Gina lands in Cape Town chasing a dish that is equal parts spiced meat, golden custard, and two hundred years of history — and she is absolutely not prepared for what it tastes like.
Burgundy Broke Me Open With a Spoon
Gina heads to the rolling vineyards of Burgundy, France, and finds a pot of boeuf bourguignon that makes her question every stew she’s ever made. Spoiler: she’s not mad — she’s inspired.
Oaxaca Stopped Me Dead in My Tracks
Gina lands in Oaxaca and falls completely apart over a single spoonful of mole negro — the darkest, most complex sauce she’s ever met in her life.
Jamaica Lit Me Up From the Inside Out
Gina follows the smoke to a roadside pit in Jamaica and discovers that jerk chicken isn’t a recipe — it’s a philosophy, a history, and the best thing she’s put in her mouth in years.
Istanbul Broke My Heart (With Pastry)
Gina lands in Istanbul thinking she knows what she’s getting into — and then a flaky, golden börek from a little neighborhood bakery makes her rethink everything she thought she knew about comfort food.
Salvador Grabbed Me by the Soul and Wouldn’t Let Go
Gina follows the smell of coconut milk and dendê oil through the streets of Salvador and discovers the fish stew that stopped her clock completely.
The Most Beautiful Thing I Ever Almost Didn’t Order
In a sun-drenched courtyard in Puebla, Mexico, Gina comes face to face with a dish so stunning she thought it was a centerpiece. Spoiler: she ate it, and she will never be the same.
That Fukuoka Broth Changed Something in Me
I walked into a tiny ramen counter in Fukuoka thinking I was just grabbing a quick lunch. Twelve hours later I was still thinking about that broth.
Rome Humbled Me With a Bowl of Pasta and Two Ingredients
Gina thought she knew pasta. Then she sat down in a tiny Roman trattoria, ordered something made with exactly two ingredients, and got the cooking lesson of her life.