Snow forts and tunnels Growing up in Eastern Ontario/Western Quebec, we used to make snow forts and tunnels through 6 feet of snow (of course it always seemed like more back then). Our parents would have to drag us in after hours outside, cheeks red and snow pants all wet (from the snow). Funny […]
No Plans In Les Vans (part 1) – PEACH PIE and CAILLETTE
Les Vans As we wound along the edge of the Ardèche valley on our way to Les Vans we were eager and nervous. 15 years ago Eager to see the town we visited 15 years ago and see whether our memories remained true. We were nervous because our temporary landlord and longtime friend is now […]
Belgian Bublé – GREEN CURRY MUSSELS and BELGIAN WAFFLES
Buzz of Amsterdam After the buzz of Amsterdam, we were afraid that Antwerp would be a letdown. A wrong turn made the walk from the train station, a marvellous piece of architecture, to the hotel, very long. The McDonald’s of hotels We finally arrived at yet another Ibis hotel (the McDonald’s of hotels) and settled […]
Pigged Out! – CHOUCROUTE GARNIE
Alsatian Valley Continuing down the Alsatian Valley we rolled into Colmar. A good way to describe this fairyland is Germany meets France in Disneyland. Colmar A day of walking covered everything we needed to see in Colmar. We stopped at a few shops to check out rows of spiced cake & fresh kugelhopf and did […]
Schnapped In Strasbourg – ROESTI
The crappiest hotel After the worst sleep in the crappiest hotel so far on our tour, we awoke in the Alsatian town of Strasbourg. Cramped quarters Escaping the confines of our cramped quarters, we headed out for coffee and to see what Strasbourg had to offer. Dominating the skyline is Notre Dame Cathedral with its […]
Meat Me In Florence – FARRO SOUP
Florence Leaving our cozy digs in Massarosa, we were excited to spend our last two days of the Italian leg of this tour in Florence. Although we both love being in the country we also love the energy of a big city. A huge museum Firenze is like being in a huge museum. Every street […]
Hey Lardo! – LARDO WRAPPED PORK TENDERLOIN WITH ROASTED POTATOES AND SWISS CHARD and CURLY ENDIVE WITH WARM PANCETTA AND BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE
Apuan Alps Looking back from the coast at the Apuan Alps you would swear that you were looking at snow covered peaks. In fact what you are seeing is marble, widespread in the Alps, reflecting in the sun. Carrara Carrara, the centre of the marble mining industry, is a medieval village nestled into the base […]
A Piece Of Pisa – PIZZA DOUGH
A quick drive It’s a quick drive through the country side to Pisa. A lucky parking find put us within two blocks of the gates to the “piazza dei miracoli” (the miracle square). As we neared the entrance, it was obvious that we were not the only ones eager to see the famous leaning tower […]