If a father figure has some serious food-centric wanderlust going on, drawing inspiration from regional classics and recreating at home is a fun way to celebrate them this Father’s Day.
Regional foods are a great way to honor the dad with wanderlust this Father’s Day.
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“Eating at restaurants is about of course the food, but also the emotions. I think recreating can transplant you back to that response and memory,” said Chef Daniel Berret, Executive Chef of the Study Hotel at University City in Philadelphia.
For Chef Berret, it’s all about the flavors of Philly.
“I love South Philly, it’s home to some of the greatest sandwiches in the country. Places like Johns Roast Pork and Angelo’s are institutions. I like to grab seeded rolls, have the butcher shave some ribeye, add in caramelized onions and a ton of cooper sharp cheese. Wrapping the sandwiches in butcher paper can be a nice touch and a tip of the cap to the real thing.”
New England
Lobsters scream New England getaway.
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Does your dad fantasize about visits to New England for lobster boating and enjoying all the fresh seafood the region has to offer? If a trip to Portland, Providence, or Boston is not on the horizon, it’s a great excuse to celebrate at home with a fresh and delicious seafood. For example, one of New England’s most beloved seafood restaurants, the Summer Shack, offers online delivery for their Lobster Pot Pie. Other options along this same New England theme may include something like Luke’s Lobster roll kits – it can have a fun interactive aspect too as everyone builds their own lobster rolls together as they like them.
Italy
Embrace the flavors of Italian food and culture.
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Sure, you can open up a bottle of a great Italian red and make some pasta, but think a little bigger. Perhaps try a fun recipe kit, like Giadzy’s Cacio e Pepe Box, which includes pasta from Abruzzo, rich aged Parmigiano Reggiano from Emilia-Romagna, Pecorino Romano from Lazio, 4 pepper-infused EVOO, and a recipe card.
Puerto Rico
Tostones are a festive way of celebrating Puerto Rican fare.
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“My husband lives in a constant state of wanderlust—it’s one of the things I love most about him,” said Ciji Castro, executive chef and founder of Domestic Gourmet, who shared there’s always another adventure around the corner, and food is often the biggest takeaway.
Castro and her husband recently returned from Puerto Rico, and her husband hasn’t stopped talking about the comforting and deeply nostalgic flavors. “For Father’s Day, I have this idea to bring the island home to him with a travel-inspired Puerto Rican feast made with Domestic Gourmet Organic Annatto Oil (Aceite de Achiote), the foundation of so many Indigenous Puerto Rican dishes,” said Castro.
On the menu: Slow-cooked habichuelas (red beans), white rice, empanadas filled with fresh Gulf shrimp or crab from our favorite local fishmonger, and crispy, golden fried chicken. For dessert, tembleque, a creamy coconut pudding set with corn starch, giving it its signature jiggle. “It’s the perfect sweet ending that’s surprisingly light enough to top off this rich meal. It’s a way to bring his favorite travel memory to life—no plane ticket required—just love, fresh ingredients, and a little Boricua sunshine,” said Castro.
New York City
A delicious toasted bagel with smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, and red onion.
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There’s nowhere in the world quite like New York City and whether it’s pastrami dinner kits from famous Jewish-style delis like Carnegie Deli or Katz’s Deli, that’s sure to please both the carnivore with wanderlust and anyone missing the classic New York City deli experience.
Perhaps he is missing the classic bagel and lox brunch as only New York Can do, such as in the Zucker’s Father’s Day NYC Brunch kit. Round out the experience with dessert in the form of chocolate babka from Breads Bakery, and it’ll be the quintessential NYC food day – right at home.
Japan
Sushi and sake can be a fun and delicious DIY celebration.
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Perhaps he really loves sushi and sake, or maybe he’s just been religiously following the Shogun series, but an actual trip to Japan may be hard to come by and take a whole lot of planning before it actually happens.
Meanwhile, embrace that wanderlust and take the opportunity to recreate the experience close to home. Pick up some special ingredients to set the scene, such as Nikaido “Kitchom” Aged Oita Mugi Shochu (the category now outsells both sake and whiskey) and perhaps stock up on some sushi grade fish and have an at-home DIY sushi night. Honolulu Fish Company has an Ichiban Home Sushi Kit available for delivery that would be a perfect fit.
But remember to have fun and not take things too seriously. This is a party after all. Perhaps even honor a mix of Japanese culture and your own family’s heritage and recipes with a whimsical mashup – a matzo ball ramen kit from Shalom Japan.
Chicago
Chicago Deep Dish Pizza.
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If he has a love of sports, history and great food, there’s nothing to spark a sense of wanderlust like the food and energy of a visit to Chicago — especially if you are a fan of a classic deep dish pizza, like those found at Giordanos. While at it, a fun idea is to order some Mauro Provisions’ Sandwich King Kits – these are cmplete kits that include all items and ingredients you need to make classic Chicago-style sandwiches such as Italian Beef or Cheesesteaks and even Craft Giardiniera – this is a Chicago staple, made with a flavorful blend of peppers and veggies.