This Week’s Writing Prompt
One of the best parts of traveling is trying new restaurants and foods. Amanda shared with me about her family’s June trip to Chicago. Half of their itinerary involved food items and restaurants her family considered must-dos. Amanda tells the story:
“One non-negotiable was trying a Chicago-style hot dog, which is loaded with neon-green relish, tomato slices, onions, yellow mustard, celery salt, and a pickle spear, all on a poppy seed roll. It was an interesting combination that proved to be quite delicious.
“Since I’d never eaten a hotdog

‘draggedt hrough the garden’ as the locals say, any mention of a Chicago hotdog today brings back memories of that night. It was mid-June, but my husband, two kids, and I were freezing. The bright lights of Wrigley Field illuminated a constant drizzle as we cheered on the Cubs in their defeat of the White Sox.

“Our plastic ponchos proved inadequate, though, leaving our clothes damp and our bones chilled. We alternated bites of the iconic hotdogs with cheers for the Cubs, especially when catcher Willson Contreras hit a grand slam. I tried to explain to my son and daughter what a big deal a grand slam is in major league baseball.
“Afterward, on the subway back to our
hotel on State Street, my daughter held her stomach and closed her eyes, saying she felt sick. I prayed she wouldn’t vomit all over the baseball fans crammed into the train. We wondered if that mysterious, green relish was to blame.”
What about you? Describe a memorable meal or food item from a vacation or trip and the story surrounding it. Use some of these prompts to help you:
- What did you eat?
- How did the food taste and smell?
- Where were you? Detail your surroundings.
- What else was happening around you as you ate?
- What was the mood or atmosphere? Festive? Casual and relaxed? Formal and serious?
- Who else was with you?
- Was this meal or food item a positive or negative experience?
Share your response in the comments section below.
All posts in response to our writing prompts in August will be entered into our drawing to win a free online coaching video—that’s a $20 value!