The first time I ever heard of overnighting food was in the 1997 film
Fools Rush In starring Matthew Perry and Salma Heyek. It's mentioned in the scene where Isabel takes Alex away from work on his birthday to some desert mountain and surprises him with his favorite hot dogs from Grays Papaya from New York...Yes, she calls some of his family in New York and has them overnight some hot dogs for him.
When he opens the bag the hot dogs are in perfect condition and look safe to eat. I didn't think that was possible then again I was only 9 when I saw the movie. But remember it crystal clear - I wanted to try it but my mom wouldn't let me.
Since then I didn't really have the urge or simply forgot to ever try that until I read Novembers issues of GQ Magazine. There's a piece in there where Brett Martin is testing the waters and overnighting all his favorite food's to himself via FedEx. In the beginning of the article he doesn't like the idea that he can't have the prawn mee he once tasted in Malaysia. This is what he has to say:
"Locavore may have been the 2007 New Oxford American Dictionary Word of the Year, but there's already been a word for those whose diets are restricted to seasonal items grown in their immediate area: That word is peasant."
The first craving he had overnighted to him were two Double Double's In-N-Out burgers from California (he lives in New York City) and he say's:
...contd from above... - "Which, anyway, is what I told myself at 8:30 A.M. when the doorbell rang and I signed for a miraculous purple-white-and orange package containing two slightly wilted but-or was it my imagination?- still warm In-N-Out Double Doubles."
(If you have never been to California or the other few locations that have an In-N-Out burger - your being cheated at life.)
He decided to only order foods that were distinct of their area. Mainly, meals - meals he would have traveled to their cities just to try their dishes. It became a success and he was indulging in great American foods without traveling to their locations. Then it dawns on him after having dishes from place's he's never traveled too - is it really worth it? Isn't having these foods from these specific locations part of the enjoyment of traveling, being at the location and not only eating the dish but making a distinct memory of this new journey. Because of the advancement in technology and travel he did get the food he wanted in a safe and timely manner but now doesn't feel the need to visit about 5 cities that he had planned year's on visiting. He feels that these foods need to be enjoyed in these locations - not I.
There are tons of places I plan on visiting throughout my adult years - but I love food. Especially, trying new foods. Starting in January I want to try this out - overnighting special foods from all over the USA.
(I'm not down to go through the hell he went through trying to get certain foods through customs - so I'll stick with trying stuff within the states.)
I know I have reader's from all over the states and am curious to see what your city or town is famous for and maybe we can work out a way for you (or give me the info the resturant) to overnight some good ol' food for me.
Please email me here:
So that we can work something out. I like everything - I can't remember the last time I tried something new and didn't enjoy it.
Thank you for your participation!
Labels:
Brett Martin,
Double Double,
Fools Rush In,
GQ Magazine,
In-N-Out,
Matthew Perry,
Salma Heyek
