Italy
Coffee, carbs and gelato delicately sums up my stay in Italy. Breakfast consists of a (basically unsweetened) croissant, a cappuccino made with perfectly foamed milk and orange juice squeezed straight from the fruit right in front of you. The cannolis and pastries are filled with the freshest and lightest cream creating a fluffy mouthwatering sensation. But, the best of Italy lies in their locally grown tomatoes. The flavor, ripeness and juiciness in their tomatoes are a combination I have yet to come across in any other produce since.
Spain
Having had true Spanish paella and churros, anything outside of Spain is no bueno. However, at first, I was wildly disappointed by my churros and hot dipping chocolate (advertised as “Hot Chocolate,” so yes, I was confused when I didn’t receive hot cocoa) from Chocolatería San Ginés. But, upon my return trip for more churros, I learned the way to go was to cover it in powdered sugar and enjoy it like carnival fried dough! Dinner is just as savory. Every seafood paella dish ordered was drenched in clams, shrimp and muscles, cooked and seasoned to perfection. All to be watered down by €4 cocktails.
Iceland
Surrounded by the ocean, occupied by double the amount of sheep then people, seafood and lamb are among the top delicious items to order in this Nordic island. The food is packed with flavor and the chefs don’t shy away from oils, sauces and gravy, which can be a problem for those with sensitive stomachs. The freshness and variety of seafood ranges from simple salmon to langoustine, which is a Norwegian lobster. The langoustine from Humarhöfnin Veitingahús was the most flavorful, melt in your mouth seafood I have ever tasted and would fly back today for another dish of it.
Germany
“Go big or go home,” seems to be a common theme between American and German restaurants. Italy and Spain had dainty little servings (well dainty for us foreigners), but Germany stepped up to the plate and offered (literal) liter sized beers and meals including two large baked potatoes smothered in sour cream and butter. Fortunately, most places didn’t sacrifice quality for quantity, and I enjoyed most everything! Well… they are a fan of pickled items and I did come across one salad filled with pickled beets, carrots and cabbage. I just couldn’t stomach that bit of German cuisine.
Ireland/England/Scotland
These 3 consists of quite similar cuisines. Breakfast is made up of beans, fried eggs, toast, bacon, sausage and grilled tomatoes. This “fry” is full of calories and even more full of deliciousness! Breakfast to dinner and all the time in between is enjoyed with a cup of tea. And most scrumptiously, tea is accompanied by a bit of cake or a biscuit, my favorite being the chocolate covered caramel infused graham cracker. Fish n’ chips is a real crowd pleaser among other seafood dishes served.
In conclusion
Food is life. Gastronomy should be a college major.