A World of Flavors
A Wrap Up of Our Popular Flavor Trends Series
By Fred Tscheulin

                Over the past eight issues of the Smith Mountain Laker we have taken a worldwide culinary flavor tour to explore the major ethnic food trends that are heating up the culinary world. Today, you can create your own worldwide culinary tour and experience most of these foods and flavors right here at the Lake.
                Have you eaten yet? This traditional Chinese greeting is certainly appropriate at the Lake, where among the many benefits of being at SML is the wide variety of places you can choose to enjoy a meal. From deli marts, convenience stores, gourmet take-out or fast food chains, to club grills, cafes, ultra fine dining, or a personal chef to cater a party in your home, the Lake offers them all. You can choose from grab-and-go sandwiches and hot dogs, to traditional sit-down fare featuring home cookin’, traditional or ethnic cuisine. Whatever the occasion or culinary interest, you can satisfy your appetite at one of the Lake’s restaurants.
                Now, as we conclude our worldwide ethnic flavor tour, let’s revisit the classics that are available to us at the Lake and add a dash of new information to spice up your culinary curiosity. And for fun let’s plan our own SML ethnic flavor tour.
                South American. Best represented by the dishes and beverages of Brazil, these flavorful dishes include grilled meats, fresh vegetables, and a hearty stew called feijoada. Add Brazilian to your culinary itinerary for lunch or dinner.
                Mexican. There’s nothing better than a plate of zesty enchiladas and beans or quesadillas with a spicy-hot tomato salsa and a cold beer to chase it down. Did you know Mexican food is ranked among the three most popular cuisines, based on simple foods that produce zesty, complex dishes?
                Caribbean. A relative newcomer to the list, the foods and flavors of the Caribbean have been evolving for centuries. It’s the original “fusion” cuisine with contributions from all over the world. From savory seafood and fiery Jamaican jerk to delicious tropical rum drinks, Caribbean is a must on any flavor tour.
                American South. When you are lookin’ for home cookin’ there’s nothing more satisfying than the cookery of the American South. Hot biscuits, ham with red-eye gravy, fresh greens and iced tea, just to mention a few. Naturally, it’s all here at the Lake.
                Mediterranean.  More than a dozen countries make up the classics of this region. They include Italy, Spain, France and Greece and have provided many of the world’s greatest cuisines and represent the mainstream of the culinary arts. These classic dishes are available at many of the Lake’s traditional as well as specialty restaurants. Excellent for lunch or dinner. Perfect with a fine glass of wine.
                Chinese. Whether you choose a buffet or sit-down menu, the foods and flavors of China will satisfy your appetite while appealing to your five culinary senses; salty, sweet, sour, bitter and hot. This ancient cuisine continues to evolve and is a cornerstone on any culinary tour.
                Southeast Asian. The popularity of healthy eating, together with the trend toward more flavorful dishes, has contributed greatly to our growing love affair with the complex, spicy, herb-infused cuisines of Asia, the most popular of which is Thai. No need to travel. For authentic Thai cuisine, the chef will come to you. For details, see the March/April issue of the Laker.
                Indian. Any aspiring world culinary traveler must include Indian cuisine to the itinerary. This thousand-year-old cuisine is emerging as a major trend and is available to Lakers in Roanoke. The flavorful curries, marinated and grilled shrimp, marinated and broiled chicken and seasoned rice dishes and other offerings are well worth the trip.
                Have you eaten yet? No? Let’s do lunch!

Any questions? Send your inquiry to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   I’ll do my best to help you discover a new world of flavor at Smith Mountain Lake.