tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33697878882869493002024-02-07T19:30:11.635-08:00Emi and Kyle Heart FoodEmi and Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03266600987056944898noreply@blogger.comBlogger230125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369787888286949300.post-61285292419725319882012-02-01T09:00:00.000-08:002012-02-01T09:00:10.075-08:00Lazy Sunday Culinary Projects<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83oc06e0KaOmeIh6alyXf5A_c9MF8moo3AcKuqxmWAIddTlRLAy6NcwdMcOvaKwlltv2SCMNUmck1porN8lMsBaZzl5iqUFVnJCw1EkYhHTH4cW2JQCH-h0LeO-aTVtvrMSBq4hFB4rOa/s1600/IMG_2838.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698070278725993650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83oc06e0KaOmeIh6alyXf5A_c9MF8moo3AcKuqxmWAIddTlRLAy6NcwdMcOvaKwlltv2SCMNUmck1porN8lMsBaZzl5iqUFVnJCw1EkYhHTH4cW2JQCH-h0LeO-aTVtvrMSBq4hFB4rOa/s400/IMG_2838.JPG" /></a>This past summer, on a lazy Sunday, I decided to take on a few simple food and drink related projects. Our friend's fiance recommended the best way to make unusable balsamic vinegar usable is to reduce it. I know I sound like a food snob, but honestly cheap, low quality balsamics are horrible. Sour, vinegary, tart, and nasty all come to mind. However that balsamic you bought for a marinade or to add to a salad dressing can be saved. Since it is so easy and delicious I wanted to share with all of you.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23Xhxpq2I7keZ11OuT9NSOiyf_Wzd65ncKSxat45BwGvgzBZW5DCwQN5-fjdJpMPI-PzSra0vbPeDLN1FCDmhxOnaNJPRTXcRDcyPCVzAlJUuPjrfIkBu61O6l56qk1TqYoth7490Qhdx/s1600/IMG_2848.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698070385619205730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23Xhxpq2I7keZ11OuT9NSOiyf_Wzd65ncKSxat45BwGvgzBZW5DCwQN5-fjdJpMPI-PzSra0vbPeDLN1FCDmhxOnaNJPRTXcRDcyPCVzAlJUuPjrfIkBu61O6l56qk1TqYoth7490Qhdx/s400/IMG_2848.JPG" /></a><br />All you need to do is dump the contents of your cheap balsamics into a pot. We had about three half used bottles to supply the concoction. Set heat to simmer and let cook down. I added brown sugar to add more sweetness. After about 20-30 minutes of the slow heat and mixing every few minutes, the sour balsamic turned into a nice, gooey, flavorful, sweet balsamic reduction. You know when it is done when the mixture has reduced and is of a thicker viscosity. I store it in a plastic container and add it to everything from fish to cheese to salads. Give it a try!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsKiQPC06KaRCvHeAL8tsn_9fYm6G_2jejHdHEMSogswhoxygm2LEW3Rrho1WkAydUqU17NviSs4ZS0pElrA_BH7dzU5Kc2MSnK-_kZKyy-YujBdXiogDBgGKilPeRIYsggyIInSwDyyaA/s1600/IMG_2840.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698070745908284050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsKiQPC06KaRCvHeAL8tsn_9fYm6G_2jejHdHEMSogswhoxygm2LEW3Rrho1WkAydUqU17NviSs4ZS0pElrA_BH7dzU5Kc2MSnK-_kZKyy-YujBdXiogDBgGKilPeRIYsggyIInSwDyyaA/s400/IMG_2840.JPG" /></a><br />Earlier that same day Emi and I had made a trip to an organic blueberry farm. After loading up on pounds of fresh, organic blueberries I decided to make a few things. Blueberry coffeecake was the first project followed by blueberry infused vodka!<br /><br /><br /><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqxSs5BSwkux9yH1fyFFlviBOy6LjOMfr4XPGQtEMl6JVQhHwlypMrG7TlOAog0dfx5Orceci9WdzpDUH1u2C2SSTzri2j2VLVQ7ONE-2JBnczBiGYyY2TYye_qvuvcPxUlk_TyQrbutq/s1600/IMG_2841.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 267px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698070752836367442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqxSs5BSwkux9yH1fyFFlviBOy6LjOMfr4XPGQtEMl6JVQhHwlypMrG7TlOAog0dfx5Orceci9WdzpDUH1u2C2SSTzri2j2VLVQ7ONE-2JBnczBiGYyY2TYye_qvuvcPxUlk_TyQrbutq/s400/IMG_2841.JPG" /></a>I cut the fresh blueberries in half and filled a Kerr jar about 1/3rd of the way and then topped off with about a fifth of Smirnoff vodka (doesn't need to be anything fancy). I then let it sit in a dark area for about two weeks and then it was good to go. You don't need to refridgerate the vodka as long as it is stored in a dark cool space. You can mix it up a few times if you want and then afterwards strain out the blueberries and serve. I drank mine with lemonade and Sprite, but if you prefer a cocktail a little less sweet, mix it with ice, a muddled wedge or two of lemon and soda water. Makes a great blueberry vodka soda.</p><p> </p><p>- Kyle<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562707181945666407noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369787888286949300.post-64440687939566079332012-01-30T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-30T09:00:10.488-08:00Esquin 2011 Summer Sampler Case<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjam-9MxRDdd8OnIXrIfO210EPQInZPXBzeWzou6uABkFR9jVoRGQDFztI0pLzxorNLwPrZ0rR7agn0Fxih0qw7Uhup-JTnx9ljYDj6_3_VoA1YysuVTB4GwigZ5yI78nr6XVZT1e-7maVv/s1600/IMG_2902.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 267px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698072456110348994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjam-9MxRDdd8OnIXrIfO210EPQInZPXBzeWzou6uABkFR9jVoRGQDFztI0pLzxorNLwPrZ0rR7agn0Fxih0qw7Uhup-JTnx9ljYDj6_3_VoA1YysuVTB4GwigZ5yI78nr6XVZT1e-7maVv/s400/IMG_2902.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div>This past summer, yea I know this post is super late, for Emi's Dad's birthday we surprised him with a case of wine. Not just any case of wine, but the Esquin Summer Sampler Case. As you can see it came with a great variety of wines from around the world to enjoy with the warmer weather.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZPOvL5e6-mtuMxWMSXU9cO-7q7t7ykaYsTsz9WGKXidoG9kN-yqMOaw8o_xPrgXEVlYQIiaWEcj6w26GLGfhhQg5y3YNbNzKI4t9ysqt1nY-lyHx_BDIaWFArimuEu1NZ6fSSiWdgAKC/s1600/IMG_2904.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698072452422644018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZPOvL5e6-mtuMxWMSXU9cO-7q7t7ykaYsTsz9WGKXidoG9kN-yqMOaw8o_xPrgXEVlYQIiaWEcj6w26GLGfhhQg5y3YNbNzKI4t9ysqt1nY-lyHx_BDIaWFArimuEu1NZ6fSSiWdgAKC/s400/IMG_2904.JPG" /></a></p><p>Emi's Dad is not a wine snob by any means, but enjoys wine with meals, so we knew he would enjoy the gift. The best part of about the case is you get to try a lot of wines specially selected by the professionals at Esquin. Also the wine is very affordable, 12 bottles for $80. Next time you need a unique and fun gift, make sure to head down to pick up one of their seasonal cases.<br /></p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCil9CSdYhHlkipFaQdrjfZV6yxq7Q22jPozrvGbyQiBvgJhpExb-49SxJiYokrwBgUFkWADXjKZBTExuXiJZYLbr7oYrtRjQ97d-lW8bREj6SZo-trH22oqb4L0Infz3gR-u_xuPhhS9v/s1600/IMG_2905.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698072444850568898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCil9CSdYhHlkipFaQdrjfZV6yxq7Q22jPozrvGbyQiBvgJhpExb-49SxJiYokrwBgUFkWADXjKZBTExuXiJZYLbr7oYrtRjQ97d-lW8bREj6SZo-trH22oqb4L0Infz3gR-u_xuPhhS9v/s400/IMG_2905.JPG" /></a>Emi and I love Esquin. She can't wait to have a glass of wine later this summer after the baby is born. It sounds like I might have to invest in the Esquin 2012 Summer Sampler case.</p><p>- Kyle<br /></p>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562707181945666407noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369787888286949300.post-67704744578259374692012-01-27T07:43:00.000-08:002012-01-27T07:43:00.100-08:00Venice Part 2 - The end of our cruise<div><div>The sun was rising over Venice as we sailed into port, ready to depart the ship. The best way to see the beautiful city of Venice is as you sail in or out on a cruise ship. The city is truly unlike anything in this World.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJHZFDHiG812-GdIMCdncZ_L83lLVv0Gx-uKjyPY_l-ozKrGoffoFUyZ5ujyhxb9O_Q6-0RGGQfDb7_Uyy2HMxEnEOJSTiiJTflLQjJqYHGn3teMlFT_igR8ILpKuce2DAWXfBueJERUQ/s1600/DSCN2311.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682455652722546546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJHZFDHiG812-GdIMCdncZ_L83lLVv0Gx-uKjyPY_l-ozKrGoffoFUyZ5ujyhxb9O_Q6-0RGGQfDb7_Uyy2HMxEnEOJSTiiJTflLQjJqYHGn3teMlFT_igR8ILpKuce2DAWXfBueJERUQ/s400/DSCN2311.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSRSKU6pQPCwXJLugNAh1e7MWfc7Xs-frvGq_fvu8Mv01h7mIp0uoIo4sRpjEh2cLRuqJwRayneMZzgMgQSwvV1wG44RPF2knk_LKibdF-FGlAeqjpxmaxMdPZFVqGk8D6TF1KmnFM05Z/s1600/IMG_2730.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682455649119683074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSRSKU6pQPCwXJLugNAh1e7MWfc7Xs-frvGq_fvu8Mv01h7mIp0uoIo4sRpjEh2cLRuqJwRayneMZzgMgQSwvV1wG44RPF2knk_LKibdF-FGlAeqjpxmaxMdPZFVqGk8D6TF1KmnFM05Z/s400/IMG_2730.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br />Our group all parted ways with different journeys home from the ship. Kyle and I were scheduled for a layover in Paris, but before our flight departed from the Venice airport, we made one last stop in Venice for food! We searched what seemed like the whole city for a good breakfast spot since it was only 8AM. And by breakfast, I mean gelato.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Gt0bX_QTuGLYBBl28dXECzWU4erQbH1EZO9ZtKK1k42iAC5cFUZTvLJIvnlfRwxb_Y802q-3AgqR-JttTSWjV3-t3yLWfeH4yXoSa08YfbB3XXrfVcgcLNN3AIMgUA853cd3TRcy1zmc/s1600/IMG_2731.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682455459283533922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Gt0bX_QTuGLYBBl28dXECzWU4erQbH1EZO9ZtKK1k42iAC5cFUZTvLJIvnlfRwxb_Y802q-3AgqR-JttTSWjV3-t3yLWfeH4yXoSa08YfbB3XXrfVcgcLNN3AIMgUA853cd3TRcy1zmc/s400/IMG_2731.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br /><br />We found a spot, and it was probably nothing special by Venetian standards. But to us, the gelato was heavenly. It came as a set with coffee. This must be a tourist trap, knowing that only an American tourist in a gelato frenzy would need gelato for breakfast, in addition to some coffee.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBa-yitD6Rh6E1m5FOIO9nMwD2Wv57CAZ6wXK5FiBSkOQiJm8aV9Ipp2nSPkS63R5eOErMHNuguAOH_20lRTKbgyzb4O-TyXllb7ckiB9sm7wkY2tNp44v2XoW3wjmZv6rLLitvzwwVlI/s1600/IMG_2732.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682455455755158674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBa-yitD6Rh6E1m5FOIO9nMwD2Wv57CAZ6wXK5FiBSkOQiJm8aV9Ipp2nSPkS63R5eOErMHNuguAOH_20lRTKbgyzb4O-TyXllb7ckiB9sm7wkY2tNp44v2XoW3wjmZv6rLLitvzwwVlI/s400/IMG_2732.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6USlm3WSewDzKsvwXmIOH6Y5tRu6JMCYi43LGa7jNw1Ux9OevMMp2bMFQoOlWXHXjs6JH9iBeUko3MlRBfZi9TrTLPHfiKoXf1H35H8r6hp60X4THiVO5yiUn2LwR4HGTC1S_6AKCfRGO/s1600/IMG_2733.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682455441829974450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6USlm3WSewDzKsvwXmIOH6Y5tRu6JMCYi43LGa7jNw1Ux9OevMMp2bMFQoOlWXHXjs6JH9iBeUko3MlRBfZi9TrTLPHfiKoXf1H35H8r6hp60X4THiVO5yiUn2LwR4HGTC1S_6AKCfRGO/s400/IMG_2733.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br /><br />We also ordered a breakfast panini, which was fabulous with the Italian prosciutto and cheese.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzGsstLkbIZok0WNcExAFqUGQnX1DUEYAuTmQAGuFMlBllJTEGBA-6ysX2HkF30fwXkLJTdiEoFMJW9Lhlbr0jF8H_5i01SECNWM832b0Yi1VHDYf5gGJjNNG9VfD5db-MGTKi623O7nA/s1600/DSCN2316.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682455425620160994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzGsstLkbIZok0WNcExAFqUGQnX1DUEYAuTmQAGuFMlBllJTEGBA-6ysX2HkF30fwXkLJTdiEoFMJW9Lhlbr0jF8H_5i01SECNWM832b0Yi1VHDYf5gGJjNNG9VfD5db-MGTKi623O7nA/s400/DSCN2316.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br /><br />My parents spent one more day in Venice before flying home. They wondered around the Venice fish and open market, finding some fun and unusual finds.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgreGUHMFkdg2FouyhHVpaRtayr_cCQ1B774fR-cosjgZNrdMy4LenZikTQHtAvuAo7Y5G9FaCcP10rEhIhFGLzLOgcSrLvsD_ATKzOU3e9Iy7_U_Khh67SGBB5vIbDz3axiYIua7HwiJFu/s1600/DSCN2322.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682455424327838178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgreGUHMFkdg2FouyhHVpaRtayr_cCQ1B774fR-cosjgZNrdMy4LenZikTQHtAvuAo7Y5G9FaCcP10rEhIhFGLzLOgcSrLvsD_ATKzOU3e9Iy7_U_Khh67SGBB5vIbDz3axiYIua7HwiJFu/s400/DSCN2322.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_l_zwRjWVHRLJgp7eUgiJvvTfGLsug5hNFqLuBxQt49x7wpGakLgXQCuW4acKvZmWbaHJrGNaLoObwC8a6dKvocapik50Gh1U1r7ASxMjgQB93TQnoXsOqMXpi4UnCCQEbV-ygIkRBEK/s1600/DSCN2323.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682454971371944082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_l_zwRjWVHRLJgp7eUgiJvvTfGLsug5hNFqLuBxQt49x7wpGakLgXQCuW4acKvZmWbaHJrGNaLoObwC8a6dKvocapik50Gh1U1r7ASxMjgQB93TQnoXsOqMXpi4UnCCQEbV-ygIkRBEK/s400/DSCN2323.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWE3ktGUGWDnbHvcqScoKhXI5gvXhwEHil5k46KZVGt-CB-6w50YHi2VxF9X2xN5EVQowGKVNci8GA8xN5zEwEg01gCs39LrN-lnPNjxIbY1z1kSeexBmjRW0lDhOpKURDA6bGr_hiEkMR/s1600/DSCN2325.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682454963413033074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWE3ktGUGWDnbHvcqScoKhXI5gvXhwEHil5k46KZVGt-CB-6w50YHi2VxF9X2xN5EVQowGKVNci8GA8xN5zEwEg01gCs39LrN-lnPNjxIbY1z1kSeexBmjRW0lDhOpKURDA6bGr_hiEkMR/s400/DSCN2325.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOxe1ZvRC36GEDw1d7wjveFE259ma5tTJEfn2tSPJlOTnSAj15rJaCSxfP4YWIcC6URspaAmfXDboFxFja20nr1T6RXLblkqfbWRTTDjNRedWwgaeYPpqi8uL4frOSsNqAxIcqMBIJmsaO/s1600/DSCN2329.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; 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width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682454940539470386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPw4fpa2qkiVWGG3eJzkYtaa_ibIJ81jD4QiNBXI8BSHYBk0BRIuI4bWTeOWYQ-ZgXLthn4IetABTq-K-A4mKGmZ5ddKihowQ6yc8srZpF6KcuhweDzRN3VU3Rz2RQIyZX_gRAvCjqCqDj/s400/DSCN2338.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZOHK_2xEi_n0rcKspCq2b0SDQgq5IsDIWPFddZ1HGBNml_Pd4XMrbVl_8BwJkNvpG-tmXwZGGUVPYqP3XOyNcGsbWzsFOxb3-zziNZ1yzKx8AQSBBpYB6GySV2qx7fWoL-XDkez1Nzh1/s1600/DSCN2339.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682454429905697970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZOHK_2xEi_n0rcKspCq2b0SDQgq5IsDIWPFddZ1HGBNml_Pd4XMrbVl_8BwJkNvpG-tmXwZGGUVPYqP3XOyNcGsbWzsFOxb3-zziNZ1yzKx8AQSBBpYB6GySV2qx7fWoL-XDkez1Nzh1/s400/DSCN2339.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMkbupak2sx1EAGRBqifkLfrEyDmLb3nl1rotlB8f703jdmfzyhh8t24iV29K0AcHY1SK4CffyZqhJw6zsRlnM6TKrfqQ1Zt277umwVwTeV0leuJmbT7HPfCJcBQi7ROyOYdUDkRTIUnw3/s1600/DSCN2348.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682454427703423842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMkbupak2sx1EAGRBqifkLfrEyDmLb3nl1rotlB8f703jdmfzyhh8t24iV29K0AcHY1SK4CffyZqhJw6zsRlnM6TKrfqQ1Zt277umwVwTeV0leuJmbT7HPfCJcBQi7ROyOYdUDkRTIUnw3/s400/DSCN2348.