What is a food adventure first off? Well I would describe it as an event or activity around food which cultivates learning, discovery, exhilaration, and a general positive view of food. You don't necessarily have to be a food writer, food columnist, food critic, or the elite to have this experience. There are many simple ways in which you can bring wonderful food adventures to your life everyday.

1. Embrace friends/co-workers etc. from different countries and cultural backgrounds.

• It is likely that they will invite you to a house party or gathering where you can experience another cuisine on a whole different level. Plus such an experience is free.

2. Adopt a dance which is rooted in another culture eg. Salsa, Belly Dance, Tango, etc.

• In going to classes or socializing you may or may not meet people of the culture connected to the dance. However, exploration of one aspect of a culture often leads to interest in and exposure to other components of that culture, like food. It is likely that food from the culture will be present as part of many gatherings associated with your dance of choice, as with a 'Salsa Night' Happy Hour at a bar or lounge, for example.

3. Use television to create a virtual culinary ride.

• Food shows featured on channels like the Food Network, The Learning Channel, and even PBS allow us to experience food through the eyes of the chefs and food personalities who have a true passion for it. The vibrancy of the foods radiates through the screen and the foods themselves are described with an enthusiasm which makes them come alive.

4. Create an ambient kitchen

• Get bistro-like, colorful pictures to decorate the walls

• Use accents of color throughout the kitchen-a decorative plate as the backdrop against neutral surfaces or colorful appliances for eg.

• If you have a few food personalities you admire, put a couple pictures of them on the walls as well.

•Have a small shelf or area in the kitchen with your favorite cookbooks displayed whether or not you use them regularly.

All of these things can help make your kitchen an easily accessible visual food adventure.

5. Take a weekday or weekend 'food trip' to a part of town you have always wanted to visit, whether it is the next borough or the next county. Because it is new to you, going to that place would be like an adventure. Research restaurants and the neighborhood first and find one or two you would be interested in visiting. Take pictures to include in your personal album to document your experience.

So you can see how food adventures can be everyday experiences; so no need to save them for that once-a-year vacation. Such adventures are even more important, because if we have an open mind, they can help us build a more positive relationship and association with food. This is because these adventures are rooted in wonderful, fun, exploratory encounters with food on a regular basis.