2 Reasons to Try Dining at a Seasonally-Focused Restaurant While on a Road Trip
If you are traveling on a road trip, one of your goals may be to sample various cuisine in different parts of the country. If you spot a seasonally-focused restaurant while you are passing through a town, you may want to consider stopping by and dining there for a couple of reasons.
1. Ingredients Are Often Fresh and Local
One of the features of a seasonally-focused restaurant is that the proprietors plan the menu around what is typically in season in that region of the country. Because of this approach, many of the ingredients are often local, meaning they are fresher than those of some other eating establishments.
While there is nothing wrong with food that has been kept in cold storage or frozen, it does tend to lose some of its flavor and texture. However, when produce is harvested and meat is slaughtered locally and prepared farm-to-table style, the flavors of the food are often more robust than those kept in storage.
Also, because the produce is often local, you may be able to experience ones that are not grown in your home region. For example, if you are from the northern states and are visiting the southern states, you may find a restaurant that serves sweet potato soup or fried fresh okra.
2. A Chance to Try Different Flavor Combinations
Not only does eating at a seasonal restaurant allow you to sample fresh, local cuisine, but it also gives you a chance to try different flavor combinations that you may not have even thought of before. Because these establishments often rely on what is seasonally available, they may try to be creative and take full advantage of the fresh produce and meats.
For example, if you are traveling in the late spring, fresh lamb may be a typical offering in restaurants. Usually, lamb is served with mint jelly or another mint-based glaze.
However, if the restaurant is in an area where fresh strawberries are grown and harvested, they may try a strawberry-based glaze. If you try this entree combination, you may find that you enjoy the subtle savory flavor of the lamb with the sweet, tangy flavor of fresh berries instead of mint.
If you are in the mood to try something a little different while traveling, consider finding a seasonally-focused restaurant for fresh and flavorful menu options. If you would like more information about a particular establishment before you dine there, contact them to learn more about menu options.
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