GRABBED MY SPOON! Eating My Way Through Europe

I’m not a huge fast food fan and prefer a leisurely meal. Of course, my profession does not allow for leisurely anything so while traveling through Europe it was of utmost importance that I stop and enjoy the menu.

Of all the ways to experience a culture, I’m a firm believer of experiencing the new and different by eating. Probably not the healthiest choice, but certainly the most enjoyable learning experience – most of the time with instant gratification. Quickly I am able to see which cultures place care in food preparation and delivery and which care more for ingredients and flavor. Looking back, my eating tour of Europe was a combination of both.

Coming from the land of fast food and faster service, it was eye opening to be offered the opportunity to sit, converse, and savor. No European dining experience I encountered took less than thirty minutes, neither in preparation or consumption. Meals are meant to be treasured, not rushed. I would wager that Europeans have very few cases of heartburn & indigestion.

I wish I could say I experienced a full buffet in each country; however, that would quickly prove false when examining my trip photos. I stuck to the most important delicacy – dessert. From citron sorbet to Belgian waffles, Gallier chocolate to German custard…I lived through dessert. The flavors were strong and potent. Each ingredient had a place and a reason. Desserts served cold or warm, to be eaten by hand or spoon. All were enjoyable. I am a HUGE fan of homemade sorbet served over fresh pears and kiwi (in Paris), a light custard with strawberries (in Germany), and shaved chocolate or sorbet in between two flaky waffles (in Belgium).

This is not to say that I only ate desserts while traveling, what lesson would I be teaching? Dining during the European meal times 7AM, 2PM, 8PM – with the heaviest fare at 2PM – I tried local dishes. Croissants with chocolate, any local vegetables with friches, and museli proved most memorable, but I can’t say that I had a negative dining experience. I truly savored the flavor of each culture.

Depending on the place, I may have had to swim through the crowd to a restaurant or side road stand. If the locals go there – you know it’s GOOD! After letting go of the expectation that servers must provide a check immediately when a meal is finished…and taking a breath…I enjoyed the slow pace and wish I could implement it in my own daily routine.

For in Europe it’s about quality not quantity. Between the food and the walking to get a meal, Europeans are on the right track. Just remember, stick to desserts. :)