Flashback …
The year is 1978. A group of students at my high school take a trip to Italy and Greece. I want to go with them, more than I ever remember wanting anything, but I can’t. I promise myself that I will get there. Someday.
Jump ahead…
The year is 2011. I’m obsessed with Julia Child, Laura Calder, and all things French. Before I’m halfway through reading My Life In France, I buy a plane ticket to Paris and set my sights on Le Cordon Bleu. I return from my Paris adventure with so many culinary experiences that I want to share, and a blog seems like the best place to do it.
Present day…
I realize that I’m more infatuated with French culinary technique and the history and tradition that accompanies it than I am with French food. I admit that my favourite cuisine is Italian – not French. I buy another plane ticket, this time to Italy and a dream 35 years in the making.
First stop…
La Serenissima, Venice.
It took me 30 years to go to Greece and I haven’t stopped since. I look forward to hearing more about it!!
Greece is next! Or is it Spain?
Hi, Laura–I love France and Italy, but I think when it comes to simple food, my heart is Italian. Looks like a great trip. Ken
Thanks Ken! Now I’m trying to decide which of Italy’s regional food is my favourite. I think the flavours of Tuscany were more to taste than the seafood-centric dishes in Venice, but I also loved the pesto in the Cinque Terre…and I haven’t even been to the rest of the regions. Yet.
I agree with you Laura. I loved the Tuscan flavours more so than the Venetian food but it’s all so good and fun to try. Although I have to admit my favourite cities in Italy are Florence and Venice (yes it’s a tie) but my all time favourite food was in Bologna ~ a spectacular pumpkin stuffed tortellini with reduced balsamic vinegar and tiramisu!
I was hoping to take a day trip to Bologna but it didn’t work out. Your pumpkin tortellini sounds like it was delicious. It’s funny. Pumpkin took centre stage in one of my favourite dishes too only mine was in Venice. The pumpkin was caramelized, puréed, and stuffed inside squid which were then pan-seared to perfection. It sounds odd – pumpkin stuffed squid – but it was incredible!
I brought home a bottle of aged balsamic that is so thick and sweet it’s like honey. It’s addictive too. I’ve been putting it on everything – drizzling it over grilled steak, glazing sautéed radicchio, and any where else I can think of – including an empty spoon
Hi Laura, I know what you mean about Italian food. I am in Paris, trying not to order pasta.
I love the picture of the old woman (or is she not that old?). Love the smile on her face. Great shot.
Merry Christmas Dina. Hope you’re having a fabulous time in Paris!
The old lady was actually posing for her son, who was also taking her photo. She was enjoying a sunny day touring the lagoon islands with him and her pleasure was written all over her face. That photo is one of my favourites!
Cheers!
Laura