Mustache Pretzels

I’m a fan of the soft pretzel. Sure, I like crunchy pretzels to munch on for snacking, but I have the fondest memories of soft pretzels. I think it all stems from a school trip I took to the Exploratorium in San Francisco. Using some spending money, I bought and devoured my very first soft pretzel—it was fabulous. I’m still hard-pressed to beat that initial savory taste.

Growing up, I sometimes went to the local mall and browsed. The alluring scent from Auntie Anne’s would often follow me around the space. (Unfortunately, I didn’t usually get the chance/have the money to actually get one, but I could sniff all I wanted.)

Interestingly enough, I tend to encounter great pretzel finds on my travels. We once went to a place that served a soft pretzel literally the size of my head—good thing I had family around to share that giant appetizer!

More recently, I visited Arizona. There, I got to try a food truck that offered mustache pretzels. That’s right. They’re soft pretzels in the shape of a mustache.

Guess my parents were wrong. I can play with my food…and eat it! (Also, yes, it was delicious. Thanks for asking.)

I can’t tell if I enjoy soft pretzels more, particularly because of the trips and the associated memories. But maybe it doesn’t matter. Food and experiences frequently elevate each other.

What’s a fun food memory for you?

P.S. In other news, my foodie book, Death By Bubble Tea, hit the SoCal Indie Bestseller List for the second week in a row!