Could there be a taste more quintessentially Canadian than maple syrup?
The first time I ever had silver dollar pancakes was at Phil’s Pancake House in Banff when I was kid. That was also the first time I ever tasted maple syrup and the first time I’d ever experienced whipped butter. No wonder I have fond food memories of my childhood in Banff!
These flapjack-based experiences were very different to food encounters I had in Australia where I began forming my earliest food memories. The one that jumps to mind from those very early days was the tangy taste of Marmite spread on a slice of white bread.
What Are Your Earliest Food-Related Memories?
Food is a central component of our cultural identity. When you think of your childhood, what’s your earliest food-related memory? Chances are you can think of a food that takes you right back to your grandma’s kitchen (or a TV tray in the living room). Those tastes from our past are often comforting and familiar, the kinds of foods we turn to when we are upset or feeling out of sorts.
The first and last time I’m ever likely to try a dirty martini.
What About Your Food-Disconnects?
I think the longer we wait, the harder it is to get used to completely new tastes. I’ve been travelling this week and along the way found myself at a Roaring ‘20s party (that’s the kind of thing they do at conventions in San Diego!) This was the first time I ever had the (dis)pleasure of tasting a dirty martini. Good grief! Who invented such a concoction? Olive juice, gin and vermouth, I believe. The olives were fine… but the rest of the drink? I handed it over to my party companion, the who suggested that a dirty martini might be a perfectly-themed drink to go along with my sparkly headband. She thought it tasted just fine.
Granted, not too many children develop a taste for dirty martinis (I hope), but the experience did make me think about how hard it can be to step outside our comfort zones and try something completely new.
Food You Love? Food You Can’t Stand?
What about you? Share a story either about a food you grew up with or something you tried for the first time in adulthood that you can hardly believe falls into the edible (or drinkable) category. Post in the comments or post a photo on Instagram (tag us @tastebanff or #tastebanff). Food is all about sharing and we’d love to hear your stories. Bonus? Sharing is a great way for you to become a Menu Hunter and earn points to make you eligible for some great prizes!