Regional American Foods: From Lobster Rolls to Funeral Potatoes and Travels in Taiwan

Tues,  Oct 7 & Weds, Oct 8

2:45-4pm

with Karen Gershowitz

Take a delicious journey across the United States without leaving your seat! This fun program explores America’s most iconic – and most unusual – regional foods, from beloved classics like Maine lobster rolls and Chicago deep dish pizza to quirky local favorites such as Iowa Snickers Salad, North Dakota’s Kase Knoephla, and Hawaii’s Spam Musubi. Along the way, you’ll discover the immigrant influences, local ingredients, and cultural traditions that shaped these dishes, plus the stories and festivals that keep them alive today. Perfect for food lovers, travelers, and anyone curious about the flavors that make each corner of America unique. Karen describes herself as a travel addict, writer and photographer. Author of the travel memoir, Travel Mania: Stories of Wanderlust and Wanderlust: Extraordinary People, Quirky Places and Curious Cuisine.

Karen takes us on a vivid journey through Taiwan. Traveling with her adventurous 18-year-old grandnephew, they explored bustling cities, serene countryside, night markets brimming with tempting street food, and tranquil temples steeped in history. Along the way, they sampled Taiwan’s unique and unforgettable flavors – from delicate mountain-grown teas to sizzling street snacks – and uncovered the stories behind the country’s rich cultural heritage. You’ll hear about engaging (and often hilarious) encounters with locals, moments of unexpected kindness, and experiences that reveal the warmth and humor of Taiwanese hospitality. Through Karen’s storytelling and photographs, you’ll stroll through lively markets, wander ancient lanes, and venture into lush landscapes. Whether you’re curious about Taiwan’s food scene, history, or everyday life, this program promises to entertain, inform, and maybe even inspire your next adventure.