It really should never have happened.
Growing up with WASP parents the
only Chinese food we ate was Chow
Mein. Therefore I never had an inkling
of the art, complexity, nor diversity of
eastern cuisine. It was only later in life
that I discovered what has become my
preferred fuel. Whether Japanese, Thai,
Chinese, Vietnamese, Malaysian, or
Indian - I can't get enough of the stuff.
My only problem is that we now live
in central Montana. Which means east
hasn't met west. And they don't deliver.
Whenever we get away we try to eat
as much Asian cuisine as possible.
Currently visiting nearby (6.5 hrs.)
Calgary, Alberta, we're devouring
anything we can't get at home. Our
first night it was Vietnamese. Lunch
was Middle Eastern cuisine. Last
night we over indulged on lots of
sushi. And while not the best we've
ever had - it was damned good. No
uber maki combinations. Just good
old fashioned comfort food like mom
used to make (if she was Japanese.)
Upon our return to Montana we'll
miss easy access to ethnic cuisine.
We're fortunate to now have three
asian options in Lewistown. Our
tried and true Chinese restaurant.
Plus a Thai eatery and the popular
Thai truck (summers only.) Said
offerings have changed with the
times offering fresh options rather
than only chicken nuggets bathed
in sweet and sour goop. Could it
be that other locals also love fresh
oriental food? But chow mieny?
Post years of being treated like illegal aliens
most of America has finally joined us on our
culinary quest. Now our local grocer has an
"ethnic" aisle, several varieties of hummus,
and bitter melon in it's produce department.
Hence we all can go global deep in the heart
of Montana. However beware of the risks of
ethnic exposure. "Asian fusion" is a mutant
force that must be avoided. It took centuries
for regional chefs to perfect these venerable
cuisines. So why should some Iron Chef in
Lewistown be allowed to change the recipe?
Please, no curried Thai biscuits and gravy!
The curry is always greener on the
other side of the world. Rather than
staying close to home and sticking
with the status quo, take a bite out
of life. How can you know what
you're missing until you nibble on
it?! The best way to expand your
culinary boundaries is to sample
whatever, whenever, where ever.
After all, what do you really have
to lose except the chance to satisfy
your hidden appetite for adventure?
TRY IT... YOU'LL LIKE IT!
