What You Eat on Vacation & Why You Should Talk to Strangers
drafted while circling over Newark
Dear reader,
Do you ever look at a stranger and wonder what their favorite sex position is? I do.
I also want to know (and try to find out) where they bought their bag, how they paid for it or if it is corporate swag, what’s inside, did they bring snacks, where are they going, where are they going to eat when they get there, and what will they order? Sometimes, to the mortification of everyone around me (and myself), I even ask them. Is this late-onset extroversion? I hope not. I like to think of it as a fascination with others’ taste.
In a world of tastemakers and recommendation engines, I wanted to put my curiosity to the test: whose taste can I trust? A few weeks ago in Mexico, I conducted a comprehensive survey to understand who influenced my choices, the results, and summarized it into this authoritative summary of what you eat on every vacation:
So, What?
A New Framework
Based on the data, it’s clear that I should spend less time researching and spend more time getting recommendations from friends, and importantly, strangers IRL. I’ll be testing out a new “1/3 rule” the next time I’m away: plan 1/3 of meals in advance, ask for recommendations for 1/3 along the way or when I arrive, and leave 1/3 to chance. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Practical Application
In the meantime, since I’m sure you all have at least 500 places starred on your Google Maps, I’ll try to help you where I can have the most impact: convincing you to talk to strangers. Three fool-proof strategies*:
Post up in a local watering hole (or the JFK Centurion Lounge): strike up a conversation over the safety of a book (or laptop, if you must).
Exhibit A: S****** (name redacted for privacy), a middle-aged author of middling reputation and dwindling hairline gave me a recommendation for the best soufflé in Paris.
Join a group tour or class: in addition to giving you access to local recommendations and learning something new, there’s nothing that brings you closer to your loved ones than judging strangers (I’m sorry it’s true).
Exhibit B: D***** loves Coldplay, Crown Royal, and ignoring instructions; hates tequila, following instructions, and his daughter-in-law.
State your preferences in your pickup lines: ask for recommendations based on a specific set of criteria (e.g., dim lighting and dark leather booths, absolutely no dancing).
Exhibit C: After learning what I what looking for, J***** warned me that a well-reputed fine dining restaurant was a waste and pointed me toward a new spot. In response, I came on too strong (I accidentally invited myself to her home (??)), but the meal was delicious.
*can also double as dating advice.
Other Stuff & Things
Chipotle raises prices and portions: not only to combat inflation, but also to give the genius behind their holiday gift guide a raise (I hope).
Khlouds are coming: Khloe Kardashian is raising money for a new low-calorie snack brand — are we back in the 90s? or is this really how I’m going to fit into the SKIMS x North Face bodysuit this ski season? (side note, has anyone tested the logistics of peeing between runs in this thing?)
Branded food trucks are here: food trucks have been dwindling in popularity since potential owners wised up to the economic realities (the math doesn’t work), but they are powerful, tasty, brand activations. These have sparked joy:
my middle school love (l); my mid-30s nightly indulgence (r)
Recent Eats
ALF Bakery’s laminated croissant: it was almost worth braving the holiday crowd at Chelsea Market for this magnificent carb. I made a ham sandwich out of the leftover loaf… and it was dope.
Kimchi Stew [Maangchi]: this nailed the brief of spicy, cozy, and able to complete before my Sunday evening edible hit. Plus I grabbed everything from Ten Ichi Mart after my jog (not #sponsored, but ilysm).
Creme de Marrons [Catherine Lamb, Food52]: after impulse-buying chestnuts at the market, I decided to make this spread and, honestly, it is not worth the effort. Apologies in advance to my friends who will be receiving it.
ham & cheese on laminated baguette (l); kimchi stew (r)
That’s all for today,
Sophia
P.S. this is not that type of newsletter, but if you are heading to Mexico City or San Miguel de Allende, I’ll send you some spots.