"I'm likely to be quite a bit South of NY. What should I eat? What do you think will impress a Brit?" Well, Paige, I have this to say about that... Your home of record has what some may consider a reputation for food a bit on the, can I say it bland side. I have not spent a lot of time in your nation, and while I did not lose any weight there, I cannot recall any particular meal of special significance. Soooo, unless you are well traveled in other countries, pretty much anything MIGHT impress your palate. You have good advice about sampling random regional fare - who knows, maybe you'll come across something that you would never have dreamed of eating that turns out well. "Chitlins" isn't gonna be one of them. And do not leave the South without your very own grit tree so you may enjoy this southern favorite in the future in Europe. Shrimp in smoked brie grits, however, IS one of them! Be sure to learn to enjoy the difference in the North and South Carolina styles of barbeque sandwiches -slaw included. Don't get fried chicken from a fast food joint. Ask a local about how to find the GOOD stuff. Eat at Paula Dean's in Savannah and allow the time necessary to go get in line (queue up to you Brits) to get in. Watch out for cheap crab cakes filled with more bread crumbs than crab - again ask a couple of locals for suggestions. Go to Shemm's Creek when in Charleston, SC. When you get to PC, be sure to not ask Rudy where to eat - he always follows my lead for our irregular luncheons cuz he has the palate distinction of a hungry shark. We'll treat; at least Rudy will offer Jill's wallet... Watch out for the too-heavily marinated steaks served in some chain restaurants like TGI Fridays. Don't order fish in a restaurant specializing in steak or vice versa. Rudy does this, and it drives us all nuts. If you like background music while dining, don't bother asking Rudy along - I have seen him on a chair surreptitiously (he's not a small guy, but he's quick and sneaky) pulling the plugs to the speakers. His opening line to the wait staff is, "Bring me a gallon of your cheapest tea and get the manager over here so I can tell him to turn down the music." Nuff said. Sweet tea (the table wine of the South) is pronounced "swetea" and is sugared while hot so it will be super-saturated with sugar when iced. Wait staff carrying two pitchers of tea, one un-sweetened and the other full strength swetea, in order to refill orders by the enlightened amongst us for 50-50 tea. BTW, you can get "hot tea" pretty much everywhere. I know this because my 95-year old mother invariably orders same even if it is 100 degrees F and 110% humidity outside. Some places even come with a small box of choices for you; however, it generally pays not to be too picky about your hot tea. I feel that in general that you get what you pay for in all things, food included. Sure, there are many local dives that may provide first rate local food, but you need to do your due diligence in searching for them, and you may not have time (nor intestinal fortitude) for adequate research. Hopefully, you will entertain us at some point with your impressions and adventures. I am sure that you may call upon us for any help we as a group or individuals can lend. You'll never know which trawlerite lurks around the next corner. It could be Rudy just waiting to toss you an emergency snubber - I'll be the guy at the cleat tailing the 5-inch line that comes sailing at you. Rich Gano CALYPSO (GB-42 #295) Southport, FL (near Panama City)