“Begin… the rest is easy.”–A New Year’s Day Fortune Cookie

How many great endeavors have begun based on the sage wisdom of a fortune cookie? Have you ever pondered the thought? Probably not. I mean, I don’t expect you to. Unless you’ve won some dough from those lucky lotto numbers printed on the back, those fun cookies you get after shoveling down some chicken fried rice from your favorite local Chinese joint are just that: fun. Sometimes, you get some duds (or one with no fortune at all?), but other times, you might get something that sticks with you. Something that makes you nod and go, “huh!”. Well, today, my friends, I got one that really gave me that “huh!” moment.

“Begin… the rest is easy.”

Begin. Where do we begin? Where do I begin? It was something that I struggled with for a long time; getting the impetus to sit down and put my money where my mouth is. To sit down and write about my passions and share my discoveries with others. Culinary exploration and travel are two things that bring me a great deal of joy, a joy that has grown ever so steadily since my early 20’s. Ever since then, starting a blog to indulge it all was one of those ideas that I always talked about and said I would follow through on, but never did.

Now, my friends, I begin. I begin my exploration, my deviation, my unbridled motivation to share with all of you the foods, the locations, and the people who make them all happen. If you are looking for some of the best places to find food in the Greater Cincinnati region, I will search for it, and share with you my findings. I hope to uncover those hidden gems around our beautiful little region, and perhaps you all will lead me to some of these discoveries as well. After all, this blog is going to be about sharing experiences, and that can work both ways, am I right?

As this new decade unfolds around us, my first order of business is to encourage you, my dear readers, to begin. Start your culinary travels this week, and explore some places you’ve never been to. Try and work it in to your New Year’s resolutions (if that’s your thing). And if you are still feeling stuffed from all the holiday snacks, here’s my first recommendation of the new year: if you haven’t already, go explore Findlay Market.

This wonderful Cincinnati staple is where I first began my explorations, and if you are feeling adventurous this week, it’s a great place to start. Go on a Saturday or Sunday, if you are able, and experience a market on its busy days. Hear the bustle of the vendors and customers. Smell the foods being prepared there. Sample some of it; the vendors will, more likely than not, be willing to give you samples of their products. Immerse yourself in that place, and take your time there. There are several small restaurants nearby where you can try some of the foods that are sold there. Plus, while you’re exploring there, you’ll get some walking in to burn off all those holiday treats you had, because lets face it, we ALL indulge ourselves this time of the year.

My name is Alex Walz, and lets go into this new year with some beginnings. Next week, I’m journeying to one of Findlay Market’s best culinary creations, and having one of the dishes that sparked the fire for me.