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br /><br />And had one last meal of their favorite Italian dishes.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZGpCF2EFj4D8WfZUPbd-1n0EG4J1o2Ly5srKpR29D7VYUexKoQ_g1M0KakYGCARGcACIPnr1K8sst5MfR-5KCh1D-js6xPcOHY5t3e217X0hgZTc4KIo59uKRjG235azszLjZwLub8SZ/s1600/DSCN2382.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682454406933079554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZGpCF2EFj4D8WfZUPbd-1n0EG4J1o2Ly5srKpR29D7VYUexKoQ_g1M0KakYGCARGcACIPnr1K8sst5MfR-5KCh1D-js6xPcOHY5t3e217X0hgZTc4KIo59uKRjG235azszLjZwLub8SZ/s400/DSCN2382.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUBAZVFjN32Gn4ZnQgOm7lKkDH5Z2rABs6B4DFkm69gWerOrVbOtSZ3ASmL_ARahQTuJdsM_qfkf4aJoXE0i3Vby4VUGg4PWBvShpSzkDxUL8GtSLuzlcjEZMXa85mjkgwFnPEx19R_9f/s1600/DSCN2345.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682454403290694146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUBAZVFjN32Gn4ZnQgOm7lKkDH5Z2rABs6B4DFkm69gWerOrVbOtSZ3ASmL_ARahQTuJdsM_qfkf4aJoXE0i3Vby4VUGg4PWBvShpSzkDxUL8GtSLuzlcjEZMXa85mjkgwFnPEx19R_9f/s400/DSCN2345.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3kmM-9VRAZE3Z2mQtXcH5uPvG2XJEc0wTTic6Vnl8pMQomhAk8s1ZdS0uV-KSpMECA4H4CSnBt2ExND8fV-79WsIHaHuDaemdOloQ_JESpwh4ZduavpWjRUxmAoPOxPprd2zKNgaDgEqC/s1600/DSCN2347.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682454397769976530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3kmM-9VRAZE3Z2mQtXcH5uPvG2XJEc0wTTic6Vnl8pMQomhAk8s1ZdS0uV-KSpMECA4H4CSnBt2ExND8fV-79WsIHaHuDaemdOloQ_JESpwh4ZduavpWjRUxmAoPOxPprd2zKNgaDgEqC/s400/DSCN2347.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div><div>My dad's favorite is Spaghetti Vongole, or clam spaghetti with a white wine sauce. </div><div></div><div>Happy Eating,</div><div>Emi</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562707181945666407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369787888286949300.post-77390255521833065252012-01-25T07:36:00.000-08:002012-01-25T07:36:00.445-08:00Split, Croatia - The end is near<div><div>Our cruise was nearly coming to a close as we sailed into Split, Croatia. It was probably the best way to nudge us out of our dream vacation state, as the weather in Split was the hottest and most humid of the whole trip. We came into port early in the morning, and already it was nearly 90 degrees and nearly the same percent humidity. <br />
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We have heard rave reviews of Croatia. We know it is some people's favorite country. Whether it was the heat, the dread of going back to work, or the city itself, we sadly did not fall in love with Croatia. However, looking back at our photos and reminiscing, there were some really nice highlights that still made the day memorable. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3IW8FSSI2HUzNOMx8JTWxGkrWHzsm8qewGbi7PzOugDM8Oxa91XBpdUrdNzSF9OH3dx-RRGuDWV0VQs21C_oHzCPA2_TPId3AVRRYu4DlU2S8egQtaBx4GpLOXy2DKScEHg4Q5v4jsNx0/s1600/DSCN2255.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682453800176338770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3IW8FSSI2HUzNOMx8JTWxGkrWHzsm8qewGbi7PzOugDM8Oxa91XBpdUrdNzSF9OH3dx-RRGuDWV0VQs21C_oHzCPA2_TPId3AVRRYu4DlU2S8egQtaBx4GpLOXy2DKScEHg4Q5v4jsNx0/s400/DSCN2255.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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We spent some time walking around the city and shopping at the local outdoor market. I loved the vats of dried dates and figs, all emitting a sweet aroma in the humid air. While our farmer's markets in the States are amazing, there is really nothing like the markets of Europe, especially the Mediterranean. You can't beat the natural abundance of the local produce and eats of this incredible region. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHT2RA-4oUwIypf3zkb7bDIjK4FXkGz3j9Ioj5gbwKGaKqi-Ud1oFEEclq3CJK-d04hep_ZpRav-NpHeKMISH58QNw24CFAYLpJrZBWeVbe5x4y5LrEG7zTEADZ3boLCSZ1jAUknTbtEK2/s1600/IMG_2624.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682453785187579186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHT2RA-4oUwIypf3zkb7bDIjK4FXkGz3j9Ioj5gbwKGaKqi-Ud1oFEEclq3CJK-d04hep_ZpRav-NpHeKMISH58QNw24CFAYLpJrZBWeVbe5x4y5LrEG7zTEADZ3boLCSZ1jAUknTbtEK2/s400/IMG_2624.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKnZy4E2WeG4HApgZlbpc-5w3onc7P-p3RaavcqDVFueQoPCoAaXbio9_vbzZ4aQS7SWP_LAOisD3SyXY2xRdDcN0XiM6rg7gvOElMK0HJVuXM1IaNqjs1Kx6KRK9h7R6-hoVF7C6Iswq/s1600/IMG_2627.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682453779872682594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKnZy4E2WeG4HApgZlbpc-5w3onc7P-p3RaavcqDVFueQoPCoAaXbio9_vbzZ4aQS7SWP_LAOisD3SyXY2xRdDcN0XiM6rg7gvOElMK0HJVuXM1IaNqjs1Kx6KRK9h7R6-hoVF7C6Iswq/s400/IMG_2627.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpxMzVV4iZu24ouKF6vx2ccIFMVPVk9Bi3NfgCYrvZkmG4yz5DhWoxbWMOSPl55fxiTy1IIKWtPeYJg8UIeAZWTwLE_EqKZJ0jT1fDY63-4hfjy14panOn2G7tHnQuj0gUzCNzTslaUdI/s1600/IMG_2628.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682453292448747074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpxMzVV4iZu24ouKF6vx2ccIFMVPVk9Bi3NfgCYrvZkmG4yz5DhWoxbWMOSPl55fxiTy1IIKWtPeYJg8UIeAZWTwLE_EqKZJ0jT1fDY63-4hfjy14panOn2G7tHnQuj0gUzCNzTslaUdI/s400/IMG_2628.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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It was so hot that Kyle and I stopped five times (not exaggerating here!) in about six hours for some type of drink or food. We were really just looking for an excuse to cool down.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9eQTWL17EwAxjtSIWUCKoabxFn6wMXMAYQnsjJeyJQ9AP9kh2DKAYA2W0y0Ij_zUHG9vqMS1OToKB8R_p4Lbsq_UK2L10kbUhgGy2oLpj8HK1T2VRsloAvoQC3NYkEBIl8T-jdcsaUuT/s1600/IMG_2643.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682453263350907218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9eQTWL17EwAxjtSIWUCKoabxFn6wMXMAYQnsjJeyJQ9AP9kh2DKAYA2W0y0Ij_zUHG9vqMS1OToKB8R_p4Lbsq_UK2L10kbUhgGy2oLpj8HK1T2VRsloAvoQC3NYkEBIl8T-jdcsaUuT/s400/IMG_2643.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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We first stopped into a little Croatian cafe for some breakfast. This was a breakfast for one person! It came with local Croatian cured meats, cheese, olives and tomatoes, an omelet, fresh baked bread, coffee and orange juice. <br />
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I notice that I wore a bathing suit that day under my clothes. It is kind of funny thinking back on this idea, because we quickly found out this was not the city to swim in. Although the water appeared crystal clear and blue, we couldn't help but notice the pungent stench of raw sewage that made us think they dump all our dumps from the ship into the port! Instead of going for a dip in the ocean, I opted to go back to the ship for some pool-time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFsHgJ4CyiyXfu89pYGsY7rwMMTC7-8pPBKGOUkDQgG5nRDQ6LZ0A_tE_JnTxrQrFZD0DA_y32z4oK9R3jX_IihtXB5C9NQG0Rc5NXewandazd7vyp17omfZmHFyEVuwg_CSO8N0-IC1O/s1600/IMG_2649.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682452557716141570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFsHgJ4CyiyXfu89pYGsY7rwMMTC7-8pPBKGOUkDQgG5nRDQ6LZ0A_tE_JnTxrQrFZD0DA_y32z4oK9R3jX_IihtXB5C9NQG0Rc5NXewandazd7vyp17omfZmHFyEVuwg_CSO8N0-IC1O/s400/IMG_2649.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" /></a><br />
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While we ate in the cafe, we saw dozens of tourists taking photos at this spot. So we decided to be followers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9IhOd-Mb6kn8SL6KoEqXBoyxxMgetuv7pafWAcBrYY0izfBZl58HzAfKXGB2DAEwcJMZOhSnYj7ihrFpcnJW_p3sxpxzLR7gb8M99rec-qOjXIb4g0xhaZDzHcDpmKik6hF7-39QQX5c/s1600/IMG_2695.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682452548847238082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9IhOd-Mb6kn8SL6KoEqXBoyxxMgetuv7pafWAcBrYY0izfBZl58HzAfKXGB2DAEwcJMZOhSnYj7ihrFpcnJW_p3sxpxzLR7gb8M99rec-qOjXIb4g0xhaZDzHcDpmKik6hF7-39QQX5c/s400/IMG_2695.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" /></a><br />
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After walking about 10 feet, we stopped yet again for some Croatian wine. It wasn't my favorite wine of the trip, but still satisfied us with a good cooling and relaxing effect. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1YuvJUhIo7fAqmuD7uJNBpeyIf2tcgZCJ_UXzvWWfjw3NaTBMAhD-IX_49-xa4I-MSois1zfF8snYHsn67WmkB_EX1BBGEtm1XxuaJNJs7hxBYbSV8n54BGOg-OtQANMiFLapsG9kgI1/s1600/IMG_2645.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682452540956333314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1YuvJUhIo7fAqmuD7uJNBpeyIf2tcgZCJ_UXzvWWfjw3NaTBMAhD-IX_49-xa4I-MSois1zfF8snYHsn67WmkB_EX1BBGEtm1XxuaJNJs7hxBYbSV8n54BGOg-OtQANMiFLapsG9kgI1/s400/IMG_2645.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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Kyle and I had some Croatian cash to burn, so we went to a local grocery store to spend it. We got a bunch of these packets of amazing spread for toast--it was similar to Nutella, but a little better because it had a wonderfully rich white chocolate hazelnut swirl. We packed it to bring home to our family. However, when I opened my luggage, I found the packets had exploded! So we now only have a photo memory of this delicious treat. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBOvMo3-2TufKG-c7imR7scRtACDyqSVPtKzX1LpctkG20WkLl93E9ELJEkmkdD_5rqc91n3EfetUSnyalG6CLpA_BItstPNWz7hMnecdbVsbYxZhbek1Wp8DB8hH1BBKJB2E-Pp25x-b/s1600/IMG_2702.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682452534622755810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBOvMo3-2TufKG-c7imR7scRtACDyqSVPtKzX1LpctkG20WkLl93E9ELJEkmkdD_5rqc91n3EfetUSnyalG6CLpA_BItstPNWz7hMnecdbVsbYxZhbek1Wp8DB8hH1BBKJB2E-Pp25x-b/s400/IMG_2702.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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In addition to the Nutella spin-off, we got a couple Croatian beers and sat on the dock, watching sweaty tourists walk by. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuTvLa4xA3zzN_Vxulyny8dUT0yPSyybKS7SPTYZsQx0r646GbVBmXsQ5rY6PZFTK6zvda_6uM7XAVCTZZTPt2GJwfo4GLR7mIRl0_iiOzuxSBaPhe5_BqKNChM2zih9j3YMBEtzxRGwf/s1600/IMG_2705.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682452525842975826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuTvLa4xA3zzN_Vxulyny8dUT0yPSyybKS7SPTYZsQx0r646GbVBmXsQ5rY6PZFTK6zvda_6uM7XAVCTZZTPt2GJwfo4GLR7mIRl0_iiOzuxSBaPhe5_BqKNChM2zih9j3YMBEtzxRGwf/s400/IMG_2705.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" /></a><br />
<div> </div><div> </div><div>Happy Eating,</div><div>Emi</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562707181945666407noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369787888286949300.post-61624897880710081192012-01-23T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-23T09:00:03.290-08:00Mykonos - A day at Paradise Beach<div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylLzBl8yExxga0lI2qfyMlAmZP7to_N4ZhfESPFKy3agd7dD0J3HIZvRhUfGPpMumNt4uJJWseg6VF-eifan_WuWHQTs25cF3HKds4LaPlGxerlEBrBYtnbcFs2F8iI2nnROctjInnCAI/s1600/IMG_1765.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682449549142923154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylLzBl8yExxga0lI2qfyMlAmZP7to_N4ZhfESPFKy3agd7dD0J3HIZvRhUfGPpMumNt4uJJWseg6VF-eifan_WuWHQTs25cF3HKds4LaPlGxerlEBrBYtnbcFs2F8iI2nnROctjInnCAI/s400/IMG_1765.JPG" /></a></div><div>Mykonos, beautiful Mykonos. Another memorable Greek Island that Emi and I decided while enjoying a beer on the beach, we had to return to. We found out that Mykonos was the party island. Every night the beaches turn into massive outdoor disco parties. During the day those same beaches are the perfect place to relax and work on your tan.</div><div><br /><iframe height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/97Jt9NvzYIw" frameborder="0" width="560" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><br />As soon as we got off the boat I wanted to take in the scenery and grab a coffee to get us ready for the day. A word of warning for those who have never been to Mykonos. The streets are confusing and it's impossible to hail a cab. Primarily because there aren't many, but everyone takes the public bus. Either sign up for a cruise ship organized bus (you'll pay more, but won't have to worry about getting to the beach) or take the public bus which is cheap and will take you to beaches the cruise ships won't take you.<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitGQ0J64cvMrRGDFueRWdT6nUAO1VuuYfUQoHhQ7AepjOTsy_TbGR6Ote-WV-YwVjcP6AIQeD1TTyO-Fw9RGs-qgHQhYQzXlFny7ZMjc3LJKiYW4WP3g4SrVe5zJpLbzyu5EUALLolkE9Q/s1600/IMG_1739.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682449543664214802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitGQ0J64cvMrRGDFueRWdT6nUAO1VuuYfUQoHhQ7AepjOTsy_TbGR6Ote-WV-YwVjcP6AIQeD1TTyO-Fw9RGs-qgHQhYQzXlFny7ZMjc3LJKiYW4WP3g4SrVe5zJpLbzyu5EUALLolkE9Q/s400/IMG_1739.JPG" /></a>Reflecting on life.<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-jYV9A3S8zBTVh0nrdcbAFYRTPbwXNff4uSNYoDGSR-oLvzxhDTOo3zhORK54l1WMK1-efUJNo-sIY7kREyn71PtwrY4N-A5dpm6I-Lyk8trvywqMCdzHF7j9kRUCl7RKMbQi6vgysbz/s1600/IMG_1753.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682449327862121618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-jYV9A3S8zBTVh0nrdcbAFYRTPbwXNff4uSNYoDGSR-oLvzxhDTOo3zhORK54l1WMK1-efUJNo-sIY7kREyn71PtwrY4N-A5dpm6I-Lyk8trvywqMCdzHF7j9kRUCl7RKMbQi6vgysbz/s400/IMG_1753.JPG" /></a>Paradise Beach. A little windy, but because the sand was a little coarse it didn't blow up into your face or more importantly your food. They had a little food court connected to the beach where we bought our lunch.<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgH9nGWoHczk1DTTi6_ZTIsKzqUPa7W0T8hBmZqpZHfBWwXaRDPrpygjluEJvsHOduHqs1LXDdQ9v7ND3JUZ4GqGcUwdJhopRPjgJgLBRiBffM6u1Z8KNNaztBvJUkCPvkdcA1j2LYPHsU/s1600/IMG_1741.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682449317663331906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgH9nGWoHczk1DTTi6_ZTIsKzqUPa7W0T8hBmZqpZHfBWwXaRDPrpygjluEJvsHOduHqs1LXDdQ9v7ND3JUZ4GqGcUwdJhopRPjgJgLBRiBffM6u1Z8KNNaztBvJUkCPvkdcA1j2LYPHsU/s400/IMG_1741.JPG" /></a>Chicken gyro plate with pita. tzasiki, tomatoes, cumcumbers, and french fries.<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFBeLYEfDyhkI3lRSQwYu6Be-PKbKFQtT2Ec0NfUN2ThtximBTz8UjG4Byz7gUX3Qqpru0TADZe8Qu2re7JcJqVANyvNXCpMVGzREh3IjbP8iapsT_j698IMT8Bx8GpLOjfEquaLm1FOC/s1600/IMG_1742.