With Spring Break season nipping at Winter's toes, college students across the country are planning trips to warmer climates. No matter where you're going, the food will undoubtedly be different from mac & cheese pizza and Babcock ice cream (unless you're staying in Madison - then it's just a week without school). In lieu of this transition, I present a compilation of typical"" foods from the most common Spring Break destinations and my own personal recommendations - for your dining pleasure!
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Since Cabo is in Mexico, it would only make sense that you sample Mexican cuisine, and I mean REAL Mexican cuisine. Why not try some spinach and artichoke dip alongside REAL beans and rice? I would guess that pretty much anything fresh from the region would be delicious: think avocados, beans and papayas. Fried food is also delicious, especially if you can find any kind of seafood. Remember: think fresh.
Florida
Although Florida is in the same general climate as Mexico, its food is vastly different. When I think of Florida, I think orange juice, and therefore, fruit! It may not make up a whole meal, but nothing is better than fresh fruit that hasn't been transported hundreds of miles.
Florida is also famous for alligators, so if you're a meat fan, why not take a walk on the wild side? It isn't actually that wild; they sell it at the Minnesota State Fair on a stick.
Wisconsin Dells
Yes, Wisconsin Dells is only about an hour out of Madison, but it's still going somewhere, right? The fun part about going to the Dells and being from Wisconsin is that you can pretend you're a real tourist. Go to the cliché themed restaurants and get over-priced snacks at the gift shops and water parks. Indulge the kid in you. Your college self will thank you later.
Alternate Spring Breaks
If you are the adventurous and/or volunteering type and are going on an ""alternate"" Spring Break, your food choices will depend on where you go. Like the other, more specific destinations, sample local cuisine that you would not be able to find here in Wisconsin. Or try their take on a favorite dish from back home.
Madison
Oh, good ole Madison. If you are lucky enough (like me) to be staying in Madison this Spring Break, feel free to ingest all of the pizza, Chinese food and cheese you can stand.
No matter where you go next week, I hope you have a safe and food-filled Spring Break. Your taste buds are looking for a vacation too, so indulge them. And just remember - Ian's will be here when you get back.
If your stomach yearns for authentic Mexican food, tell Claire. E-mail her at crwiese@wisc.edu.
