The Explore Issue

Popular housemade Korean side dishes at Gang Nam Restaurant on Beach Blvd.

It should come as no surprise to anyone that our daily lives tend toward repetition, with schedules and routines determining our activities on a regular basis. Putting order to quotidian living can seem less than exciting. Special occasions and events occasionally take place to shake up the status quo, and if we are lucky, we are able to carve out a week or two of vacation time for excursions to visit other locales and cultures.

But, what about all the other days and weeks we go about our usual pursuits? How do we purposely set out to learn or try something new? One way to add an element of adventure and discovery is to seek local opportunities for culinary exploration, especially at restaurants and markets representing the foodways of other countries. Since eating is part of our daily rituals, food can be used to gain an understanding of cultures beyond our borders. Fortunately for us, Northeast Florida boasts a variety of international cuisines to provide a taste of the globe without venturing too far from home.

This issue explores some of the international flavors to be found as you navigate through your daily routes. Speaking of routes, read about the range of cuisines on one 10-mile strip of Beach Boulevard. With over 50 different locally-owned eateries and markets offering dishes and ingredients from around the world, you will find some delicious hidden gems. Learn about the history of the area’s Filipino population, the largest in Florida, and the group of chefs helping to highlight the culinary impact of their heritage. Want to explore what it takes to get coffee beans into local cups? Travel along (vicariously) on a coffee tasting trip to Ethiopia. When you have time for a quick excursion, head to Persimmon Hollow (aka DeLand) and experience a day chockful of food, nature and community. I promise you won’t come home hungry. You'll also find ideas for adventures right in your own backyard, with recipes for campfire tacos, tips on foraging for wild edibles and more.

We hope you enjoy reading about the ways to explore a taste of the globe here in Northeast Florida. When you venture out on your own dining expeditions, let us know what you’re sampling. Be sure to tag us @edibleneflorida and share your culinary discoveries. Bon voyage and bon appétit.

Lauren Titus, Editor

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STORIES & RECIPES FROM THE EXPLORE ISSUE