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682449311376932978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFBeLYEfDyhkI3lRSQwYu6Be-PKbKFQtT2Ec0NfUN2ThtximBTz8UjG4Byz7gUX3Qqpru0TADZe8Qu2re7JcJqVANyvNXCpMVGzREh3IjbP8iapsT_j698IMT8Bx8GpLOjfEquaLm1FOC/s400/IMG_1742.JPG" /></a>Make sure to grab a Mythos when you hang out on the beach in Greece.<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOdwhoDHS9Fn-TlPxIptDu-zhckmfOlVEQ4AEtxvd4v-EJoA_DmIFZzdSboKPdQ8Zr_12GMwh4EYwHnJO1FW18HKpkM-Q2lFS9ov5sbvVJc4zZ6kGJCwN_UCGdV4_3IjldW8_uHlvnNKX/s1600/IMG_1758.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682449306414116898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOdwhoDHS9Fn-TlPxIptDu-zhckmfOlVEQ4AEtxvd4v-EJoA_DmIFZzdSboKPdQ8Zr_12GMwh4EYwHnJO1FW18HKpkM-Q2lFS9ov5sbvVJc4zZ6kGJCwN_UCGdV4_3IjldW8_uHlvnNKX/s400/IMG_1758.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div>One of Emi's favorite snacks of the trip. Olive Oil Lay's chips. They tasted like olive oil, really good.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1QcxMk3I8mCNeT5DPlBLsfrhyphenhyphenirqT1faqguo8kdZGTioORzivDHi6kQKaJvIEbu-9ktt6hsFphPcbwZp_4dR8TL1TBXocizu0wRWUQXPGc3pf2UrZmJPZtxp3KJ3vPi0rGO2Szobo2cB/s1600/IMG_2612.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682449302322439682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1QcxMk3I8mCNeT5DPlBLsfrhyphenhyphenirqT1faqguo8kdZGTioORzivDHi6kQKaJvIEbu-9ktt6hsFphPcbwZp_4dR8TL1TBXocizu0wRWUQXPGc3pf2UrZmJPZtxp3KJ3vPi0rGO2Szobo2cB/s400/IMG_2612.JPG" /></a>A beautiful day, followed by a beautiful sunset off of the ship. Mykonos was amazing and somewhere we hope to return to soon.</div><div> </div><div>- Kyle<br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562707181945666407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369787888286949300.post-16856198369589391332012-01-20T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-20T12:09:08.985-08:00Santo Winery - Beautiful Santorini, Greece<div><div><div>The primary reason we wanted to make this trip was to visit Greece and more specifically the beautiful island of Santorini. We have heard stories and seen amazing photos from friends and family who have made the trip. Every time I see photos of Santorini I can't believe how beautiful the island truly is. What was even more amazing was that seeing it and experiencing Santorini in person was even better!</div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9L0Qe8nTBKEuGWZ4iWM6BXj10QZ6zFNPNzuCXljQ_oX7mLtwH_wHDDrUejQ5CtbKqNtOg2uzamj98cDD1QRST6J3E7_UPyqPlZmfLdffW-UHuRzrjVEWdv0por5MZZmI7QDJ6sHd1tn3/s1600/IMG_2492.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682054534638639154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9L0Qe8nTBKEuGWZ4iWM6BXj10QZ6zFNPNzuCXljQ_oX7mLtwH_wHDDrUejQ5CtbKqNtOg2uzamj98cDD1QRST6J3E7_UPyqPlZmfLdffW-UHuRzrjVEWdv0por5MZZmI7QDJ6sHd1tn3/s400/IMG_2492.JPG" /></a>We took a bus tour through Santorini and the best stop of the tour, although too short, was a visit to Santo Winery. The tour was literally ten minutes, with a mad dash to consume wine and mezes in the remaining 20 minutes before the bus took us to our next location. I would have been completely OK with the tour cutting a stop or two so we could have spent more time here.<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcoD0oMSXddRbEYA3QdqtN7OQ3giftquj0TFTnXI4Z6mOyNz8eQIQPsmqyRYBFEm4GTlcZcMok3ZixBT-Rf7x4C6QikAmhptmEn8XIePE3lHDzUwnXsI-BdZbXUWgmF4hM_YqHTiRY-Sm8/s1600/IMG_2497.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682054524254574898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcoD0oMSXddRbEYA3QdqtN7OQ3giftquj0TFTnXI4Z6mOyNz8eQIQPsmqyRYBFEm4GTlcZcMok3ZixBT-Rf7x4C6QikAmhptmEn8XIePE3lHDzUwnXsI-BdZbXUWgmF4hM_YqHTiRY-Sm8/s400/IMG_2497.JPG" /></a>The winery we popped in and out of, before running to tasting area, which was located on a cliff overlooking the sea below. They served us with olives, fresh tomatoes, cheese, and bread to go with our wine.<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6GwbV3x4Q9wLFoh9BK5EXWjFC-4rX68KAb46aCb39ADK7Wgo1_rdzRVrOKIlnTi5rsUUdb-yQG5LpU4f6l7q-wYI7yt1rON1Em_Ksb5gKoK0mJVhxvo2IB-svunBilRtatfV3-AIPcFUx/s1600/IMG_2499.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682054301671383330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6GwbV3x4Q9wLFoh9BK5EXWjFC-4rX68KAb46aCb39ADK7Wgo1_rdzRVrOKIlnTi5rsUUdb-yQG5LpU4f6l7q-wYI7yt1rON1Em_Ksb5gKoK0mJVhxvo2IB-svunBilRtatfV3-AIPcFUx/s400/IMG_2499.JPG" /></a>The island of Santorini was very windy, so we learned the grapes cannot grow as you might expect in the US. Instead they have figured out how to grow the plants in coils with the grapes growing within the leaves in the center protected from the wind.<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00_vOZt0jNVWz960fFHQ7big8K9cuUPIpVm2zT4zH98FYxnTgodswZPvobUcxyOWccqefYZKU_eiMXBtLj7fcFcKg_4YM1j-drhyphenhyphenYUQKEpA6zia5fAMKp2uAglJWt41x-1Y27D_jTD-2S/s1600/IMG_2493.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682054291760049074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00_vOZt0jNVWz960fFHQ7big8K9cuUPIpVm2zT4zH98FYxnTgodswZPvobUcxyOWccqefYZKU_eiMXBtLj7fcFcKg_4YM1j-drhyphenhyphenYUQKEpA6zia5fAMKp2uAglJWt41x-1Y27D_jTD-2S/s400/IMG_2493.JPG" /></a>Santo Winery had three wines for us to enjoy and with unlimited tastings, we definitely went back for seconds, thirds, maybe more, but who was counting. It was hot and I needed something to quench my thirst. The Nykteri white wine was our favorite, but they also had a red and a sweet port like wine. The red was a little weak and the port was obviously too sweet to consume in large quantities so after trying both we stuck with the white.<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSJYD8_-KMvQKm-RyJDPa1giRcImgwnuGxtTaBWrz5nJ_Zfq4sTlFfpVvdYVRfy-hyqizywHv2-RxF4K59Y90Ey0r5br1cEXPA34z8aQ7ErhgZiIo8neTzD0gMlzXHld9Kl2q8Z27pKrp/s1600/IMG_2494.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 267px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682054280537567458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSJYD8_-KMvQKm-RyJDPa1giRcImgwnuGxtTaBWrz5nJ_Zfq4sTlFfpVvdYVRfy-hyqizywHv2-RxF4K59Y90Ey0r5br1cEXPA34z8aQ7ErhgZiIo8neTzD0gMlzXHld9Kl2q8Z27pKrp/s400/IMG_2494.JPG" /></a>Emi with her Santo Winery red.<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzm2I7BHB2oNbXresrPupoDSJdSPOTw945OEw8wHzisE8EjrScKa_EZq6dME2EGm1SMIaOfTCs0m4JVc7uTrJplD82jQ-Cz_xS7ijcTG0XHwB1j-Vk1DGSbLtmirXbKEtqw1k864TOnrt/s1600/IMG_2495.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682054273871407330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzm2I7BHB2oNbXresrPupoDSJdSPOTw945OEw8wHzisE8EjrScKa_EZq6dME2EGm1SMIaOfTCs0m4JVc7uTrJplD82jQ-Cz_xS7ijcTG0XHwB1j-Vk1DGSbLtmirXbKEtqw1k864TOnrt/s400/IMG_2495.JPG" /></a>The view from the wine tasting terrace.<br /><div align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5XLwpW0sOzhGn0GR_5EIXMpYT5lJNjFfw5k3-cLkHogAyOVZ3-5zMQqX6N9ZodeXYI-TLfhakAkMuaRJTeHt7bu8_CVtX19TF8REIvCI2tsN8sg7gdgM-zFFE3rKRR_Tmo_v5iM_9JrD/s1600/DSCN2094.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682054266580158994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5XLwpW0sOzhGn0GR_5EIXMpYT5lJNjFfw5k3-cLkHogAyOVZ3-5zMQqX6N9ZodeXYI-TLfhakAkMuaRJTeHt7bu8_CVtX19TF8REIvCI2tsN8sg7gdgM-zFFE3rKRR_Tmo_v5iM_9JrD/s400/DSCN2094.JPG" /></a>Good wine, with a better view. I think if we had by chance purchased a bottle of their wine in a random grocery store we would have had a completely different impression of the wine. However with the perfect weather and eye opening, scenic views Santorini had to offer this was the perfect wine for the perfect day!</div><div> </div><div>- Kyle<br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562707181945666407noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369787888286949300.post-86453515597137390842012-01-15T15:54:00.000-08:002012-01-15T22:55:13.374-08:00The Tale of the 20 BarbouniKyle and I took a long break from blogging...partly because it was too depressing to look at photos of the beautiful Mediterranean when outside our window was the typical Northwest rain and clouds of winter. Partly because we got some exciting news in September...we are expecting our first child this coming June! The combination of exciting news, the holidays, and my lack of appetite (which has FINALLY started to come back, thank goodness--it's hard to blog about food when you aren't hungry!); all of these factors made for an easy excuse to get away from blogging.<br /><br />So we pick up from where we last left you...onto our favorite stop of the whole trip, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Santorini</span>, Greece.<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2tdAqOrFnkb3IdftwZgx2qyPXJWltA8C82nKxq0GeGVEokqo8Fb8rIx_07ab7zkLCJ3NWpj7YNeN1tuV0ilbDTO8dooNspGtxL-FXaMAVNqO3M5FRNHknKfLPYcZ8_gQ1kMEVN5JSYv3/s1600/DSCF2012mod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682059727583916402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2tdAqOrFnkb3IdftwZgx2qyPXJWltA8C82nKxq0GeGVEokqo8Fb8rIx_07ab7zkLCJ3NWpj7YNeN1tuV0ilbDTO8dooNspGtxL-FXaMAVNqO3M5FRNHknKfLPYcZ8_gQ1kMEVN5JSYv3/s400/DSCF2012mod.jpg" /></a></p><p> </p><p><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Santorini</span> is everything you imagine and more based off of the classic picturesque photos you might see in Greek restaurants. When we sailed into port, the sun was beginning to rise on this magical island, a good omen for the day ahead.</p><p> </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-ZrdNE_Cet0_UbdMiC080NM7CHeoXCqO3ZYCZ-zbvXJ8RIgg-k2rtUygE5h1IOFNhUFDTtkCYPDrqquDa-adwvbqMK9f6nFPKuuKCmgHjiVSpFAW-MpAx3cifxvN6dgsbptdMCZoZe2x/s1600/IMG_2459.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682056727711873778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-ZrdNE_Cet0_UbdMiC080NM7CHeoXCqO3ZYCZ-zbvXJ8RIgg-k2rtUygE5h1IOFNhUFDTtkCYPDrqquDa-adwvbqMK9f6nFPKuuKCmgHjiVSpFAW-MpAx3cifxvN6dgsbptdMCZoZe2x/s400/IMG_2459.JPG" /></a></p><br /><br />The whole group booked an excursion together that took us through the old town of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Oia</span>, off to a local winery, then dropped us off at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Fira</span> on the opposite end of the island. For anyone interested in doing our cruise in the future, I don't think this expensive excursion is worth it. You can easily get onto the island via a gondola, walking up a steep path or a donkey (!). Save your money for some <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">barbouni</span>...story to follow.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-ZrdNE_Cet0_UbdMiC080NM7CHeoXCqO3ZYCZ-zbvXJ8RIgg-k2rtUygE5h1IOFNhUFDTtkCYPDrqquDa-adwvbqMK9f6nFPKuuKCmgHjiVSpFAW-MpAx3cifxvN6dgsbptdMCZoZe2x/s1600/IMG_2459.JPG"><br /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBksU8jyfkKOmK2dhDNKd9pGGIKmpsiAsg8ecCEBkXb2EQybllNv4_E0K9-G6dT6KbBxlV1QNOYVVuZInfYCKywOqwxoYsQ9M-IrtBccrOQOSHfD8GHi6VRzIs9npszwFEMa5rGJ3oF7LA/s1600/IMG_2505.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 267px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682056724833891346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBksU8jyfkKOmK2dhDNKd9pGGIKmpsiAsg8ecCEBkXb2EQybllNv4_E0K9-G6dT6KbBxlV1QNOYVVuZInfYCKywOqwxoYsQ9M-IrtBccrOQOSHfD8GHi6VRzIs9npszwFEMa5rGJ3oF7LA/s400/IMG_2505.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div>The excursion started at 7AM and went until 11AM...just in time for lunch! I'm so glad Kyle took a photo of the restaurant our group found, because finding it again would be a true treasure hunt. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy6P2Zi-0JepOXf7dO57xsvogMnFP3Z0ekgNqkqLyWRrXjn39n39nxoEw_42pSPm_PoOGsoMaTkq8fhsKV0V9zkwVDEHJwOkFU1Ka7laSrNy6DNMPdlfji0GlG_Csmy1qLn-0M9Blbm567/s1600/DSCF2039mod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682059152723222018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy6P2Zi-0JepOXf7dO57xsvogMnFP3Z0ekgNqkqLyWRrXjn39n39nxoEw_42pSPm_PoOGsoMaTkq8fhsKV0V9zkwVDEHJwOkFU1Ka7laSrNy6DNMPdlfji0GlG_Csmy1qLn-0M9Blbm567/s400/DSCF2039mod.jpg" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>We wanted local Greek seafood and a good view-- this was the perfect find. My mother in law asked that we all wear white to match the white buildings, hence the matching outfits. </div><div><br /> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijv73GY6sKmyUULNfmSyG0aLMR4jJ5uK13i02rdjDVFhRDJJw0cq_Fd3ggALRWPibqQrQAj1ZoXFkXHbYh8s24mEbeL6R3OAOsZ551N56c9pORHreiQPLh_C730xwHVGhxgl1CZ1M9DE_w/s1600/IMG_2511.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 267px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682056092137643986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijv73GY6sKmyUULNfmSyG0aLMR4jJ5uK13i02rdjDVFhRDJJw0cq_Fd3ggALRWPibqQrQAj1ZoXFkXHbYh8s24mEbeL6R3OAOsZ551N56c9pORHreiQPLh_C730xwHVGhxgl1CZ1M9DE_w/s400/IMG_2511.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div>We ordered a couple bottles of wine from the winery we visited earlier, including a bottle of retsina, a must-drink while in Greece.</div><div> </div><div>Retsina is a wine special to Greece. Supposedly before impermeable glass bottles, oxygen would get into the wine and it would spoil within a year. To combat spoilage, the Greeks would seal the bottles with pine resin. The resin added a unique <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">piney</span> flavor to the wine. Even with today's glass bottles, the practice has continued in this region. Sort of like a gin wine with the pine taste.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWd3IHR5ytWDtf2FvXPhiIg72sXGi55T8gWVWXIGvB5YZqMB8wolTMl0CNglvwLY2e0DDdLeXx_qioVr5uWxKdvhfv0lZpEUo5jA3fnKqMD5kPvcFkD_EtayecsT8mN3es1CtNH_KlD7mh/s1600/IMG_2510.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 267px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682056089510440450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWd3IHR5ytWDtf2FvXPhiIg72sXGi55T8gWVWXIGvB5YZqMB8wolTMl0CNglvwLY2e0DDdLeXx_qioVr5uWxKdvhfv0lZpEUo5jA3fnKqMD5kPvcFkD_EtayecsT8mN3es1CtNH_KlD7mh/s400/IMG_2510.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div>Whetting our appetites. We let my dad do the ordering since he spent several months in Greece back in his 20s. He ordered all the classics, like <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">mousaka</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">mezes</span>, Greek salad, grilled octopus, and a local fish he loves...<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">barbouni</span>, a red mullet type of fish. We asked for enough <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">barbouni</span> so about 5 of us could sample it, about 5 fish total. Unfortunately, it looks like although this is a touristy town, English is definitely their second language. </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49CFsk5A84R-ktS8rW1X6XRvip8M-ohMVFVP-GaULAv4Lq11IjWXuz83CvWEWKUexmViA0ykQ1NQJm4AKU4bEMW5zz-DeqeWK0dhcA5HkVYyqqM-_uBtJJBUvAl8a6xe3mUkmlXCsCaWx/s1600/IMG_2513.