We can’t wait to get back on the road again. We feel like horses at the gate!

And we’re happy to say good-bye to one of the worst years ever. Like you, we've mourned the devastation caused by the pandemic to the hospitality industry. It raises our spirits to applaud the frontline workers in foodservice and all their brave and creative efforts to feed us. And we’re hopeful that hospitality and travel can once again flourish in the future.

Happily the food conversations never stop. We were honored to be interviewed by Liz Williams, founder of the Southern Food & Beverage Museum for her podcast. Click the link to hear us share with you our predictions about the future of hospitality and a selection of our armchair travel musings. https://southernfood.org/tip-of-the-tongue/2020/12/07/tip-of-the-tongue-54

The timetable for when we kick off our Flavor Forays may still be a bit uncertain but we’re optimistic. We’re determined to (and planning to) soon lead more Forays to all the great cities we have visited (and write about in our book On The Road With Flavor Forays: An Insider’s Guide to Austin, Charleston, Portland and New Orleans.) Also on the horizon: an exploration of Portuguese food, wine, and culture.

This year has also highlighted some basic truths that shine bright. What keeps us inspired is likely the same for you: gathering at the table whether virtually or in close groups. From the simplest bite to the most elaborate meal, food has the power to be the lovely thread that connects all holidays, and those traditions continue to bring us together in spirit even when we're apart.

We wish you Happy Holidays even though our celebrations may be different this year. Let’s all raise a glass to the New Year and new opportunities.

Barbara Mathias and Beverly Stephen
Culinary Travel Producers at Flavor Forays
Co-Authors of On the Road with Flavor Forays