I've truthfully never had or seen or smelled durian. I only know about it from food shows and the internet. (There's a Malaysian restaurant in the area that apparently has durian shakes... and I am both curious and frightened to try.) BUT, since so the reaction from people who haven't grown up with it seems to be universally 'oh, stinky!', I thought it made a good plot device. ^^;

I then went and did research on other stinky foods. ^^; Zack's cheese from Kalm is a reference to epoisses, and Tifa's 'Nibel' cheese is an analogue for limburger. Sauerkraut I've had my own experience with and I *know* it stinks. ;)

Anyway... I'm glad you liked it, and thanks for the feedback!