The International Issue

Photography By | Last Updated August 31, 2016
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International Spices
The International Issue features local stories and global flavors.

“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.”
James Beard

Greetings and welcome to the New Year. While I don’t typically make any resolutions, after pulling this issue together, I may have found a pledge that will be easy to stick with and improve my culinary repertoire as well. In 2016, I am determined to really think global and eat local, trying a new type of cuisine every month. Based on content we have curated for this month’s International issue, I’m more than sure my resolution is achievable. The cultural make-up of our region has flavored our food scene and is providing culinary inspiration well beyond our traditional Southern dishes. 

What is driving this expansion of food choices in Northeast Florida? Intrepid travel, our region’s experimental chefs, increasing curiosity in the world, perhaps. Over the years, the area has become home to transplants from many parts of the world, either by choice or by chance. From Afghanistan to the Philippines, India to Ethiopia, Colombia to Cuba, new residents have all come to call the First Coast home, while maintaining a connection to their cuisines to help maintain ties to their origins. Along with welcoming new arrivals to the region, we have also embraced their culinary traditions, and added them to our own. Additionally, many in our community have had the good fortune to travel around the world, and often seek to re-create favorite food memories upon their return. 

This issue provides a glimpse into how local restaurants and food markets are supporting the transition of refugees and helping them adjust to their new home. We also explore a sampling of international grocery stores in the area, highlighting products that may introduce new flavors to your daily menu. Wonder what some of those exotic looking vegetables are at the markets? We go out into the field to learn how local farmers are expanding the variety of produce grown and incorporating international produce. Curious about curry or sorting through your spice rack? We have some tips to help de-mystify unfamiliar ingredients.

As James Beard once said, “Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” We hope you use this issue as a springboard to new taste sensations in Northeast Florida. Make a date to try that international restaurant down the way. Take a tour of an international market near you. I am pretty confident I will be able to stick to my resolution for 2016, and hopefully make new acquaintances along the way. Bon appétit.

Lauren Titus, Editor

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STORIES & RECIPES FROM THE INTERNATIONAL ISSUE

Enchanted Food Forest

Fred Bergen Edible Food Forest
Fred Bergen and his edible oasis - living in harmony with his backyard

Seeking Refuge at the Table

Refugee mother at the table cutting vegetables for her familys lunch in jacksonville Florida
For most of us, the closest we will ever get to traveling Asia is enjoying a great meal at a restaurant here in NE Florida—digging into pad...

What's in Season

Here's a list of local food you'll find in season throughout the year in Northeast Florida.

Abacos Hog Snapper and Rock Lobster Tortellini

Abacos hog snapper and rock lobster tortellini from Collage Restaurant in black bowl
This dish, served in a Saffron Vanilla Lobster Broth, also highlights seasonal vegetables such as bok choy and leeks.

Wahoo Crudo

Wahoo crudo from Collage Restaurant
Fresno chili peppers are easy to grow in your garden and add a flavorful punch to this appetizer.

Cream Cheese Gnudi with Cured Ham

Cream cheese gnudi with cured ham from 13 Gypsies
Gnudi is a pasta dish similar to gnocchi, using cream cheese instead of potatoes.

Hing Jeera Peanuts, Bourbon Biscuits and Snakehead Fish

international markets jacksonville
International grocery stores showcase culinary curiosities and provide a window to the world for those seeking sustenance beyond everyday “American” fare.

International Market Guide

lentils at international market
Dig a little and you'll find our region is home to a whole host of culinary curiosities and international delights.

Beach Fare with International Flair

Seafood at La Cocina international in st. augustine beach
Beach food is being redefined at La Cocina in St. Augustine.

Crazy for Curry

curry in a bowl with spices
Variety is the spice with this worldwide favorite

50 Shades of Green

Fields at Blue Sky Farm, St. Johns County
Always eat the same ol' veggies? There’s a world of produce waiting just outside your comfort zone.

A Nest for Odd Birds

Cesar Diaz at Odd Birds
The newest watering hole in the Nation's Oldest City is full of eclectic, Latin-inspired surprises.

Ancient Molasses

Ancient Molasses cocktail odd birds st. augustine florida
Black molasses syrup can be found at local markets.

Moringa: The Super Tree

Moringa Seedlings
There is a reason they call Moringa the Super Tree. While it is not a native species to Northeast Florida, it grows well in our climate -- and it grows fast! The leaves are also tasty and chock full...

Citrus and Strawberry Pavlova

Citrus and berry pavlova
Pavlova is a meringue dessert that was created in honor of the famous Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova while she was on tour in Australia and New Zealand.

Kale and Sweet Potato Empanadas

Kale and Sweet Potato empanadas with pumpkin seed chimichurri on a plate
Make your empanadas small and serve them with Pumpkin Seed Chimichurri as appetizers or make them larger and add a salad for a full meal.
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