By Linda Garson and Keane Straub with Janine Windolph We have long held the belief that one of the most fascinating and rewarding ways to learn about a culture is through the food of the people: the available ingredients that influence the style of the cuisine; the method of cooking, seasoning, serving, and eating, that all add to our understanding of what life is like in different places – and the hope that a greater understanding leads to a greater appreciation for it.