5 Ingredients for the Perfect Vacation Meal

We recently asked readers on our Facebook page to tell us — in five words or less — what their perfect vacation meal would look like. The responses poured in (and made our mouths water). As we read through them, a few common themes emerged. Together, they form the perfect recipe for a delicious dining experience on the road.

1. Ambience

For many readers, the surroundings and overall vibe are more important than the food itself. Chris Holman sings the praises of “fine wine w/ [an] amazing view,” while Edward Gramauskas paints a vivid picture: “Venice, cozy back street restaurant.”

2. Favorite Foods

What’s a perfect meal without a few favorite dishes? Elissa Leibowitz Poma wants to dig into a “piping hot pizza in Italy,” while Lawson Pride orders up a “margarita and spicy cheese nachos,” and Vicki Sharples drools over a “lobster roll in Bar Harbor!”

3. Forget the Food — Where’s the Drink?

Many readers require a little tipple with their dream meal, including Lavida Rei, who responds, “Ice cold beer and protein.” Casandra McClellan lists the ever-popular combo of “bread, cheese, olives, wine!” while Deb Scott is a bit more single-minded: “Champagne, champagne, champagne, champagne, champagne.” Cheers!

4. Local Flavor

To paraphrase the classic book title, wherever you go, there you eat — and many of our readers declare that the perfect vacation meal must feature a local specialty. “The country’s native cuisine” is a must for Bridget Uittenbogaard, while Bea Dahlen puts it this way: “local fare cooked with love.”

5. And Most Importantly…

Eats and ambience aside, several readers noted that the best part of a meal on the road is that you don’t have to slave over your own stove. The ideal meal, says Betty Meyer? “Cooked by someone else.”

What’s your idea of the perfect vacation meal?