I remember the time I trudged through the slushy snow to get a creamy scoop of house made strawberry ice cream on a twenty five degree Fahrenheit day in Detroit.
In Sydney, I remember the Turkish ekmek bread dough being tossed skillfully into the air, watching it transform in the oven hearth, and then experiencing the luscious juxtaposition of the warm bread dipped in cool baba ghannouj.
I'll never forget the heavenly richness of my first Parisian pastry, un pistache, that I wished would last forever.
Now that I am in the San Francisco Bay Area, in Fremont, I fantasize about all of the delicious concoctions that await me...
The quintessential sourdough that just doesn't taste the same without Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis, the wanderlust food trucks, the sun kissed California produce, and those blissful cows from the TV ads.
And what about the people behind the food? The farmers, purveyors, artisans, insane chef geniuses, and restaurateurs that bring food alchemy to life? Can't forget about them.
Since calling Fremont, California my new home, though, I haven't heard many compliments about the food scene here.
"Fremont? Oh, there's nothing good to eat here."
"Passing through here is like a backwater for restaurants."
"Food desert, anyone? I have to go to San Fran or Berkeley if I want to get my eat on."
Harsh!
But these less than pleasant words got me thinking: Is there really nothing good here? Nothing noteworthy, cool, or interesting? Can treasures be found outside the bustling metropolises?
I believe the answer is YES. Part of this reason is the great food memories that I carry with me. So many great things lived in less than spectacular facades, but they were great nonetheless.
But For all of the vivid food memories I have, I also have food regrets that fuel my answer.
I regret not poking my head into the middle eastern market that I passed by everyday for four years on my way to school.
I regret not striking up a conversation with the friendly crêpe maker, instead telling him that I'll have the bananas with nutella.
I regret not going with you to the pumpkin patch, because I was too busy, or it was too cold, or it was too far a drive, or whatever reason I found not to go.
What memories did I miss out on?
No, not like missing out on a culinary tour in the Italian countryside, or a mind-blowing tasting menu at a three Michelin star restaurant. I'm talking about passing by things that are going on right under your nose and right in your own neighborhood.
What gems are to be discovered here in Fremont? Come with me, and let's discover them together.
Do you call somewhere else "home"? Then join me for some inspiration, and maybe today you can make a new food memory where ever you may be.
Good Friends, Good Food, Good Fun
-FeedMe Fremont
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