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 267px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682056075890030946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49CFsk5A84R-ktS8rW1X6XRvip8M-ohMVFVP-GaULAv4Lq11IjWXuz83CvWEWKUexmViA0ykQ1NQJm4AKU4bEMW5zz-DeqeWK0dhcA5HkVYyqqM-_uBtJJBUvAl8a6xe3mUkmlXCsCaWx/s400/IMG_2513.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div>We started with some amazing <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">mezes</span> that we slathered onto fresh Greek bread.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfLN_jfCeDeg9ekDmWpxWeglf9tCGJgtxlYlQxJeecbqEXYyFh5cvDGyvia54ahF85KVr816hZa5wVBv7_jc1hIrArDA0tlu1tRZZeVFNaKTzLqdrBLnkIJyiZoEGlcAbM0c34-xi6FAA/s1600/IMG_2516.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682056072490639074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfLN_jfCeDeg9ekDmWpxWeglf9tCGJgtxlYlQxJeecbqEXYyFh5cvDGyvia54ahF85KVr816hZa5wVBv7_jc1hIrArDA0tlu1tRZZeVFNaKTzLqdrBLnkIJyiZoEGlcAbM0c34-xi6FAA/s400/IMG_2516.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div>My favorite was the smooth, creamy, delicious <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">fava</span> bean puree. We tried to recreate it in Seattle, but the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">fava</span> beans here make a chunkier puree that is not nearly as creamy as this creation.</div><div><br /> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLadP4wJgQv55glmyDu6bQXQQNW2Lso2U5WnQ5__ZM1bXKFeM6zPJJSgV8sq5VTX_9vif9sfxWZ6IcTMLjhfeBxJLIh4AcDbVY4C81-9SL_o40R_jRE4HcJAqhrB-U0lABhPvlTWkp3Gkc/s1600/IMG_2514.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682056063463859090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLadP4wJgQv55glmyDu6bQXQQNW2Lso2U5WnQ5__ZM1bXKFeM6zPJJSgV8sq5VTX_9vif9sfxWZ6IcTMLjhfeBxJLIh4AcDbVY4C81-9SL_o40R_jRE4HcJAqhrB-U0lABhPvlTWkp3Gkc/s400/IMG_2514.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Next, it was a classic Greek salad. The feta in Greece is absolutely the best, making it impossible to go back to those crappy plastic tubs of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">pre</span>-crumbled rubber feta back in the States. </div><div><br /> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbkLesRuoSWvNt09Y4_hnRPdY9iX2fo0dU54UPBSIgnOuBifPoI1sHUwdxsQzvKr8nKHqR2el2Yjq6FsmaBuxlx_sD-uRG3O0ijvnzaDBo9pjCUOkfq7nX-bPdih4VmimKNrJs8C87vlYe/s1600/IMG_2515.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682055415655487922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbkLesRuoSWvNt09Y4_hnRPdY9iX2fo0dU54UPBSIgnOuBifPoI1sHUwdxsQzvKr8nKHqR2el2Yjq6FsmaBuxlx_sD-uRG3O0ijvnzaDBo9pjCUOkfq7nX-bPdih4VmimKNrJs8C87vlYe/s400/IMG_2515.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>The best moussaka I've ever had. It came bubbling hot in this dish, looking like our own little pot of scrumptious gold. Hey, didn't we order <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">barbouni</span>?</div><div><br /> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgByaN1jDLS9X-F717ZLv3voS8r1ctP692GEHcyAoMSDJwOwOvaUST7uY8sBEOH3rmLkq7JzOP-V9L5nmiUPLFYwKNnXtLXRWWYYt5-ofdCktqihasjqgRbFm8Y6eff8GcChAzE6cDaLYZJ/s1600/IMG_2518.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682055404189974210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgByaN1jDLS9X-F717ZLv3voS8r1ctP692GEHcyAoMSDJwOwOvaUST7uY8sBEOH3rmLkq7JzOP-V9L5nmiUPLFYwKNnXtLXRWWYYt5-ofdCktqihasjqgRbFm8Y6eff8GcChAzE6cDaLYZJ/s400/IMG_2518.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>The grilled octopus was not quite as good as the grilled octopus we enjoyed in Montenegro, but still very delicious. We ordered two of the moussaka, dips, salads, and octopus for our table. We wanted to have enough for everyone so ordered two. After finishing our shares of the octopus, we were wondering if they forgot about our <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">barbouni</span>. We decided they must be fishing for it.</div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWA_EmW6TUdKfALFA7b7PJSOporRKbWWFBdDwGG212t0CapJmgNl1aSYnS36EgBfh0gDqodHM7Icl39V5yyKee9aNpZbAYDes09Rl_gJHjriaSWjlwS1VYXU7xUIHDJoFmK5byAoJoC-LF/s1600/DSCF2040mod.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682059158962754866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWA_EmW6TUdKfALFA7b7PJSOporRKbWWFBdDwGG212t0CapJmgNl1aSYnS36EgBfh0gDqodHM7Icl39V5yyKee9aNpZbAYDes09Rl_gJHjriaSWjlwS1VYXU7xUIHDJoFmK5byAoJoC-LF/s400/DSCF2040mod.jpg" /></a></div><div> </div><div>And just when we were starting to feel nice and full and were about to tell the waiters to hold the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">barbouni</span> order, they arrived. It took three waiters to carry out five plates that each contained four <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">barbouni</span>...yes, do the math, that's 20 little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">fishies</span> ready for us to devour. </div><div><br /> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvk-PRkbkuo5q7gagQ7MAm1Toveev-Gdht113boISQzI6bxfnHnzEh_pUdXxnTUdVN_8_DzXRsEUHYwcTW8MCrtTayVonzrapShV78D77BgdhEKisiB9bQWR6GrVd1WUf1Ky16dpSkQKBX/s1600/IMG_2520.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 267px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682055401852735266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvk-PRkbkuo5q7gagQ7MAm1Toveev-Gdht113boISQzI6bxfnHnzEh_pUdXxnTUdVN_8_DzXRsEUHYwcTW8MCrtTayVonzrapShV78D77BgdhEKisiB9bQWR6GrVd1WUf1Ky16dpSkQKBX/s400/IMG_2520.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>The fish were crispy on the outside and moist and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">flakey</span> on the inside. They had a perfect salty crust. If this had come earlier in the meal, I would have wiped out a whole plate on my own. But at this point, it was a chore to make it through one, let alone the THREE each person was tasked with eating!</div><div><br /><br /><iframe height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QN1ezqy1hlo" frameborder="0" width="560" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Kyle filmed this to capture the moment.</div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxi-utiLXmz1PCqUCBxWZFzrnimJGAZqGpFKXIm042avQau5KrcW0V08B1K2QBrMK4uS6rAkJRtQ-V2Vk5ItNPO7Tq3KrFaP47WgK84dFOnJpp8DLKWhNVgvIimy5qR5LLjEFbcdNDvzJ/s1600/IMG_2523.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 267px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682055393085546594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxi-utiLXmz1PCqUCBxWZFzrnimJGAZqGpFKXIm042avQau5KrcW0V08B1K2QBrMK4uS6rAkJRtQ-V2Vk5ItNPO7Tq3KrFaP47WgK84dFOnJpp8DLKWhNVgvIimy5qR5LLjEFbcdNDvzJ/s400/IMG_2523.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9z2TP7AD_hRwVNTtCPFAz-PDMU2bUqRTnHyCAgfB1rjsg1Q_iPuRkN4fTes5IgOovX3n8-RCZFYHYWeB9Ics0EkoICRLHahPgssodoY3xsQ94HirZqcoMeX5OxSv1WMoY8APGWgn3ziT/s1600/IMG_2526.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682055386842816786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9z2TP7AD_hRwVNTtCPFAz-PDMU2bUqRTnHyCAgfB1rjsg1Q_iPuRkN4fTes5IgOovX3n8-RCZFYHYWeB9Ics0EkoICRLHahPgssodoY3xsQ94HirZqcoMeX5OxSv1WMoY8APGWgn3ziT/s400/IMG_2526.JPG" /></a></div><div> </div><div>We did our best to get through the lot, but a couple extras had to be packed up for some stray cats we saw along the way home. This tale of Twenty <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">Barbouni</span> is now becoming a legend in our household. </div><div> </div><div>The next day, we docked in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mykonos</span>, and poor Kyle and Joyce were still <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">immersed</span> in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">barbouni</span> experience if you know what I mean. It was the gift that just kept on giving. </div><div> </div><div><strong><em>Happy Eating,</em></strong></div><div><strong><em><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error">Emi</span></em></strong></div></div></div></div></div>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562707181945666407noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369787888286949300.post-84922331043170048932011-12-07T09:00:00.000-08:002011-12-07T09:00:05.379-08:00Turkey Part 2: The Port of Bodrum<div><div>Our first stop in Turkey was in the city of Kusadasi. Although we enjoyed some nice experiences, overall we were not super impressed by Turkey. The street vendors were pushy and aggressive, the city was a little dirty (at least compared to the other ports we had visited), it was hard to find decent food, and overall we felt as if everyone was trying to take advantage of us.<br /><br /></div><div> </div><div>Bodrom, our second stop in Turkey on the other hand ended up being the exact opposite experience. Bodrum was a European "holiday" type of port where Kusadasi was more of an urban port. Instead of wandering the streets like we did in Kusadasi, we had previously signed up for a trip through the countryside of Bodrum.<br /><br /></div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqKsnTR2Gv9iIMSkRFq_M_Enmy3g82VPLMBFXumxP7zYG7ljvZZX1ODUgOmA9EA5AsAXO5mt7lJZO71WBcvctR2k-wySCtvJH0tiGv4EpYaCnx7ZOayEYUbvW8E9it_05uSM4taV86XEF/s1600/IMG_2384.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649851256558944354" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqKsnTR2Gv9iIMSkRFq_M_Enmy3g82VPLMBFXumxP7zYG7ljvZZX1ODUgOmA9EA5AsAXO5mt7lJZO71WBcvctR2k-wySCtvJH0tiGv4EpYaCnx7ZOayEYUbvW8E9it_05uSM4taV86XEF/s400/IMG_2384.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">We took a bus with a group of 30 others about an hour into the countryside of Bodrum. Highlights of the tour included a visit to a mosque and a meeting with a local family who showed us their handmade Turkish rugs. Although we went into the trip with no intentions of buying a Turkish rug, of course Emi was swayed and I had to lug one back home.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BcdgxpaU9u4?hl=en&fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" width="425"></iframe><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Prepping our Turkish snacks.</span><br /><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCfc-jRfdKk9Gg_GnJHHHezrjBpxkId28Zcu71PLliu3ZB1C8YFyXE4ftEQ8hyxNFimktMq25ysgQpCvYbinVdvwD_MfCzrOw0CBP35iXotpmOCuUl_0GiekMA6U12adGzK6wnRopdX3C/s1600/IMG_2386.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649851131915198418" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCfc-jRfdKk9Gg_GnJHHHezrjBpxkId28Zcu71PLliu3ZB1C8YFyXE4ftEQ8hyxNFimktMq25ysgQpCvYbinVdvwD_MfCzrOw0CBP35iXotpmOCuUl_0GiekMA6U12adGzK6wnRopdX3C/s400/IMG_2386.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">To butter us up they served us Turkish wine and a crepe like buttery cheese sandwich. They were served hot. The outside was buttery and flaky and the insides were filled with gooey, fresh goat cheese and other herbs, I think I noticed fresh dill, spinach, and parsley.</span> </div><br /><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GQrblrS7EQ2AmUjSCRYmvBxoYKLQJna-UDWYENWUTt47ajJkZ7WXyOPWPk1crcrbKe8NN0XRwRR_V01u9_Z_5IqiEmqed0nFc_CjJG_a8BTYOS3y-LByZeYZbaYXSqoBI1fC5ybXK_UO/s1600/IMG_2388.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649851126960965538" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GQrblrS7EQ2AmUjSCRYmvBxoYKLQJna-UDWYENWUTt47ajJkZ7WXyOPWPk1crcrbKe8NN0XRwRR_V01u9_Z_5IqiEmqed0nFc_CjJG_a8BTYOS3y-LByZeYZbaYXSqoBI1fC5ybXK_UO/s400/IMG_2388.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Salty, buttery, crispy, and cheesy. A great little snack.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">We didn't turn down seconds.</span> </div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZygilxyveAHUKDdHwokaB31u97onQO_oNZmK8d7bMym133Ofem-Gxgr38XNnq0__5qH3ym2TJEBgeA9gBO4sh496tPlkYzN4AI1B5qVP7fpcA2PqEW9DBxKWPjEGsHqPMxiogMOzeMcMz/s1600/IMG_2392.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649851117501446866" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZygilxyveAHUKDdHwokaB31u97onQO_oNZmK8d7bMym133Ofem-Gxgr38XNnq0__5qH3ym2TJEBgeA9gBO4sh496tPlkYzN4AI1B5qVP7fpcA2PqEW9DBxKWPjEGsHqPMxiogMOzeMcMz/s400/IMG_2392.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">After we had a few glasses of wine, some fresh, juicy fruit, and the pastries we were ready to shop. We spoke to a few other couples after we left the house and all of us had the same intentions, but those went out the door when the beautiful handmade rugs were laid in front of us.</span><br /></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1DdRm2lXF37QVQc6w7Jxu7MXp9bUofnqtDkSguohTSQnfO9TkWbVx6SpvebK7-CJ9cmITomei9CDeyH6MDWDSDDuVLzmHsOj6_V3LvJav731Tnf4RfxL8du2Z2j7TyW91KYrIA7Cj3xu6/s1600/IMG_2396.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649850596231197842" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1DdRm2lXF37QVQc6w7Jxu7MXp9bUofnqtDkSguohTSQnfO9TkWbVx6SpvebK7-CJ9cmITomei9CDeyH6MDWDSDDuVLzmHsOj6_V3LvJav731Tnf4RfxL8du2Z2j7TyW91KYrIA7Cj3xu6/s400/IMG_2396.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">After buying rugs, we were dropped off at a local market, where they had olives, olive oil, fresh fruits, and vegetables.</span><br /></div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vUxFKotqY_EGb4ZnhtjdQHWzdYE5Ao05pX2wzdi1vglm_Qc-NuwVmQnPJmnEBcFZ1_9qY-pYnDFX8TZYry1yz8lFN_mNM0GjUWAHjLl47G0cTidtoG0NGmlvJuKq1zXNxraI86OJ3riW/s1600/IMG_2394.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649850588696083426" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vUxFKotqY_EGb4ZnhtjdQHWzdYE5Ao05pX2wzdi1vglm_Qc-NuwVmQnPJmnEBcFZ1_9qY-pYnDFX8TZYry1yz8lFN_mNM0GjUWAHjLl47G0cTidtoG0NGmlvJuKq1zXNxraI86OJ3riW/s400/IMG_2394.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0v0OBW6mJBDCZZ0uQEJzeC9_RXXOBMf3GAzdG4I1pmgb5e0OBbyPawZgWjOvd06RwxT3ME9udzqp8GRWmH4rLCN9TsrRynuD_k9ZoK-l7V4kDYDXGaorAdml7NfMBSFu2ipH1VC4_rjUU/s1600/IMG_2402.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649850585601449698" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0v0OBW6mJBDCZZ0uQEJzeC9_RXXOBMf3GAzdG4I1pmgb5e0OBbyPawZgWjOvd06RwxT3ME9udzqp8GRWmH4rLCN9TsrRynuD_k9ZoK-l7V4kDYDXGaorAdml7NfMBSFu2ipH1VC4_rjUU/s400/IMG_2402.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbn64tJpevthPIKYFGu2G3tkqATYlK36Ip-Z_9PIQH8NrkkLLSsx0ckFtjoVwXbOzvt7nImTJieUBeToT8qWtdPRCss967p6QKZyj8SykzLKM56f0JpU-WuzTSX6SuGQ5mAoKBYgUsbxZz/s1600/IMG_2395.