Change of season, change of taste

Spring has sprung! Officially it arrives on Sunday, March 20 at 8:33 a.m.

I don’t know about you, but when the green shoots show up in my garden, I start thinking about eating more fresh, green things in my diet. (Obviously, the deer in our neighbourhood have the same idea, as I see lots of neatly munched tulip leaves in everyone’s gardens.)

We made a boiled corned beef dinner this week – inspired by St. Patrick’s Day – but with warmer temperatures and longer days, my tastes are shifting to more salads, lighter pasta dishes and more fish for dinner.

But it’s a waiting game. Planning the garden is a pleasant diversion that offers a virtual bit of flavour. Baking with the last of the frozen fruit from last season is a great way to do some spring cleaning of the culinary variety. (Just because you missed Pi(e) Day doesn’t mean you can’t still have a slice or two.)

There is another way to divert your attention from the slow start to spring, and that is travel. If spring doesn’t come here fast enough, then you can go to where it is.

Here are a few fun “springy” food-focused destinations to ponder, whether you are planning a real Spring Break getaway or you want to sit back and dream.

JOE GELATO—This ice cream stand in Mexico City serves local flavours like “worm salt”. Or maybe you’d prefer tamarind and mezcal?

TASTE THE TROPICS USA – If you would like to order your ice cream in English, try this Brooklyn gem. The owners love to feature flavours that match their Caribbean heritage.

Southeast Asian foodie hotspots – Are you headed for warmer climes and more exotic surroundings? Here is a compilation of places that serve dishes full of flavours and colours. If you’re not already excited about spring, these foods will wake you up.

SUPPER CLUB TUBE – London

FLOYD’S PELICAN BAR – If you want out of the way, this funky place in Jamaica is hard to beat. It can only be reached by boat, and the closest town in a few miles away, but it’s worth the trip. Your Red Stripe beer will never taste better than it does here.

Perhaps you want to stay closer to home and not cross any international borders?

Try these options for a unique food and drink experience.

LAST CHANCE SALOON – A place with plenty of stories to tell, in the true spirit of the old west. Located in Wayne, Alberta, not far from Drumheller.

OUTSTANDING IN THE FIELD – Sounds a bit silly, right? But it’s that singular first word that is important – outstanding. This is a long table dinner like no other. Not for the faint of pocketbook, but it’s a bucket list kind of experience. They will pop up in Pemberton and at UBC Farm this summer. We attended one of these years ago; it was magical and delicious.

Are you taking the kids away on Spring Break but still want to feel like you were spoiled? Here you go, load up on all the classics. Just be prepared to hit the gym when you get back.

DISNEY SPECIALTIES – Dole Whip. All kinds of baked goods shaped like Mickey’s Ears. Whipped cream galore. You get the idea.

If you’d rather stay a bit more rooted to the ground, here is a great compilation of healthy, colourful spring recipes I found.

In between my indoor and outdoor spring cleaning, I shall be trying out a few of these to keep me feeling as cheery as the robins who are singing in our budding lilac trees.

Bye-bye, winter. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.