
We all have one. Maybe it was the first taste of grilled kebabs from a busy street vendor in Istanbul that opened our eyes to the flavor and culture of that city. Or maybe it was something more familiar: a roast beef sandwich that someone special made for us when we were young, or a plate of fried fish we once shared with a good friend. It could be the eureka moment we had at the Michelin-starred restaurant in France or at the local Chinese takeout, or it could just be the refried beans that were always on the family table. The meals recounted here are more than mere experiences; they're symbols of who we are. No matter where they took place or what dishes were served, whether they occurred in a time of war or peace, of scarcity or plenty, they connect us. They remind us of the power of food, the comfort of memory, and the simple fact that every meal we sit down to has the potential for greatness. --The Editors

Mushroom Cappuccino (Bouillon de Champignons Comme un Cappuccino)

Roasted Lamb Shoulder and Vegetables (Saneeyeh Bil Fern)

Karen Shimizu
Read Karen Shimizu's essay, "Lifted Spirits"Flickr member Etwood, CC licensed

Lolis Eric Elie

Dean Koontz
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Tom Yum Goong

Salata Adas (Garlicky Lentil Salad)

Suketu Mehta

Dana Bowen
Recipe: Classic MeatballsTodd Coleman

Heston Blumenthal

Betsy Andrews

Francine Prose
Recipe: Joe's Stone Crab Mustard SauceTodd Coleman

Jane and Michael Stern
Recipe: Elegant Pork Chops A.J. Wilhelm

Trout with Brown Butter and Almonds (Trout Meunière Amandine)

Rita Mae Brown

Apricot and Walnut Stuffing

Chao Sigua (Stir-fried Loofah)

Beth Kracklauer

Barbara Nadel

Refried Beans with Chorizo

James Oseland

Monique Truong

Tai Kabura (Sea Bream and Turnip Hot Pot)

Brown Butter Pasta
