From Crepes to Chestnuts: Flavors of the Fall in Europe (so far)

        

    

Last Friday my friend Brian joined me in Paris to partake on the last part of my adventure through Europe. After a long weekend of seeing all the sights and tastes that Paris has to offer (including a mind blowing cabaret performance at Crazy Horse) we jumped on a train to Zurich, Switzerland. With no expectations or prior knowledge of what the city had in store, we were delighted and well, completely blown away(as was our cash), by the beauty of Zurich. I won't even try to put into words--instead here are a few photos capturing a glimpse of magic from the old town. And yes, it was well worth the price.

                

               

                                       

           The crazy delicious and crazy expensive Cafe Conditorei Schober all ready for the holidays 

Our next stop is Dusseldorf, Germany, for which we, once again, have no expectations. But before we get there let's take a timeout to savour the flavors of Paris and Switzerland. 

Some of the best highlights from my time in Paris with Brian included sampling local cuisine, both classic and new.

Brian enjoying his first Croque Monsieur. 

For those who are unfamiliar, it's a really fancy french grilled cheese, with gruyere on the top of the bread and ham in the middle. Our meals were accompanied by a simple, but vibrant salad of tomatoes, olives in parmigiana, and romaine. But what Croque Monsieur would be complete without french fries? No ketchup needed! With crisped potatoes seasoned to perfection condiments would only be a detriment to this tasty dish. Perhaps some dijon mustard though :)

Next up...

Un petit bistro pres de mon apartement where we enjoyed a lighter, more modern meal de poisson; pour moi, I enjoyed saumon with pesto and alphalpha sprouts atop olive oil and balsamic Ratatouille*. Brian had un poisson blanc, seabass with the skin left on and cooked to a delicious crisp, over rosotto. We were brought sel de fleur (flower salt) and as is custom, a freshly baked baguette to enjoy alongside la repa. 

Happy Halloween! Someone is very happy with his meal! Me and Brian (aka Ms. Muro the beauty pageant queen) enjoying our homemade dinner woth fresh ingredients all bought at the local marchè. Pictured: pineapple curry chicken, green beans with mushrooms sauteed in garlic and olive oil, fromage and fresh baguette, all washed down with a french sauvignon blanc.

Welcome to Switzerland!

 Here in the land of chocolate we were welcomed with hazlenut hearts on our pillows! And that was just the beginning...

               

Hot chocolate with, you guessed it, more chocolates...

               

   Yummm hot chocolate with Rum and whipped cream

Death by chocolate. At cafe Conditorei Schober.

         

              View of Cafe at night.

Believe it or not we did eat other foods besides chocolate. The first evening we sampled local Swiss fare at Cafe Zahringer...

                                       

I'm so excited I just can't hide it! Roasted wild boar with carrot, glazed chestnuts, spaetzel, cabbage and orange slice. With this hearty supper I'm ready for winter!

And alongside out hot chocolate we enjoyed what I would describe as the most delicious bagel of my life, at a mere 11 franks what a bargain!

                                                         Pictured: salami, red pepper, pepperoni, romaine, and pesto.

Brian's sandwich: goat cheese, romaine, pesto, tomatoe.

Everything has been so delicious, unique and above all, fresh. Everyday Brian and I find ourselves trying new flavors and loving what we taste; today glazed chestnuts, tomorrow who knows? Perhaps wienerschnitzel and a microbrew from a German Biergarten, the possibilities are practically infinite. And the best part of it all? We are having a blast, taking in each new (sometimes strange) and exciting sensory experience all while being true to our outrageously goofy selves. See...

                                                                   

                                            

                                     

                                       Miss Muro riding in cognito on the TGV train to Zürich 

So what flavors and fun times does the rest of Europe have in store for Miss Muro and Heather?

We can only imagine...

       

  

                                                                 Sashay Away!

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