportunity for culinary exploration through the whole Lower 48 (mate)! Diet starts…….now.