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649847336800769026" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbn64tJpevthPIKYFGu2G3tkqATYlK36Ip-Z_9PIQH8NrkkLLSsx0ckFtjoVwXbOzvt7nImTJieUBeToT8qWtdPRCss967p6QKZyj8SykzLKM56f0JpU-WuzTSX6SuGQ5mAoKBYgUsbxZz/s400/IMG_2395.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Turkish cheese<br /></span></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2Suvl4UWblaS8FWedUO_AssDotD0Q-7d_2_528II4OORiebNr9svsgUx6UN_UgDZwpZqpCtBUA3ZxRn_O68fadZC3QGKEfbaXCEg9NCWjOIvQdlr-WCRyXjhBL6Uek-12rYjDwVOmXsg/s1600/IMG_2399.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649847329345241026" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2Suvl4UWblaS8FWedUO_AssDotD0Q-7d_2_528II4OORiebNr9svsgUx6UN_UgDZwpZqpCtBUA3ZxRn_O68fadZC3QGKEfbaXCEg9NCWjOIvQdlr-WCRyXjhBL6Uek-12rYjDwVOmXsg/s400/IMG_2399.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">I was hungry again so ordered one of the crepe like sandwiches. To make the sandwich they took a layer of the dough off the mound and heated it up on a hot griddle and then filled it with all the goodness.</span><br /></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FRJjedodr_2dWwYrWswux3DfG4Y0ifEASiB7sXF9_zNRKzU6ODQCTd6l5nfnNTUXaLKrunTXzOHYHlrjp0pnBQOPq6-mfvOHpqdUdVw4DwgB31LkFZL0F-g-ughe5NF-cKBY0yOmb4Tx/s1600/IMG_2404.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649847327296288882" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FRJjedodr_2dWwYrWswux3DfG4Y0ifEASiB7sXF9_zNRKzU6ODQCTd6l5nfnNTUXaLKrunTXzOHYHlrjp0pnBQOPq6-mfvOHpqdUdVw4DwgB31LkFZL0F-g-ughe5NF-cKBY0yOmb4Tx/s400/IMG_2404.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">As you can see they also had some red chili flakes in their to add a little spice. After filling up we went to an authentic Turkish bathe and that was quite the experience. Besides picking up one of these wraps and a Turkish rug, you need to check out a Turkish bathe. A unique, fun, relaxing, out of this world experience that you can't pass up if you ever make it out to Turkey.</span><br /></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakNyOQKE3OPpWSzwSF4qHhTgoa7w_eBdDQdpYYGWDGxHzCIjsM-DOCgLZ-oWYzN9VGZt0CBUtC2Qbj1E22qDeGq33g7WfWuJ2DLhTMrrlfhZND-yI-hvvcbzqWhoObOWebU0o_QAgM937/s1600/IMG_2427.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649847316092695506" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakNyOQKE3OPpWSzwSF4qHhTgoa7w_eBdDQdpYYGWDGxHzCIjsM-DOCgLZ-oWYzN9VGZt0CBUtC2Qbj1E22qDeGq33g7WfWuJ2DLhTMrrlfhZND-yI-hvvcbzqWhoObOWebU0o_QAgM937/s400/IMG_2427.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">What a fun relaxing day we had. We even splurged at the bathes and added on an extra massage. We were re-energized with new memories and a relaxing spa experience and were ready to take on the rest of the cruise.</span> </div><br />- Kyle<br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562707181945666407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369787888286949300.post-24010181623140235342011-12-05T09:00:00.000-08:002011-12-05T09:00:05.389-08:00Kusadasi, Turkey Part 2: Hookah and a Turkish Lunch<div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LgT8HwZEzEiJQn6sEJsSrFt0diWEN7ibsnWwC4VEg24uRK50AW9VvO2MAWzqKTP7FcGDz9kEqVQomUpMUsCksmq9gv2Xc_haiy-5_cBGJs_j9vtDbI5gOmNhSM4IRd8Dz8YwMc4uKoX7/s1600/IMG_1692.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679874237359709442" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LgT8HwZEzEiJQn6sEJsSrFt0diWEN7ibsnWwC4VEg24uRK50AW9VvO2MAWzqKTP7FcGDz9kEqVQomUpMUsCksmq9gv2Xc_haiy-5_cBGJs_j9vtDbI5gOmNhSM4IRd8Dz8YwMc4uKoX7/s400/IMG_1692.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">After spending the morning with the locals in town, we decided we needed to hit up the beach. Getting there was a pain. The taxi driver ripped us off, the beach was super crowded and dirty, but after wading out into the clear, warm, blue Mediterranean, perspective came back real quick. A memory I'll have for the rest of my life. The experience reminded Emi and I how fortunate we truly are.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULM_P_uX0ayp-7Vlmu8R0dBelr1v1glswbgpXDlpOG5sAxD-vqhKjnnExlzEFx-mTisnOj9g2zjxndURjMsESu20Bk_TOBDSnc1Ly1wnATbekBhU9VlYCYm4EWZvk4D-hLUU0axSST77o/s1600/IMG_1704.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679874233600573602" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULM_P_uX0ayp-7Vlmu8R0dBelr1v1glswbgpXDlpOG5sAxD-vqhKjnnExlzEFx-mTisnOj9g2zjxndURjMsESu20Bk_TOBDSnc1Ly1wnATbekBhU9VlYCYm4EWZvk4D-hLUU0axSST77o/s400/IMG_1704.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">One of my top priorities going into this trip was to smoke hookah in Turkey. We found a nice beach side lounge and ordered an Effes beer and a hookah.</span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULM_P_uX0ayp-7Vlmu8R0dBelr1v1glswbgpXDlpOG5sAxD-vqhKjnnExlzEFx-mTisnOj9g2zjxndURjMsESu20Bk_TOBDSnc1Ly1wnATbekBhU9VlYCYm4EWZvk4D-hLUU0axSST77o/s1600/IMG_1704.JPG"><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ayWYbKiCLxo" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /></a><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Smooth, apple hookah. Also for those of you unfamiliar, it's perfectly legal. When you smoke hookah you smoke flavored, molasses flavored tobacco through a water pipe. Instead of a harsh smoke, you inhale a sweet (apple, mango, mint, lemon, caramel, etc) flavored tobacco.<br /><br />Honestly there is nothing more relaxing than having a view of the Mediterranean with a beer and hookah pipe in hand with no where to go.<br /></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XbdWU8RmjllH9o0DM8ednma5lQB7YKM_qqn6mss01z_h6aPTtf6rC08ITR4QUUi9FCi5ov42iQtZ2PBG24ecdUsbbR9jNO6UmCKbu56t-st0AlIYcn0CCi7E7HVgQ5c9dEPvORqoZ9IU/s1600/IMG_1718.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679873661368912306" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XbdWU8RmjllH9o0DM8ednma5lQB7YKM_qqn6mss01z_h6aPTtf6rC08ITR4QUUi9FCi5ov42iQtZ2PBG24ecdUsbbR9jNO6UmCKbu56t-st0AlIYcn0CCi7E7HVgQ5c9dEPvORqoZ9IU/s400/IMG_1718.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">All of that reflection and relaxing I was hungry. We headed back into town to pick up some Turkish food. I was a little disappointed by the availability of good Turkish food ( there was an abundance of burgers, pizza, and pasta), but we finally found a place that looked decent.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyz2kRNpGwkX8-87kcTwB3EDcIwQsoMPguB0Y7o2JZ6e6PmOyTfSOVGRtKehppq5qoDfR1TSbAJ2RQKu01bQJj1U1Y-PckcoqU4_pAuOMiDbgip9yr6VkuN7iSNeXrqVwcTB-jN0DNwcM/s1600/IMG_1719.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679873650033893042" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyz2kRNpGwkX8-87kcTwB3EDcIwQsoMPguB0Y7o2JZ6e6PmOyTfSOVGRtKehppq5qoDfR1TSbAJ2RQKu01bQJj1U1Y-PckcoqU4_pAuOMiDbgip9yr6VkuN7iSNeXrqVwcTB-jN0DNwcM/s400/IMG_1719.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">I started with their minestrone soup. I expected it to be thicker, but it was more of a broth with a slight lemon aftertaste. The soup was a nice, light, palette cleaner. Subtle and delicious, not like the overpowering Mediterranean food I had come to expect. </span><br /></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxi8WCVRcUk5aEQR7vGyybHYgslB-99GFJwnZJhPNtu4GNkLjjKZEmikG7S76zOVRHInWETRyR7JKkzlCEibDZAdTw3sBPC_HkZQee_2nPI4OVD8huBvILe6msO4d3bUrVWiva7403ObKo/s1600/IMG_1720.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679873638168356802" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxi8WCVRcUk5aEQR7vGyybHYgslB-99GFJwnZJhPNtu4GNkLjjKZEmikG7S76zOVRHInWETRyR7JKkzlCEibDZAdTw3sBPC_HkZQee_2nPI4OVD8huBvILe6msO4d3bUrVWiva7403ObKo/s400/IMG_1720.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Boom, straight into the gyro combo dish. The rice was cooked in some form of meat grease/broth which added a lot of flavor. The meat of course had all the spices we enjoyed throughout the trip which included lots of salt and garlic. They drizzled a tomato sauce on top of the meat and served the meat and rice with fresh tomatoes and a grilled pepper. Also what is a gyro dish without fries!</span><br /></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJcWHXKlFzPnKz8tX17GF2ieCoNMNKFXWz4iGLaok06aaZP9SPY2zXnduBxD_q5HmoCU8Eto5-b5mQXcaqK2hw-mJLlIeMqp48Vkl3cnlM_Fg-Tu3eHdBzu_UEK_0B83-Ps_8-JCmn1Oi/s1600/IMG_1721.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679873634164601698" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJcWHXKlFzPnKz8tX17GF2ieCoNMNKFXWz4iGLaok06aaZP9SPY2zXnduBxD_q5HmoCU8Eto5-b5mQXcaqK2hw-mJLlIeMqp48Vkl3cnlM_Fg-Tu3eHdBzu_UEK_0B83-Ps_8-JCmn1Oi/s400/IMG_1721.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Emi went a slightly different route with the meat skewers. All in all, a solid filling meal.</span><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRyo_nP6Usvg8WCSS79_aXqaLJ2oQfddFzfP1lYKeaG9dmHptVoiHHOLYwwev5O_qny-Wcdx5arLJ7brg1byfA4ffHHijwMV5rCVMTUuDvMmiOjoyMSWrDvHqGBrm30jIOkKMd7rgfICTb/s1600/IMG_2336.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679873363823544770" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRyo_nP6Usvg8WCSS79_aXqaLJ2oQfddFzfP1lYKeaG9dmHptVoiHHOLYwwev5O_qny-Wcdx5arLJ7brg1byfA4ffHHijwMV5rCVMTUuDvMmiOjoyMSWrDvHqGBrm30jIOkKMd7rgfICTb/s400/IMG_2336.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">mmm, my favorite, Turkish desserts. Crispy, light, honey soaked filo over stuffed pistachios and other nuts.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYOBWQ7m5FL3g_FXMDTL8d3dOwBOkLFxoqQSkrE2k5Eu2Pv_4U88LS6dGTFaxzJDb4pWNsTbTRblxHnYc83QKzzZeEUHP26lN7v4285nLZPqsfIoTyVDyt9KmocNKv0Yp9YYO6_r7A3pD/s1600/IMG_1726.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679873353610668466" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYOBWQ7m5FL3g_FXMDTL8d3dOwBOkLFxoqQSkrE2k5Eu2Pv_4U88LS6dGTFaxzJDb4pWNsTbTRblxHnYc83QKzzZeEUHP26lN7v4285nLZPqsfIoTyVDyt9KmocNKv0Yp9YYO6_r7A3pD/s400/IMG_1726.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFn-GR7DCCUe_YZ5RZc8tX0wH38h3KJqciSCbSIRlKfKp9f2OlLwDKte6V0HEkJDYAkyb7iBSFhhMd1tNbMYG4O-shxvMartrjBMFkv-3H3mEZ425ogiWGhX-Trmt_v53AnajL_fVbWVCr/s1600/IMG_1727.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679873346879699634" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFn-GR7DCCUe_YZ5RZc8tX0wH38h3KJqciSCbSIRlKfKp9f2OlLwDKte6V0HEkJDYAkyb7iBSFhhMd1tNbMYG4O-shxvMartrjBMFkv-3H3mEZ425ogiWGhX-Trmt_v53AnajL_fVbWVCr/s400/IMG_1727.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">We weren't done yet. Emi wasn't ready to get on the boat yet, so we stopped in the port for some gelato. Big mistake! Never eat in the port right off the cruise ships unless you want to pay double if not triple what you would across the street.</span><br /></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_KiZchfgAVm1LFPXfB9IINTnKv094IUaVY6paRD5HvpvLReSV8RKjQLxP4UG677cahyjYO_04nQW4QpIltu_9AD37rVeK7RP73LY9YZBQSY9_JIvT0dPCTPfX3llJhqYh5ggmpIfXY93/s1600/IMG_1730.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679873338447154914" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_KiZchfgAVm1LFPXfB9IINTnKv094IUaVY6paRD5HvpvLReSV8RKjQLxP4UG677cahyjYO_04nQW4QpIltu_9AD37rVeK7RP73LY9YZBQSY9_JIvT0dPCTPfX3llJhqYh5ggmpIfXY93/s400/IMG_1730.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Luckily the girl who served us was friendly and made for great company. However the gelato, Turkish coffee, Turkish delights, and water ran us each $20. Emi wouldn't let me drink the water, at that price though what a waste!</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioaO6FJkhDQEaE-ab8GWXehf8neyqEtbgIAmuTNgCNkYGNbT9s_NqcU90KdsDsQcB9ewgP3ea6yfADHrdtZKBFLN5WiLguuinDSE0bsmvz__fW__T6TYO5dytgPz4kaCJl4F_wFozQ2m6S/s1600/IMG_1728.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679873336109644770" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioaO6FJkhDQEaE-ab8GWXehf8neyqEtbgIAmuTNgCNkYGNbT9s_NqcU90KdsDsQcB9ewgP3ea6yfADHrdtZKBFLN5WiLguuinDSE0bsmvz__fW__T6TYO5dytgPz4kaCJl4F_wFozQ2m6S/s400/IMG_1728.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Emi and my expensive ass gelato :). Nothing compares to the gelato in Italy, however on a hot, humid day like the one we experienced in Kusadasi, the gelato was a nice treat before we headed back on board the cruise ship.</span><br /></div><br />- Kyle<br /><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562707181945666407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369787888286949300.post-71320245433900363812011-09-09T07:09:00.000-07:002011-09-09T07:09:00.882-07:00Kusadasi, Turkey: A Whole New World<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgirmC3UKXWPiBdQ9TP-Q0Hxvp-crz2P3DPQ_rja912pVbsKU_TDSsz2CIgcRofs5yaKHIxXW4w94ZO1I9ICkCLBqkjfs_ID1u9ea6HniMOkRd9-5HWs3IhHvgYXq9G1BZvBNZTKNT0BGi7/s1600/IMG_2335.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649837723032682402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgirmC3UKXWPiBdQ9TP-Q0Hxvp-crz2P3DPQ_rja912pVbsKU_TDSsz2CIgcRofs5yaKHIxXW4w94ZO1I9ICkCLBqkjfs_ID1u9ea6HniMOkRd9-5HWs3IhHvgYXq9G1BZvBNZTKNT0BGi7/s400/IMG_2335.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" /></a><br />
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As we pulled into our first port in Turkey, scenes from Aladdin started streaming through my mind. I was on a Disney fantasy kick during this trip.<br />
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Kyle and I walked around the market place, hoping to find a couple bargains and a good place for breakfast. I stopped into a shop with floor to ceiling shelves full of Turkish goodies. <br />
