CJWDT'13 South American Tour

In last couple years I have fortune to travel round the world, Europe, Scandinavia, Asia, Oceania....  it was all great and inspiring. And...  I stared the world map and ask myself 'where is next?'  There're so many countries I want to go...  name some Italy, Greece, India, Taiwan, Egypt, Philippines, Thailand.... but if I pick only one country... I would say Brazil!  In last few years it seems like slowly Brazilian (also Peruvian) restaurants get recognized in worldwide culinary scene. And also Brazil will host both the Olympics and the world cup.....  I have feeling there must be 'something' going on, why don't I check it out with my bare eyes!???

Also, in California... well,  actually everywhere in the U.S. we could find many Mexican restaurant despite burrito is not real Mexican cuisine(it's similar to California roll is not 'real' Japanese food).  But I feel like Latin American cuisine is not as big as Asian cuisine in the U.S.  Just like Australia, Latin American countries have many local produces can't find in the U.S.  Compared with Asian/European cuisine, Latin American cuisine seems mysterious and unknown for me.  So...  here I go south America!!

My plan for this tour 'CJWDT'13 South American tour' is leaving the U.S. on Feb 28th, flying to Bogota, Colombia.  From there, I'm planning to go to Ecuador > Peru > Chili > Argentina > Uruguay > Brazil.  finding new cultures, going local market, discovering new ingredients, eating local dishes, learning new flavor profile, go to stage and HOPEFULLY find new job..... that is my mission.   Safety first, I hope this tour give me so many inspiration, not just culinary, in my life!!

Useful web references towards CJWDT'13 South American tour