We hit a great little town called Gennadi last night. Had the best Greek food since we arrived at a taverna called “Mamma’s Kitchen.” It was nice to visit a very traditional town and meet a few locals.

And what a great name for a restaurant. Who doesn’t want to go home to “Mamma’s Kitchen” and have some comfort food? I guess “Mamma’s Kitchen” translates in any language. I can remember many anticipated trips home and being excited about having some of my Mom’s home cooking.

There’s something about the familiar tastes of home to make you feel better. I know for Justin it’s a nice cha shao (that’s Chinese BBQ pork) or a big English breakfast “fry up.” And a bag of “Hoola Hoops” or a packet of English sweets (black currant “Fruit Pastels” anyone) always puts a smile on Justin’s face.

For me it’s apple pie, pinto beans and corn bread with a side of collard greens or some slow cooked BBQ ribs or homemade fried chicken!

It’s funny because the things that Justin I bring to our new family in regards to favorite foods from our childhood and backgrounds are turning out to be some of Stella’s favorites (if it’s pork, she’ll eat it…).

When you travel (or at least when we travel) the highlight of our trip are the meals we eat and the farmer’s markets we visit. In just about any culture you encounter, fellowship (whether friends or family or both) centers around food. Food has an amazing way of really showing you about a culture. For example, in most Asian countries meals are served for sharing. The table is a communal event.

Baby Travel Tip: Don’t be afraid to let your baby try what you are having when traveling (it’s not necessary to pack a suitcase of prepackaged “safe” foods…). The best way to get your child to eat a variety of foods is to expose him/her to different things and often. For example, we’ve been trying to get Stella to eat grapes since she was able to eat them (they are a great travel snack food after all) but she’s refused. Last night they gave us a plate of beautiful small green grapes after dinner. I gave her one and she just played with it. Then her Dad and I started eating them and saying how “yummy” they were and she finally had one, then another and then ate the entire bunch. So keep trying with new foods and you have to show your children how much fun it is to try new things. We hope Stella’s pallet is as broad and adventurous as her experiences are. We let her try everything (pickled ginger, she loves it; spicy sausage, gobbles it up; spinach pie (spanikopita), hidden greens that she has no idea she is eating).

Mommy's Little Helper

I’ve always enjoyed cooking and entertaining for both my family and friends. I am passionate about food and find meal times one of the most pleasurable times, especially when shared with good company. As a mother now, I take great pride (and pain sometimes) in making sure Stella is “well fed.” I hope that someday she’ll too find comfort in her “Mamma’s Kitchen.”