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When you only have a couple hours in a port, you get a little taste of the flavor of the country/city. I mean this literally. One of the flavors in Turkey we had to get a sample of was the Turkish coffee. We found out that the coffee itself is not Turkish--it's probably the same beans that we drink in the U.S. It is the style of coffee that makes it unique. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0r0WwHRKU5qeLZ9gqgPzmyjF631JKTMnLcrHXaxWbeS8kr5P8mryIPwi1BjgJGdQ4TluAoUQuqo_AcVmTk8wbDJj8I25u_Cxso9u_yazZWI4ZRJuO9x-a8G8FIRRQRif2Y9hhI7zxMip/s1600/IMG_2352.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649837710793653906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0r0WwHRKU5qeLZ9gqgPzmyjF631JKTMnLcrHXaxWbeS8kr5P8mryIPwi1BjgJGdQ4TluAoUQuqo_AcVmTk8wbDJj8I25u_Cxso9u_yazZWI4ZRJuO9x-a8G8FIRRQRif2Y9hhI7zxMip/s400/IMG_2352.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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The coffee is a dense concoction with thick sludgy coffee grounds at the bottom of the cup. You don't drink this part of the coffee, but it definitely helps to give the drink an extra punch of flavor and caffeine. A nice pick-me-up when you dock at 7AM in a port!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVAkYrQAHEfeVqlfu4WAYDE_DhDJg2b9ykcr2J3PMzLjqFZzNeKdNUQo0ZuAuvbU1crl-MyZNQ4vqfMIHJ1gDh-hP_2vIwCUMtMslbJsoehz8KzPEud6qPUDm77-nLQjiutTqjld5TY0l/s1600/IMG_2348.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649837342487332642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnVAkYrQAHEfeVqlfu4WAYDE_DhDJg2b9ykcr2J3PMzLjqFZzNeKdNUQo0ZuAuvbU1crl-MyZNQ4vqfMIHJ1gDh-hP_2vIwCUMtMslbJsoehz8KzPEud6qPUDm77-nLQjiutTqjld5TY0l/s400/IMG_2348.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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I had the Turkish apple tea which is a tea with a subtle apple flavor. You can add a sugar cube to add some sweetness.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IysBpoRrvxR6iyIelc9tpWPOb_5hu0I3bP9ieqDevTT8VEcn88Z1SEtf7dixQD2mB6-435URavVAC_QgRFGMcW1_8odhuOs3up44bQL2GHU899OYjuSmbeBUuqu_V225qXwo6nLMpm-K/s1600/IMG_2355.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649837336102077810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IysBpoRrvxR6iyIelc9tpWPOb_5hu0I3bP9ieqDevTT8VEcn88Z1SEtf7dixQD2mB6-435URavVAC_QgRFGMcW1_8odhuOs3up44bQL2GHU899OYjuSmbeBUuqu_V225qXwo6nLMpm-K/s400/IMG_2355.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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As Kyle and I strolled around the city, we quickly discovered that this was a tourist hot spot by the fact that every breakfast spot advertised an "Irish breakfast." This was a bad sign. All we wanted was a true Turkish breakfast. We were starting to wear down and decided to stop anywhere that at least owned a meat spit, which would indicate they eventually sold some type of Turkish food at some point in the day. <br />
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I was slowing down to look at a restaurant when an older gentleman started chatting with me, suggesting I stop for breakfast. He was perched on a little stool outside a jewelry shop and spoke perfect English. We took a seat and asked him what Turkish people usually eat for breakfast. He told us that they don't typically eat breakfast like Americans. Breakfast is usually a light meal of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, some feta and a little bread. The main course is the Turkish coffee. He waved the waiter down and spoke in Turkish, telling him that we wanted a Turkish breakfast. For 10 euros, we drank coffee and tea, munched on sweet, fresh tomatoes, crispy cucumbers, some delicious feta, and crusty bread. Best of all, we learned a lot about Turkey from our new friend, who told us to call him "Kevin" because it was easier to pronounce that his true name. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8Rksk3jqCAVXscxvZvTDvMl2XMzoa3Pl5qZ5zZpfu0LXf__8peHyGjcUm7U2-Qzf7KamzZC6N6FSta9iXQVEF7GwHlQN93Rgm1A4eixfHOBTKkAs4cqL5ekSr6UYEpJ8ExnDAV4PfHso/s1600/IMG_2353.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649837330597509778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8Rksk3jqCAVXscxvZvTDvMl2XMzoa3Pl5qZ5zZpfu0LXf__8peHyGjcUm7U2-Qzf7KamzZC6N6FSta9iXQVEF7GwHlQN93Rgm1A4eixfHOBTKkAs4cqL5ekSr6UYEpJ8ExnDAV4PfHso/s400/IMG_2353.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<div> </div><div>Kyle and I made up a story for Kevin, that included a tale about Kevin being a fugitive hiding out in Turkey. Kevin told us he speaks 7 languages and appeared to know everybody. He sells jewelry for his friend and tried to convince me to buy a $900 ring (I had to go into the shop after all the time and effort he spent talking to us during breakfast! I know Jasmine would do the same). When we asked him to take a photo with us and the restaurant owner, we took several photos and Kevin did not look at the camera in any of the shots! He was my Turkish mystery man.</div><div> </div><div>Sometimes food can create stories, but in this case, the food tasted better because of the stories, thanks to Kevin and this Aladdin-like land.</div><div> </div><div><strong><em>Happy Eating,</em></strong></div><div><strong><em>Emi</em></strong></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562707181945666407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369787888286949300.post-12929362431337911542011-09-08T09:00:00.000-07:002011-09-08T09:00:09.118-07:00Athens Part 2: Exploring the Plaka and in search of a Greek gyro<div>After finishing up our lunchtime feast, we decided to walk it off by exploring the Plaka. One nice thing about traveling with our parents is we didn't have to lug gifts back to them. Instead we did some shopping for ourseleves. When one thinks of Greek cuisine, gyros, olive oil, and ouzo are usually the first things to come to mind. Lucky for us olive oil shops were on every corner.<br /><br /><div> </div><div align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RE6pHzDT5eP_HJkQkLobIPkrxbxmbMTQ48oV6WXAOHs_vM9WOIknJK4Ucl09kcq5VDSXkJ-PWy4BVcDvcqZi56-H3opgUUXdH53L51ARu41z3VMaB95pHgzYQG0T3Uo5cDwjdIzLMB7u/s1600/DSCN1705.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649827057519167234" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RE6pHzDT5eP_HJkQkLobIPkrxbxmbMTQ48oV6WXAOHs_vM9WOIknJK4Ucl09kcq5VDSXkJ-PWy4BVcDvcqZi56-H3opgUUXdH53L51ARu41z3VMaB95pHgzYQG0T3Uo5cDwjdIzLMB7u/s400/DSCN1705.JPG" border="0" /></a><strong>We never knew how much of a difference a quality olive oil's taste could have in comparison to a cheap American olive oil. We probably never knew because we were so used to the flavorless American variety. Also what's nice is that in Greece the olive oil is relatively cheap. The same bottle that would run $20+ in the US was half the cost in Athens.<br /><br /></strong><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYP78S8Q8LL3ktgSZyHdV4c8mkwDFmS-GzL2RTgqSwub17jM0msGe7dkm4fUW7Q6hAkVZYfbAktboTSxleHKObsbaJXtSr9fQaJ-FU9ds6vVXz_B16uMYMulm5KcN4mTnFPWPJAlMMFdju/s1600/IMG_2293.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649826879893852066" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYP78S8Q8LL3ktgSZyHdV4c8mkwDFmS-GzL2RTgqSwub17jM0msGe7dkm4fUW7Q6hAkVZYfbAktboTSxleHKObsbaJXtSr9fQaJ-FU9ds6vVXz_B16uMYMulm5KcN4mTnFPWPJAlMMFdju/s400/IMG_2293.JPG" border="0" /></a><strong>Of course they had tons and tons of Ouzo. We brought back a few bottles as gifts for friends. A light, affordable, compact gift.</strong><br /><br /><div align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbEEr2pUszsSp9ao_lW9BXuN0THLtUb_sOasbz80_yBtwPQOxiLJFsNy5C0IF6jgI_a7V_tbGDa6_3XFh6aK1ptVj8az2WoDp7OK8RDYyQg55lF4WZgAqS-2EadeW1jmkJ0Yrrv320QIL/s1600/IMG_2300.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649826870169547810" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbEEr2pUszsSp9ao_lW9BXuN0THLtUb_sOasbz80_yBtwPQOxiLJFsNy5C0IF6jgI_a7V_tbGDa6_3XFh6aK1ptVj8az2WoDp7OK8RDYyQg55lF4WZgAqS-2EadeW1jmkJ0Yrrv320QIL/s400/IMG_2300.JPG" border="0" /></a><strong>Steve ran into a pistachio vendor and needed to buy a bag for all of us to enjoy. They were amazing! Oven roasted and salted. Much more savory than their weaker California cousin. They had a smoked flavor to them.<br /><br /></strong><div align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7qT-TJexU2rpAbvjirrAVSXdQmyUZ1k7omIRIOS0OFV1X0OEeKuDk8Ox1vib7KIe0LOblgGtQ1y_Zfi5cdE95W77KYUN6fx6rkcFhb8r1YIOfSpIvgQ1CGSEB0CjKZ45n0PWi8TIPfRe/s1600/IMG_2317.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649826855718293938" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7qT-TJexU2rpAbvjirrAVSXdQmyUZ1k7omIRIOS0OFV1X0OEeKuDk8Ox1vib7KIe0LOblgGtQ1y_Zfi5cdE95W77KYUN6fx6rkcFhb8r1YIOfSpIvgQ1CGSEB0CjKZ45n0PWi8TIPfRe/s400/IMG_2317.JPG" border="0" /></a><strong>Ice Grill was recommended to us by our tour guide. We asked for an authentic sit down eating experience along with a place we could find a good simple gyro. 30 minutes earlier we had finished our sit down feast, but I was NOT leaving Athens without a gyro!<br /><br /></strong><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjpWt74yYviMaROIXVwY1cccim5yhDGF_weSMGCHXRd4FIOcEXseI6fVhE0Ltugi9DplGY1rkGoHjI4ghgIZZNIOg0_zr8P7vuDrEwftAQ3Q3C8QhE0kHheR-4V4M2wU3E3TSV98n2JgT8/s1600/DSCN1711.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649826847565365298" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjpWt74yYviMaROIXVwY1cccim5yhDGF_weSMGCHXRd4FIOcEXseI6fVhE0Ltugi9DplGY1rkGoHjI4ghgIZZNIOg0_zr8P7vuDrEwftAQ3Q3C8QhE0kHheR-4V4M2wU3E3TSV98n2JgT8/s400/DSCN1711.JPG" border="0" /></a><strong>Emi's mom thought this picture was funny because I was so excited to get started on lunch #2.</strong><br /><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5YMUs4Ydbfq3umunu3rJ5jLVaCswV2QtijLj-an-i95VdjK6O5PYRtOO4SmdviK5gYfyC3gepegof811pAELDFDIHXUl7sMFYeaBibYqwCn1GkRy2aWxEXe24xUIm9YmGkHxpCM_wYpoF/s1600/IMG_2316.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649826845591734178" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5YMUs4Ydbfq3umunu3rJ5jLVaCswV2QtijLj-an-i95VdjK6O5PYRtOO4SmdviK5gYfyC3gepegof811pAELDFDIHXUl7sMFYeaBibYqwCn1GkRy2aWxEXe24xUIm9YmGkHxpCM_wYpoF/s400/IMG_2316.JPG" border="0" /></a><strong>mmm, the first bite</strong><br /><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtj-1oOg6eA-Fas7UIkDT4OfU8g9cPRSzDq2O-ovs_p5d3XcAKMA3PDRUTJl_7PBml8lAljHQp8OySGKmsV_QLosIZWDP-mhsflBbGWim1yP2XTLeg1bgNaAKBy_A2bWOPpUUheV59wjsN/s1600/IMG_2308.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649826112521728482" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtj-1oOg6eA-Fas7UIkDT4OfU8g9cPRSzDq2O-ovs_p5d3XcAKMA3PDRUTJl_7PBml8lAljHQp8OySGKmsV_QLosIZWDP-mhsflBbGWim1yP2XTLeg1bgNaAKBy_A2bWOPpUUheV59wjsN/s400/IMG_2308.JPG" border="0" /></a><strong>Even though I was somewhat full, I found a second stomach in order to enjoy this tasty gyro. I noticed everything in Greece is either stuffed with fries or comes with them. They love their fries. I could have gone without them, but in general great gyro and another checkmark for my food eating To Do list.</strong><br /><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ss8fxERRK5kHH2Z5qXeOjDJqLXVZbcGhjMsoGaXDFjr19Oynzc3tjUhKwSjzDiOi0aGeSTzmIsuSCkh1E7DZvLoYJ7ghhoL0MjESlGFZ45kZYpEFr28XRq61xf-gc7lhlvjPCPIosYWm/s1600/IMG_2311.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 267px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649826109459768978" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ss8fxERRK5kHH2Z5qXeOjDJqLXVZbcGhjMsoGaXDFjr19Oynzc3tjUhKwSjzDiOi0aGeSTzmIsuSCkh1E7DZvLoYJ7ghhoL0MjESlGFZ45kZYpEFr28XRq61xf-gc7lhlvjPCPIosYWm/s400/IMG_2311.JPG" border="0" /></a><strong>In the hot, humid, July, middle of the day heat these sweetened ice coffees were a welcome reprieve from our dry, hot mouths.</strong><br /><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjASjUa6rZrnc0hA3CnjKc2bMbJY-pucNw-27eWN_vp93du05wKOSgwzahR15jEzJK5jco36gFlc_zZB9Ce3ijph8sL8gTN5Rl9d6mtGvEm8PPN3q3ph1EeUhQB1epIXz0sw4GlUSvephkH/s1600/IMG_2309.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649826099019020962" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjASjUa6rZrnc0hA3CnjKc2bMbJY-pucNw-27eWN_vp93du05wKOSgwzahR15jEzJK5jco36gFlc_zZB9Ce3ijph8sL8gTN5Rl9d6mtGvEm8PPN3q3ph1EeUhQB1epIXz0sw4GlUSvephkH/s400/IMG_2309.JPG" border="0" /></a><strong>Kanafeh/Katayifeh or whatever you want to call it as some of you may remember from my memorable meal at </strong><a href="http://emiandkyleheartfood.blogspot.com/2011/03/singapore-hookah-drinks-and-dinner-on.html"><strong>Ala Turka in Singapore</strong></a><strong> is one of my favorite desserts of all time. This one proved to be super sweet and a little soggy. Not as amazing as the one in Singapore, but something I had to eat in the Mediterranean.</strong><br /><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong><br /></strong> </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFrS4WwdJXdTh7DKfa06INyUqFdgKJRvwSLl4ympsatKea__LvY3B-iWW8bpyP29qUa15EWllDgb5bMRBv8nT3SEiJgptO9t3Cb5tDVzOkhkHnbI_iBkFnPeLtod_ET0CkVCX6_dNkdgB/s1600/IMG_2310.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649846225227106226" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFrS4WwdJXdTh7DKfa06INyUqFdgKJRvwSLl4ympsatKea__LvY3B-iWW8bpyP29qUa15EWllDgb5bMRBv8nT3SEiJgptO9t3Cb5tDVzOkhkHnbI_iBkFnPeLtod_ET0CkVCX6_dNkdgB/s400/IMG_2310.JPG" border="0" /></a><strong>This baklava was in a cylindrical shape. Different. I usually enjoy the layers of philo. In this shape it was a giant, sweet mass. After enjoying a salty, savory gyro the sweets were a nice change of pace.<br /><br /></strong><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dTOrhBlTM2M?hl=en&fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" width="425"></iframe><br /><br /><strong>Some of you may not know, but Emi's dad has spent a good amount of time in Greece, so he wanted to show us how to deal with the locals.<br /><br /></strong></div><div><strong></strong> </div><div align="left">Little did we know, but we were still in for some amazing, life changing meals during our travels through Greece.<br /><br /></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">- Kyle</div><div align="left"><strong></strong> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562707181945666407noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369787888286949300.post-22259574595496660802011-09-06T09:00:00.000-07:002011-09-06T09:00:07.175-07:00Authentic Greek Food - A memorable meal in Athens<div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYNE_W2L82M5rY8-aY3aPhbLqbSLzB2nnk2SRlUHiSQGMp_CfKGaZOWE9fZNO_6bj0l9yPgUmiu7K3NmPiBe-OG_rn6kUL6Oc4ox6nGqAL4TURXn_Wt8xI5hZ7XzwHtoc-K4XK7DFOXqD/s1600/IMG_2272.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647243522187018050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYNE_W2L82M5rY8-aY3aPhbLqbSLzB2nnk2SRlUHiSQGMp_CfKGaZOWE9fZNO_6bj0l9yPgUmiu7K3NmPiBe-OG_rn6kUL6Oc4ox6nGqAL4TURXn_Wt8xI5hZ7XzwHtoc-K4XK7DFOXqD/s400/IMG_2272.JPG" /></a>After spending the morning taking a bus and walking a tour through Athens which included a visit to the Parthenon we were ready to eat. I had been waiting all morning to get to the Plaka so we could find some authentic Greek food. </div><div> </div><div>The idea behind our cruise started with my passion for Greek food. Probably three years ago or so, I decided I wanted to go to Greece. After doing some research I knew I wanted to visit all of the amazing islands Greece had to offer. Diving deeper into my research, I determined Turkey and Croatia would be pretty amazing to visit too and from there we were hooked on a Mediterranean cruise. It was surreal to finally be a world away in Athens and ready to enjoy real Greek food!<br /></div><div align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixnBc0_Mw4OybXxcpfJiQXnTtR_eXTiLFNYU3rNBV5VUmL6ilOb2UFQ1jmFs0BOWNeTWv7mm76J1qmTGV5en6VCPAe9fMTroyuHCuC0-O33nmuNu6aOnjd4sOd6zWOtVV8YP6p6mEkJRrg/s1600/IMG_2279.