FOOD FARE: Winter in Michigan Edition

I was re-telling a friend about my final night in Paris - how I sat on the steps of the Parthenon at sunset eating the best gelato of my life - when she shook her head laughing. "Tricia," she said, "all you talk about Paris is the food!"

I believe food is a great look into culture. What does a flaky croissant say about the French, or how does fish 'n chips characterize the British personality? It's a tough job to travel around the world sampling the local fare but, hey, someone's gotta do it ;)

This is my first post about "FOOD FARE" - a photo series where I share some of my favorite meals.

My first bowl of phô, a Vietnamese soup with rice noodles, meatballs, and sliced beef.

Chicken tamales steamed in corn husks, with refried beans and rice. The perfect Mexican food as one discusses family and life lessons with a good-hearted and generous soul (thank you, ML).

Cold Stone before Warm Bodies! On our way to the movie, Sarah and I grabbed her unique ice cream combination: cherries, graham crackers, and caramel in a sweet cream/french vanilla mix. I call it Wham Bam, Cherry Graham.

I rediscovered my heritage with a traditional German meal: bratwurst, potato pancakes, red cabbage, and apple sauce. Better yet was the laughs shared with Aunt Kathy and Uncle Travis.