Is it just me, or does food always taste better outdoors? Thinking back over the most memorable meals of my life, I’m surprised to note just how many have taken place in the sunshine or fresh air, or while gazing out at some spectacular panorama. Picnics at the tops of mountains, tables set beneath the Mediterranean sun, camping cookouts on the shores of wild Canadian lakes, or barbecues at beach-side resorts.

There’s just something about being outside that adds a certain undefinable savor to the food. A cup of coffee in the morning breeze, a glass of wine sipped beneath the afternoon sun have an aura of luxury about them that can’t be matched.

So today I pay homage to the humble outdoor meal, may it always be part of the human culinary experience.

I can’t help wondering why more of Michelin 5-star restaurants aren’t located in the great outdoors.  Perhaps I’ll ponder this awhile, as I sit in my rooftop garden with a cup of morning coffee.

How about you?  What’s your most memorable outdoor meal?