Important destination research

I have a working theory that the closer to the equator the hotter the food, and the further you go from the equator the food gets milder and milder.  When I think of Thai, Indian, Moroccan, or Mexican food (countries that are close to the equator) I think of "full spice," "curry," "pepper," and being asked "how hot do you want it?" in restaurants. When I think of Australian, Russian, Scandinavian, or Minnesotan food (countries/states further from the equator), I think "butter," "bay leaves," "onion," and "potatoes." (Not that people in these regions only prefer hot or spicy, but that's what the agriculture supports).

I was reminded of this theory when I went to select a meal on Air Canada.

"Bland Meal"

It's been fun to read about Chilean food! I've met a few Chileans in the last few months, and most talk about the seafood first (congrio - a type of eel - and salmon are mentioned most frequently), the barbecues (asados) second, and the pisco and wine third. Everyone I've spoken with has mentioned that the prices of fruits and vegetables are more affordable in Chile than in the United States, and that typical Chilean cuisine (empanadas (meat pie), pastel de choclo (corn pie), curanto (fish soup) is delicious and flavorful, but not spicy.  The Humboldt Current brings a wide array of seafood to Chile; olives (not native, but thrive in the climate) are grown in the northern and central regions, and this may be one of the few times that I could try llama meat.

I'm definitely looking forward to a day trip through the Elqui Valley for a pisco discovery expedition, a jaunt through the Colchagua Valley for a carmeneré tour.

A quick note about propinas (tips).
Tipping in restaurants is generally 10% of the bill (lower than the 15% to 20% of the US). I don't expect to eat out very often, but I do expect to buy groceries. It is customary (expected?) to tip the people who bag your groceries in Chile, as they do not earn a salary and depend entirely on tips.

At any rate, I'm looking forward to a few months of meat and veg.