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 267px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647243517365960802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixnBc0_Mw4OybXxcpfJiQXnTtR_eXTiLFNYU3rNBV5VUmL6ilOb2UFQ1jmFs0BOWNeTWv7mm76J1qmTGV5en6VCPAe9fMTroyuHCuC0-O33nmuNu6aOnjd4sOd6zWOtVV8YP6p6mEkJRrg/s400/IMG_2279.JPG" /></a><strong>Nothing goes better</strong> <strong>on a hot, humid day with Greek food than a nice ice cold Greek beer; Mythos in this instance.<br /></strong><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK32WlPslrUfJmCT1YN1HQ-xTWhNWbQWnltle6HQL2z1wxKT-jzAri389t7CzCZQaIWyn3H3p5oGyE6AlVLCEN-cnSc0XpRZ8LXJAL9Tt0cUM_V5EDXVwmrROJNBygzsK_YKyU2WwVDC-l/s1600/IMG_2282.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 267px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647242986807190450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK32WlPslrUfJmCT1YN1HQ-xTWhNWbQWnltle6HQL2z1wxKT-jzAri389t7CzCZQaIWyn3H3p5oGyE6AlVLCEN-cnSc0XpRZ8LXJAL9Tt0cUM_V5EDXVwmrROJNBygzsK_YKyU2WwVDC-l/s400/IMG_2282.JPG" /></a><strong>And of course Ouzo! Not necessarily a favorite of mine, but something Emi's Dad has always enjoyed and introduced over the years to Emi and myself. Think harsh, Jagermeister. Jager is probably sweeter, where ouzo has a tongue numbing aftertaste and that strong licorice flavor. Not a favorite of mine, but when in Greece you have to drink ouzo.<br /></strong><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DhTO3HqTjxgaEzu9s9JkLeOAumqdrWBCN8jror-o88iOkxphSl4RWD_S7oM8EvuEn-HiOByHWcdgtZK8T8gbz1wxR5eYY40S45tH-WHEfg-ZqtPDa0qXNs1Sc-OE-oywMwAiyUCly3Bb/s1600/IMG_2278.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647242981502313426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DhTO3HqTjxgaEzu9s9JkLeOAumqdrWBCN8jror-o88iOkxphSl4RWD_S7oM8EvuEn-HiOByHWcdgtZK8T8gbz1wxR5eYY40S45tH-WHEfg-ZqtPDa0qXNs1Sc-OE-oywMwAiyUCly3Bb/s400/IMG_2278.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJV9a9F9KCl-1A2CPHMM8FcLVV-yIV0vFj8_QXFPl52vJzBFkbgxRwTCt6rC8rWZtiINeVu3s9YbV7i8MftMsfn3VqMat21FQJqUazNFtrqqRuc-KHvZN4xXUNYrwVpaKfYPnkrHQhUafi/s1600/IMG_2280.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 267px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647242967807262994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJV9a9F9KCl-1A2CPHMM8FcLVV-yIV0vFj8_QXFPl52vJzBFkbgxRwTCt6rC8rWZtiINeVu3s9YbV7i8MftMsfn3VqMat21FQJqUazNFtrqqRuc-KHvZN4xXUNYrwVpaKfYPnkrHQhUafi/s400/IMG_2280.JPG" /></a><strong>The best way to enjoy ouzo is with a few ice cubes and a little water to dilute it. The ice and water turns the ouzo a milky color.</strong><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtbdJI6XRO2lkjv7eZTsMIF__D7rIEoLBSl95P03NHhyphenhyphenSDmea1_f-bXK4iyQ69qEpTcnreGGJGucBcQ1RySxxLCjaJ220IrNidTR4XefJ0v32VWSrpeqrZYVsCE_GYr53NcD3yug01mqH/s1600/IMG_2281.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647242965155254066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtbdJI6XRO2lkjv7eZTsMIF__D7rIEoLBSl95P03NHhyphenhyphenSDmea1_f-bXK4iyQ69qEpTcnreGGJGucBcQ1RySxxLCjaJ220IrNidTR4XefJ0v32VWSrpeqrZYVsCE_GYr53NcD3yug01mqH/s400/IMG_2281.JPG" /></a><strong>Cheers</strong>!<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LCWAajhGMzqVd0lZ8APuOMn6L5F0JdPXIBlzutmKvTA-s-rYP3g1nKPJFiLXizi_sRJpRGR2yvQUEptfpC1d4iBJSPhhUpPe-NRv9AP0ySwI9aw2EUxlQ-BtQnrKmHduQp4L3DpZ0teh/s1600/IMG_2274.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647242542509685554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LCWAajhGMzqVd0lZ8APuOMn6L5F0JdPXIBlzutmKvTA-s-rYP3g1nKPJFiLXizi_sRJpRGR2yvQUEptfpC1d4iBJSPhhUpPe-NRv9AP0ySwI9aw2EUxlQ-BtQnrKmHduQp4L3DpZ0teh/s400/IMG_2274.JPG" /></a><strong>We started the meal with a loaf of bread, olives, and a cod roe butter. The butter was a little fishy as expected, but the olives and house olive oil made up for this first taste of the meal. A common theme throughout our trip was how amazing the olive oil was everywhere we went.<br /></strong><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74m_DzFJHKtGEfsHnT5mnhqfXiytPABckz3oB18stK8CIRE4PUXkqVRnT-FvsUrn9OejlR92hrMkz9dImWi8Ty85hrrigditYRLeXST4UHJtEtQ_2D518ozUYQnXfO8bTFXy1bQSUcZ0Z/s1600/IMG_2276.JPG"><strong><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647242539486158242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74m_DzFJHKtGEfsHnT5mnhqfXiytPABckz3oB18stK8CIRE4PUXkqVRnT-FvsUrn9OejlR92hrMkz9dImWi8Ty85hrrigditYRLeXST4UHJtEtQ_2D518ozUYQnXfO8bTFXy1bQSUcZ0Z/s400/IMG_2276.JPG" /></strong></a><strong>Smoked babaganoush or eggplant dip, which we enjoyed with our bread. This smoked, olive oil infused, tender eggplant concoction was amazing.<br /></strong><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHJ5Y__etKYuuUov2Wye_nnvUWOP52yjtOMI2jLgnW0EVw2f7f4PwI4mqPxVRkjVEXSeCUJVF6OrrtZEh3Ib849fDe9McWFwo127ro13a96guwJ2gpe3hYT7uu2Pobg3j-u5OEDQHhkRx/s1600/IMG_2284.JPG"><strong><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647242535475067442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHJ5Y__etKYuuUov2Wye_nnvUWOP52yjtOMI2jLgnW0EVw2f7f4PwI4mqPxVRkjVEXSeCUJVF6OrrtZEh3Ib849fDe9McWFwo127ro13a96guwJ2gpe3hYT7uu2Pobg3j-u5OEDQHhkRx/s400/IMG_2284.JPG" /></strong></a><strong>The best dolmathes I've ever enjoyed. These warm grape leaves were stuffed with rice and ground meat and covered in a thick lemon sauce. Very tender and also a little tangy and salty</strong>.<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Y53ekQPGpYJXeHWXqwZZA0ZX7pQiUPYU6S-dOri4W3Klz16yx-IRnydWTV2Xu-pDzQSq3B3eble27jONPvDNMUOj7YBk3g8jo65j7zXg6Nxi7aemlipBID-z3XkVKGnP_8YmnZsJLh2b/s1600/IMG_2285.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647242532393979442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Y53ekQPGpYJXeHWXqwZZA0ZX7pQiUPYU6S-dOri4W3Klz16yx-IRnydWTV2Xu-pDzQSq3B3eble27jONPvDNMUOj7YBk3g8jo65j7zXg6Nxi7aemlipBID-z3XkVKGnP_8YmnZsJLh2b/s400/IMG_2285.JPG" /></a><strong>A true "Greek" salad, with sweet juicy tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and red onion. Similar to Kotor the fresh Greek feta was soft and not too salty, but still very flavorful.</strong><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZs5sOze0F-pqXL8cuoWnQqBieHQDQ2HeXuKM_DamBDrhs09o_ycqVxSU6Am1a7MHkwDPcgvuMbd-G8_fVqvScBh5UIa80D2Zk9E14bXjLNTUJbPs2MR9CwFGJc8n0wA4SrR7aqPxx_Vs/s1600/IMG_2287.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647240114103686130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZs5sOze0F-pqXL8cuoWnQqBieHQDQ2HeXuKM_DamBDrhs09o_ycqVxSU6Am1a7MHkwDPcgvuMbd-G8_fVqvScBh5UIa80D2Zk9E14bXjLNTUJbPs2MR9CwFGJc8n0wA4SrR7aqPxx_Vs/s400/IMG_2287.JPG" /></a><strong>Our chicken souvlaki with fries. Everything came with fries in Athens. The chicken was a little crispy and even though I'm not a huge fan of chicken breast was still very good. I was disappointed they didn't have gyros on the menu, but this was a classy joint, so I had to wait till later to check that off my list.<br /></strong><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_UdbpDMgNbimjq29xbNL0hEa09Lidj6bt1-C0wbSfQx_NQXKN5D7pzkw057GTC_pGDnA2lbi8x4O6fVB1k35TFBnQnwl-ob3A-LCQ6KkwwNLlGfxR2HhvEVKCwkBCFsZBApZbCIIzhx71/s1600/IMG_2288.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 267px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647240109133293090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_UdbpDMgNbimjq29xbNL0hEa09Lidj6bt1-C0wbSfQx_NQXKN5D7pzkw057GTC_pGDnA2lbi8x4O6fVB1k35TFBnQnwl-ob3A-LCQ6KkwwNLlGfxR2HhvEVKCwkBCFsZBApZbCIIzhx71/s400/IMG_2288.JPG" /></a><strong>Our waiter prepping our giant grilled squid.</strong><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Ef6bZ_LsyDn4A4Yf-dqzr6MSCNfnBUTbM9bIAVBTNbwFlC07pGJq_QzbRSBH28zgD40_jgIGg1nTYFBguIsDk7r_K0Pl5bFyaZuK37JmxePsWlrFW_b-0pPBzwtMnZ4YKmJPlD4-ekhv/s1600/IMG_2290.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647240102995112978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Ef6bZ_LsyDn4A4Yf-dqzr6MSCNfnBUTbM9bIAVBTNbwFlC07pGJq_QzbRSBH28zgD40_jgIGg1nTYFBguIsDk7r_K0Pl5bFyaZuK37JmxePsWlrFW_b-0pPBzwtMnZ4YKmJPlD4-ekhv/s400/IMG_2290.JPG" /></a><strong>He squeezed fresh lemon juice over the squid, which made a great sauce when combined and mixed with the natural juices from the grilled squird. Tender and delicious. Not as good as the grilled octopus we enjoyed in Kotor, but still very tasty.</strong><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6DXnXZlomDTGKVvRuusaWhvHNyvHeInB2W31hqBOLMdvpNwzYaXJbbujgpg4J5jR9gDP-G24ADcry-x3rludvlB81bhHPwUiALiQSimc5lPFD7vTRgtcfXzCgDE4hQQkj50vfhLrgxati/s1600/DSCN1701.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647240102046081426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6DXnXZlomDTGKVvRuusaWhvHNyvHeInB2W31hqBOLMdvpNwzYaXJbbujgpg4J5jR9gDP-G24ADcry-x3rludvlB81bhHPwUiALiQSimc5lPFD7vTRgtcfXzCgDE4hQQkj50vfhLrgxati/s400/DSCN1701.JPG" /></a><strong>Happy couple after a great meal. My favorite memory of Athens was this meal. I couldn't get over the fact that we were finally in Greece eating authentic Greek food! Amazing and made me realize how fortunate we are to be able to fulfill our crazy wishes and dreams.</strong></div><div> </div><div align="left">- Kyle</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562707181945666407noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369787888286949300.post-10443651314861072622011-09-02T09:00:00.000-07:002011-09-02T09:00:08.905-07:00Beautiful and Boozy Kotor, Montenegro<div><div><div>After departing from Venice, Kotor in Montenegro was the first stop of the cruise. To be honest, Emi and I had low expectations. Probably because we didn't know what to expect. We had originally signed up for a 4x4 excursion through the hills and valleys of Croatia and Montenegro, but not enough people joined in so the excursion and our plans for Kotor were canceled. Instead of signing up for something else, we decided we would wander through the city to see what piqued our interest and especially our appetites.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBsuOnLGOZR1x28oPdWPME1VPGH9KAWHNNq6l35MqbmucMwUxip-UtPf5-tUC0nL6FGDnKAZJNGx6tVDu0KvzIcv47dpsSU_7wfv2BOYdA_vzw7G7GzxPZkb3p5FjZ9j_832r5QOWj6ad/s1600/IMG_2130.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636852238287778578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBsuOnLGOZR1x28oPdWPME1VPGH9KAWHNNq6l35MqbmucMwUxip-UtPf5-tUC0nL6FGDnKAZJNGx6tVDu0KvzIcv47dpsSU_7wfv2BOYdA_vzw7G7GzxPZkb3p5FjZ9j_832r5QOWj6ad/s400/IMG_2130.JPG" /></a><font style="font-weight: bold;">Kotor is a beautiful city. Everything I imagined a Mediterranean port to be. Colorful and warm, surrounded by the mountains and blue sea. We knew this place was special, but didn't know at the time this would be one of our favorite ports of the entire cruise.</font><br /></div><br /><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5n7Lsm_8O-pVKBMqRk5Z83p-9a4ys8dAN8X7AgBCebD-hu_g763s2UKrkbjYsxu0nccEBgjcI7W5v7keeupA-isEoPiRKgO3EB7KeG6kNfndAWqdkGr2-SSU31Ns5DhMa1Y1gDwjsjrx0/s1600/IMG_2163.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636852232062345938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5n7Lsm_8O-pVKBMqRk5Z83p-9a4ys8dAN8X7AgBCebD-hu_g763s2UKrkbjYsxu0nccEBgjcI7W5v7keeupA-isEoPiRKgO3EB7KeG6kNfndAWqdkGr2-SSU31Ns5DhMa1Y1gDwjsjrx0/s400/IMG_2163.JPG" /></a><font style="font-weight: bold;">What made this port special for us was the amazing experience we enjoyed at a small family owned restaurant called Restoran Mediteran outside the walls of the city.</font><br /></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgRVQc9OX_8KAT9hXNKy6sF_oLEOK_VAbBKafqYnTR8kNIw8NjDeHe7INA-FMTlUNQc3CTG6aq3AqzBXkvuATAzqJPzxc5noRe7PocBrHPcQUovSsfpzm7EhRTkVizcIANM6PUhu_vgQL/s1600/IMG_2149.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 267px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636852228130986706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgRVQc9OX_8KAT9hXNKy6sF_oLEOK_VAbBKafqYnTR8kNIw8NjDeHe7INA-FMTlUNQc3CTG6aq3AqzBXkvuATAzqJPzxc5noRe7PocBrHPcQUovSsfpzm7EhRTkVizcIANM6PUhu_vgQL/s400/IMG_2149.JPG" /></a><font style="font-weight: bold;">We were hungry and tired after walking around in the hot, humid heat so the shaded outdoor dining area covered by grapevines provided a much needed hiding spot from the hot Mediterranean sun.</font><br /></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixTWjDU0rQEBrRem5qYjL2F5HLXIwKvTHC-d__Rv4qYKE94tE6ndqs5G6nuaKWkOnFLfaq05Gmz87f_cJimGAWnySuWHEbXaSparnOzqjTp7womeaxL21HTM-GoKCbHyYo6A6J_AZhkZmb/s1600/IMG_2148.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 267px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636851712301638914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixTWjDU0rQEBrRem5qYjL2F5HLXIwKvTHC-d__Rv4qYKE94tE6ndqs5G6nuaKWkOnFLfaq05Gmz87f_cJimGAWnySuWHEbXaSparnOzqjTp7womeaxL21HTM-GoKCbHyYo6A6J_AZhkZmb/s400/IMG_2148.JPG" /></a><font style="font-weight: bold;">Emi read before we left the ship that the specialty wine of Montenegro is Vranac. Vranac is a bold red that comes in 1 Liter bottles, no wimpy 750 mL bottles, but a whole Liter. Also it comes sealed like a beer bottle with a bottle cap. This was a great wine and with the heat and little to no food in our stomachs the beginning of a fun day.</font><br /><br /><font style="font-weight: bold;">One of the patrons of the restaurant came over and told us our waiter didn't speak much English, so he could help us order. He told us his brother ran the restaurant, but he wasn't paid to work there. We were definitely a little skeptical, but he ended up being our guide for the meal and really added to the experience.</font><br /></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFOmF8P7K4Mtu5Os-U4YEmLaooJOAnENaSthWH8NRr0WllCREBF-TBjJmaMQMWWHD2U6DmrMN7tqQ0mdCVLTI-LiA7oP99FHwZE4AWLk164H_NyQ6qg1q2LtbdOh0GrGLVHEpue4H04UM/s1600/IMG_2150.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636851707253459842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFOmF8P7K4Mtu5Os-U4YEmLaooJOAnENaSthWH8NRr0WllCREBF-TBjJmaMQMWWHD2U6DmrMN7tqQ0mdCVLTI-LiA7oP99FHwZE4AWLk164H_NyQ6qg1q2LtbdOh0GrGLVHEpue4H04UM/s400/IMG_2150.JPG" /></a><font style="font-weight: bold;"></font><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">We started with their crumbly olive oil cheese, with their variation of Prosciutto, tomatoes, and olives. This delicious meze provided us with a great sampling of their local cuisine. Also salty cheese, meats, and olives always pair nicely with a glass/Liter of wine.<br /></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lVwLFToRz610Pkokbq6pEhPjZ5r0nVnGox2xqiG0QiiPtpYC0jIkM3Tdq23DWo1DhaDMunSTR0S7a3Xnp7P74N_i8bpNHZIRe932B1gpvjYQSLCNb_Z2SLuUoNlgE_Uf9CsDxsZ3GM2_/s1600/IMG_2156.