Food is a powerful connector to the world we live in. It’s a source of joy that helps strengthen the bonds of family, friends and even strangers. It has always played an important part of the travel experience. Some people feel food completely defines it. Along with enjoying meals, we are also taking in the sights, smells and sounds of a place. Together, travel and food offer a total sensory experience that no recipe cooked at home can quite capture. From a cafe that embodies the love and warm fuzzies you can only get from a grandma’s cooking; to a 3.5-hour prix fixe meal that’s full of surprises; and quite possibly the best tamales in the United States, exploring culture through food is one of the best parts of my job. Here are a few of the most memorable food experiences from filming Places to Love.