2022-23 SATW Foundation Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Competition
115 Culinary-Related Travel ( Travel Audio-Podcasts and Guides,Travel Audio-Radio,Travel Magazines,Travel Coverage in General Magazines,Newspapers)Back
Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Adam Erace Entry Title: Salt of the Earth Entry Credit: Adam Erace Judge Comment: A winner in every way; fabulous Fife beckons! This superb culinary travel feature immediately entices with descriptions of canopied forests, hazy blue shields of sea and sky, and nutmeg-colored sand complemented by luscious butter that glides on seed-speckled loaves of bread and bowls of soup and pesto greener than green lights! Adam Erace delectably zigzags readers through this Scottish wonderland highlighting the villages’ personalities and region’s diverse tastes and traditions inclusive of unique local ingredients and folklore, purveyors and residents’ stories. Bravo!
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Travel + Leisure Entry Title: The Castaway Entry Credit: Osayi Endolyn Judge Comment: The sensual imagery of Osayi Endolyn’s writing drips off the page in a way that’s so poetic and evocative, you’d have to be the most stubborn of readers to not be transformed — and charmed. Every bumpy road and shimmering sunset in St. Lucia feel familiar and within reach, but also represent the question-mark thrill of travel. And when she goes full Proustian with images of the sweet soursop fruit dripping down your chin, you almost find yourself reaching for a napkin. The easy, conversational language disguises deeper cultural meanings and an empathy that underpins the entire narrative.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Megan Eaves Entry Title: Life Stays Close to the River — Solar Beer and Wildebeest in the Serengeti Entry Credit: Megan Eaves Judge Comment: This excellent piece of writing wastes no time in grabbing the reader’s attention, pulling us into the narrative with a suspenseful scene. And then Megan Eaves pulls off a nice trick, balancing education, humor and timeliness, all while using a sturdy scaffolding of evocative descriptions of both the beer and the setting. It manages to feel smooth and effortless with an irresistible rhythm that parallels the unforgettable African bush setting.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: Rebecca Rhoades Entry Title: Grain Expectations Entry Credit: Rebecca Rhoades Judge Comment: Hail to the history of the almighty ancient grain! This beautifully written feature brings special Tucson baker Don Guerra into the culinary spotlight. Rebecca Rhoades’ engaging prose celebrates Arizona’s agricultural past and present, comparing crackling ridged crusts to mountain vistas and their different baked shades of tan, rust, blonde and brown to desert sunsets. Guerra has an honorable mission and reminds readers and his patrons of the importance of sharing knowledge, elements and stories through food, especially bread, that keep tastes and traditions alive.
