Travel Vicariously through Food

I’m bored, too. Stuck at home.  

Those of us who delight in traveling the country and the world have hit a wall. Even with a vaccine newly arrived, there are no trips on the calendar and few adventures to look forward to in this new year. And now, cold temps have forced us inside. This is going to be a long winter. 

To make it through, I’ve bought a rick of wood for outdoor fire pit hangs and adopted a weekly gratitude meditation plan. And, to give myself something to look forward to besides grinding out work behind a screen, I’ve also began to travel vicariously through eating. It’s a double win really—I enjoy delicious global cuisine while supporting a myriad of small restaurants and workers whose cash flows are down. 

Join the fun—mask up, order to go, and watch the weather for a mild day to enjoy your delicacies in the sunshine (or beside the fire when chilly). Here are a few Chattanooga favorites: 

Thai Esan (4.6 out of 5 from 406 Google reviews) I spent months taking grad classes in Chiang Mai, so let me vouch for this place. It’s outstanding, a staple for weeknight takeout. I like…everything. The Pad Kee Mow noodles, Spicy Basil stir fry, Massaman peanut curry, Tom Kha Gai coconut soup…  Aside from being tasty and budget friendly, Thai Esan doles out generous portions and quick, honest service. For a bonus, Frutylandia next door does great smoothies, too, for a healthy dessert. 

Olive Branch Mediterranean (4.8 out of 5 from 338 Google reviews) This small operation is impeccably clean and serves up excellent Mediterranean and Greek fare. Treat yourself to falafel, gyro, hummus, fresh pita, and my favorite—homemade Baba Ganoush (roasted eggplant dip). If you must make the trek to Hamilton Place area, Kabobster runs a similar operation with more of a Middle Eastern flare. I love both places.  

Tata’s Grill (4.9 out of 5 from 34 Google reviews)  This new Bosnian joint out in East Ridge is terrific as the reviews prove. And the name of the place says it all for authenticity. (No time for urban dictionary market research—they’re focused on good food!) We ordered the family platter for carry out and were wowed by the diversity of flavors. Grilled treats abound: Cevapi kebas, Pljeskavica, Lepinja bread….my mouth is watering just thinking of this place. I see Balkan food in your future. 

Pupuseria Marelyn (4.7 out of 5 from 205 Google reviews) The Guatemalan couple who owns this one ran a restaurant in NYC before moving here, and it shows—they run a tight ship. Ignore the barbed wire fences and focus on how your taste buds dance! The pupusas are cheap and delicious, and the street tacos are perfectly done. For a few bucks more, the mains boast a homemade taste worth your money, too. I like this place so much my office rented it out for a workplace Christmas party a couple years ago. Although few of us speak Spanish, the night was a total hit. 

Miss Gs Tortas and Tamales (4.7 out of 5 from 225 Google reviews)  Miss G is the jovial owner that transformed this little shack on Rossville Boulevard into a culinary dream. There are still few frills, but the food tastes like you’re eating straight out of an abuelita’s kitchen. From stuffed chilis to homemade enchiladas, I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve ordered at her place. You won’t be disappointed by her tortas, tacos, or sassy jokes. Bonus: you can call ahead for drive-through service and never have to leave your car.   

Just a couple more for the road. If you venture out of town, Gyro Tabouli on the way to Nashville will blow you away. Right off the Murfreesboro exit, this place serves sizzling Mediterranean dishes in generous portions. Along with their 4.8/5 review, I was charmed by the friendly service and ancient Christian artifacts dotting the place. 

If you’re going the other way to Atlanta, stop at Moon Indian Cuisine at the Marietta exit. Like most authentic international food, it’s hidden away in a strip mall among big box stores and nail salons. But you’re not there for ambiance. I had the best cashew masala of my life in this place, after which the friendly owner himself came out to talk with us. 

Chances are you may not live in my city, so I challenge you to explore yours this winter using your taste buds. Put joy in your belly and money in the pockets of local workers. Light a fire with me in your yard and let’s eat our weight in hope and international fare until this long winter lifts!

P.S. If you’re scheming to thoughtfully explore the world as soon as this pandemic lifts, get ahead with my video toolkit: Pilgrimage to Any Country for Pennies.  Here I lay out clear steps for how you can plan and create an unbelievably affordable, meaningful experience that will enlarge your perspective and bless the world.