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636851704569083282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lVwLFToRz610Pkokbq6pEhPjZ5r0nVnGox2xqiG0QiiPtpYC0jIkM3Tdq23DWo1DhaDMunSTR0S7a3Xnp7P74N_i8bpNHZIRe932B1gpvjYQSLCNb_Z2SLuUoNlgE_Uf9CsDxsZ3GM2_/s400/IMG_2156.JPG" /></a><font style="font-weight: bold;">Our first "Greek" salad of the trip. The feta cheese was amazing. We had never tried anything like it before. Not as salty and dense as the American feta we are used to here in the States. This cheese was softer and less salty. I felt I could eat a whole block of it. The tomatoes, cucumber, and even the red onions were sweet too. Emi usually avoids red onions, but even she enjoyed them. A perfect salad.</font><br /></div><br /><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFtZVbQtaJ1ng30748P_RzO7lD0DbPj5GdFlHlcWQDRBIEtHIa-wuiTzEGOTfpmfDOm4ZbT_8udVO7MXI5DUk66IrNAV4-TGKCRFc1MyESAMKQ2iydz4uYUvdih7glCwOtANnFZceAq0wL/s1600/IMG_2151.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636851701354762754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFtZVbQtaJ1ng30748P_RzO7lD0DbPj5GdFlHlcWQDRBIEtHIa-wuiTzEGOTfpmfDOm4ZbT_8udVO7MXI5DUk66IrNAV4-TGKCRFc1MyESAMKQ2iydz4uYUvdih7glCwOtANnFZceAq0wL/s400/IMG_2151.JPG" /></a><font style="font-weight: bold;">This amazing bowl of deliciousness is olive oil with parsley and slivered garlic. It was amazing, sooo garlicky, yet without that overpowering raw spicy taste fresh garlic can leave behind. We dipped our loaf of bread in this amazing olive oil and also used it to garnish our main courses.</font><br /></div><br /><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwe8R1sg0qh7jEuy8Jkv2KvdC_CkYZDE8gCVDNUPwSgxZNit1d-_VnXLGAhIPx6cdgW8E3RzEYIGAXiPhmm-PWTuTj-kRr5wXv4DwEMruVsyTTA6KU-Ecxbqp73zEgg0c4_ex2yAq8Mha2/s1600/IMG_2157.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636851102512424098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwe8R1sg0qh7jEuy8Jkv2KvdC_CkYZDE8gCVDNUPwSgxZNit1d-_VnXLGAhIPx6cdgW8E3RzEYIGAXiPhmm-PWTuTj-kRr5wXv4DwEMruVsyTTA6KU-Ecxbqp73zEgg0c4_ex2yAq8Mha2/s400/IMG_2157.JPG" /></a><font style="font-weight: bold;">Emi was convinced to order the local fresh Dorado and I went with the grilled octopus. Both were brought out fresh and grilled up right in front of us. Fish is semi expensive in the Mediterranean because of over fishing in the region, but octopus and squid are more affordable and just as delicious.</font><br /></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4U3kYZcNNI5h5eumuHzAnA1LgLRkfiv12GjXUsjEjn-b8HaHvDpMP5iNPQ9mHyTZ6cMEZXDC8Q0Fqz0Mf7Imh73tW6RbUZi-6XxXQatt3dhPnrCI3qSan1F2jFDQxatqLdqnqNcedXmD/s1600/IMG_2158.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636851098834312834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4U3kYZcNNI5h5eumuHzAnA1LgLRkfiv12GjXUsjEjn-b8HaHvDpMP5iNPQ9mHyTZ6cMEZXDC8Q0Fqz0Mf7Imh73tW6RbUZi-6XxXQatt3dhPnrCI3qSan1F2jFDQxatqLdqnqNcedXmD/s400/IMG_2158.JPG" /></a><font style="font-weight: bold;">My octopus was served with grilled vegetables. The best recommendation of the meal was my new friend's recco to drizzle the garlic olive oil over the octopus. I can still taste this tender, slightly charred, BBQ octopus. It wasn't chewy at all and had such an amazing flavor. Maybe it was the Liter of wine, but this was one of my favorite meals of the entire trip.</font><br /><br /><br /><iframe height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/YDpMEapvh2k?hl=en&fs=1" frameborder="0" width="425" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><font style="font-weight: bold;">Our friend deboning Emi's Dorado</font><br /></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijr_dQBCc2ugepDkGxnKLnttkNXKYQX8QSxGLLLBvwNZZnY4ueVqZoGVWssqwvouchxtCGoDYNq7FHpWrJKOnQ4Fub986gRBah7d86NGTKte5eCpL864ZrlIOuf1pC7kvDMVl6r1uxN2Th/s1600/IMG_2162.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636851094300026194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijr_dQBCc2ugepDkGxnKLnttkNXKYQX8QSxGLLLBvwNZZnY4ueVqZoGVWssqwvouchxtCGoDYNq7FHpWrJKOnQ4Fub986gRBah7d86NGTKte5eCpL864ZrlIOuf1pC7kvDMVl6r1uxN2Th/s400/IMG_2162.JPG" /></a><font style="font-weight: bold;">Emi's Dorado was served with soft grilled potatoes. This wasn't quite as tasty as my octopus, but a good opportunity to try the local catch. We had a great time because of the amazing food, great affordable wine, and conversations with our new friend.</font><br /></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6lNwNErQ27urWQxa_IeDlv9XE_ylesAHSpD_XHNOLZmkGw2mZ7DWx2yIlml2ZOtVOqt6_CNRFpjJOBOCKR2FciUTxe4qPmbJ77ZvItXTb9-M2j8P8zlsCz4EMoOtWWXrU4yPdjoMnBr1/s1600/IMG_2164.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636851091406295330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6lNwNErQ27urWQxa_IeDlv9XE_ylesAHSpD_XHNOLZmkGw2mZ7DWx2yIlml2ZOtVOqt6_CNRFpjJOBOCKR2FciUTxe4qPmbJ77ZvItXTb9-M2j8P8zlsCz4EMoOtWWXrU4yPdjoMnBr1/s400/IMG_2164.JPG" /></a><font style="font-weight: bold;">Emi as some of you may know has a soft spot for animals, especially kittens. Everywhere we travel I feel as if she's buying canned fish or storing away her leftovers to feed cats. I call her the cat lady. This was a sickly kitten she adopted and named Monte, short for Montenegro. We saw him earlier in the day and Emi decided she would pack up her leftover fish for him.</font><br /><br /><br /><iframe height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/r3d6ertOxgA?hl=en&fs=1" frameborder="0" width="425" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><font style="font-weight: bold;">"That might not be his momma"</font><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZQ3eATAQVmFPo4gzGcpWEOWqgn4uOGBIM2T6_tRhqYVMDvTqOVs8HsTfSHmynZcLzky3MQInGnAMZsXV89qE6BAvxvL781MMP3KwjlQOI2G1UoZ6kScC2rU_xTFlSVtggag1U4uRgy3n/s1600/IMG_2175.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636841424409459506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZQ3eATAQVmFPo4gzGcpWEOWqgn4uOGBIM2T6_tRhqYVMDvTqOVs8HsTfSHmynZcLzky3MQInGnAMZsXV89qE6BAvxvL781MMP3KwjlQOI2G1UoZ6kScC2rU_xTFlSVtggag1U4uRgy3n/s400/IMG_2175.JPG" /></a><font style="font-weight: bold;">After lunch we decided to walk off the feast and took a hike up the mountain. It was a steep and hot climb, but well worth the walk for the beautiful view. When we were done we had some time to kill and I noticed how most of the bars in the city had really cheap booze, so decided that's how we would utilize our remaining time in Kotor. I miss being on vacation!</font><br /></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCzqgk03sR8-epzPQJo3J3MFzC6r8g2nIHc94mhjeEvQnP7AOoD6Lc4DxE0dEXVZe7IJHyPONb7m3CUgEDs15K-SRfZ9EQM2EK8U4ouIp128ApqPO2XNcGy42si2SVap5x5SKRKYXWX7-/s1600/IMG_2190.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636841443446882242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCzqgk03sR8-epzPQJo3J3MFzC6r8g2nIHc94mhjeEvQnP7AOoD6Lc4DxE0dEXVZe7IJHyPONb7m3CUgEDs15K-SRfZ9EQM2EK8U4ouIp128ApqPO2XNcGy42si2SVap5x5SKRKYXWX7-/s400/IMG_2190.JPG" /></a><font style="font-weight: bold;">We ordered their local beer Nicksicka which came in a dark and light variety. After a few of those, which were nice, cool and refreshing we decided we should try their other well-known local specialty, Loza.</font><br /></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEify_SKjjKVzzlAgm3PEe8QYIYr_6BAf4QvD_Sxhj2l1gC_rEHSIYy7So9Ig1VeDXnQtRqKGQcbw48Iw381fwoXOAJX7CDD7Wai_HtVJreGUFXE4APzye3_SI3_tFmKhd0ZcsSFzxyM0BOP/s1600/IMG_2191.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636841434157354402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEify_SKjjKVzzlAgm3PEe8QYIYr_6BAf4QvD_Sxhj2l1gC_rEHSIYy7So9Ig1VeDXnQtRqKGQcbw48Iw381fwoXOAJX7CDD7Wai_HtVJreGUFXE4APzye3_SI3_tFmKhd0ZcsSFzxyM0BOP/s400/IMG_2191.JPG" /></a><font style="font-weight: bold;">Each drink was around $2. The cold, clear Loza was super strong, 90 proof, but went down surprisingly smooth. It didn't have a strong aftertaste, so it sort of reminded me of vodka. After sipping a few of those we were ready to stumble back to the ship.</font><br /></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcxYj3mHTVDDKN3DYTovnZ8cKM2KXjIybvG2hnTZ22Pd10cPQyhEgG1PfItGORBebaxondTOv1qX_Wcel4XAyf8-elnqpDCifb5N8GJNJklPYKCvKZdoOHn_SHWr1t3QYRIlZp4uenrSn/s1600/IMG_2194.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636841430184052754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcxYj3mHTVDDKN3DYTovnZ8cKM2KXjIybvG2hnTZ22Pd10cPQyhEgG1PfItGORBebaxondTOv1qX_Wcel4XAyf8-elnqpDCifb5N8GJNJklPYKCvKZdoOHn_SHWr1t3QYRIlZp4uenrSn/s400/IMG_2194.JPG" /></a><font style="font-weight: bold;">I guess Emi didn't think the Loza was as smooth as I thought it was.</font><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZQ3eATAQVmFPo4gzGcpWEOWqgn4uOGBIM2T6_tRhqYVMDvTqOVs8HsTfSHmynZcLzky3MQInGnAMZsXV89qE6BAvxvL781MMP3KwjlQOI2G1UoZ6kScC2rU_xTFlSVtggag1U4uRgy3n/s1600/IMG_2175.JPG"><br /></a>Later that night we ended up having a few more drinks and paid for it the next day, but at least it was a day out at sea so we didn't miss muich. Kotor is a port we'll always remember for its beauty, amazing food, and cheap drinks. The city seemed pretty hard to get to unless by boat since it was tucked away, so this may have been our one and only opportunity to visit this amazing port. Maybe we need to start planning a return cruise.<br /><br /><br /><br />- Kyle</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562707181945666407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369787888286949300.post-82487998935757119752011-08-31T22:22:00.000-07:002011-08-31T22:22:00.569-07:00A Taste of Venice - Gelato and Pasta - Venice Part 2When Kyle and I were in Japan, we fell in love with gelato. I know, it sounds so bizarre. Gelato in Japan?? But yes, it is wonderful. Coming to the motherland of gelato, I expected something great. However, it was beyond great...it was heaven. We had no specific recommendations on where to go for the best gelato in Venice, so we picked a random shop that was open early enough to cater to us cruisers that needed to feed our gelato craving at 9:30AM before leaving the port for the next destination. You might think that these type of places wouldn't be good--but yes, oh yes, it was.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOaHQDjyQXcTxbe6lDlXiJPh2oREkpobf8KcULgofBwE46lGN_0KuDmROBhf9CRgUHuf-_ZM6bk-R-1p4yiOcepz1rOHDN_OwmRfMTvGh9t1CP0kgAIKrbsj2MR_edgxvuYoQe_f2YnDO/s1600/IMG_2084.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643552471746012034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuOaHQDjyQXcTxbe6lDlXiJPh2oREkpobf8KcULgofBwE46lGN_0KuDmROBhf9CRgUHuf-_ZM6bk-R-1p4yiOcepz1rOHDN_OwmRfMTvGh9t1CP0kgAIKrbsj2MR_edgxvuYoQe_f2YnDO/s400/IMG_2084.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<div align="center"><strong><em>There were so many flavors to choose from, it was hard to pick one. </em></strong></div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XkAnW5Vf_GSXxv_d-9WB95YDrRt36U1nMlZvcj9VqcF4YZ-iAKlNajVUiZ5OSapcTe-6aMPsQrTBodi9-VLqR1zmpVoRXrDZApVIrwIU3qn6ChCjCJgdyYCSjbw7t6GrwoHqe_g2KrSi/s1600/IMG_2085.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643552469287367442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XkAnW5Vf_GSXxv_d-9WB95YDrRt36U1nMlZvcj9VqcF4YZ-iAKlNajVUiZ5OSapcTe-6aMPsQrTBodi9-VLqR1zmpVoRXrDZApVIrwIU3qn6ChCjCJgdyYCSjbw7t6GrwoHqe_g2KrSi/s400/IMG_2085.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Kyle chose the tiramisu which was creamy with a nice cocoa/espresso richness. </em></strong></div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMhNXvotQNOHKBF9B9ExLGh1TcTwRIdvw-1nAZRSLZ6DPpq82Z4Yrnq18qDReAcXgZZBeyexJSzmlvm2TUlUh9jKCrqt2YEwHNzu-nxi7vr2rAUFddsAjgJaE_0ItjXMQvgW70HR5Bm49/s1600/IMG_2086.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643552461509210658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMhNXvotQNOHKBF9B9ExLGh1TcTwRIdvw-1nAZRSLZ6DPpq82Z4Yrnq18qDReAcXgZZBeyexJSzmlvm2TUlUh9jKCrqt2YEwHNzu-nxi7vr2rAUFddsAjgJaE_0ItjXMQvgW70HR5Bm49/s400/IMG_2086.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>I picked the frutti di bosco, which was a perfect combination of vanilla gelato and an uber-sweet and fresh tasting fruit topping. </em></strong></div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguniJVcg5o9_hBWNpx_ssRfzUxwScOQCP3a7k0BPgqKfvRdivCJ7Xd3Qxh3ltL2wb4tfBOrmzTndgi4fcZE5gMQMAQK5AJQMbhtqRPPd6iXs9P2EUVcEK_OqP_p4tT3ckSDLIXMNHTAr_f/s1600/IMG_2087.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643552229487148546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguniJVcg5o9_hBWNpx_ssRfzUxwScOQCP3a7k0BPgqKfvRdivCJ7Xd3Qxh3ltL2wb4tfBOrmzTndgi4fcZE5gMQMAQK5AJQMbhtqRPPd6iXs9P2EUVcEK_OqP_p4tT3ckSDLIXMNHTAr_f/s400/IMG_2087.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi065qXfuoyhY6o69F342PZf0zZ7ApHsvNANorXbK9sgepz1Zk0lo6VGfN2iAYYOFkOyL4zjrg88btgsyvMlN2j9Xn8t9RCznkmFEvX1YCoU22vOMAreKOJQoBSwzOB-8ByZRCoUcuV_ZlV/s1600/IMG_2088.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643552226048318722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi065qXfuoyhY6o69F342PZf0zZ7ApHsvNANorXbK9sgepz1Zk0lo6VGfN2iAYYOFkOyL4zjrg88btgsyvMlN2j9Xn8t9RCznkmFEvX1YCoU22vOMAreKOJQoBSwzOB-8ByZRCoUcuV_ZlV/s400/IMG_2088.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<div align="center"><strong><em>Once you have real Italian gelato, I don't think you could go back to anything else</em></strong>--<strong><em>not even Japanese gelato. </em></strong></div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcOGZinR5GJ-5Q1d8EtzXDOyyPUpbZqkGPDUi6sN32u-8ZOrM3KuYi2G6vyVhHO2WYZc1n3wP7-obeWvy_ZSXRzMTk6FptALevQ2UnshLhJ2CbLMLRcGXccLRxKFY7VroNM-68nNk8-s9/s1600/IMG_2095.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643552222826706802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcOGZinR5GJ-5Q1d8EtzXDOyyPUpbZqkGPDUi6sN32u-8ZOrM3KuYi2G6vyVhHO2WYZc1n3wP7-obeWvy_ZSXRzMTk6FptALevQ2UnshLhJ2CbLMLRcGXccLRxKFY7VroNM-68nNk8-s9/s400/IMG_2095.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>So what do you do when you only have a couple hours in a foreign city? Some might say: see the most well known sights, go shopping, or wonder the city and talk with the locals. Kyle and I try to seek out the best looking place to stop and eat some local food. This trattoria was tucked away in a narrow street/alley off the main path from San Marco Square to the Rialto bridge. We figured it would be OK since there was no sign of hamburgers on the menu.</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrDqqPEBoiqVDJW7k2z_HFSjaaphtVPYXvK21QJ9ibWG5Bii4ZmJuDQnOrAzUJ5S8xn6NRSB3raLM96C7xhrM0Re0hmqa8sptQZkLWTECENFGRBkprytM9Y-l6I3rHVrcspIjNhWeyib5/s1600/IMG_2098.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643552218027841410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrDqqPEBoiqVDJW7k2z_HFSjaaphtVPYXvK21QJ9ibWG5Bii4ZmJuDQnOrAzUJ5S8xn6NRSB3raLM96C7xhrM0Re0hmqa8sptQZkLWTECENFGRBkprytM9Y-l6I3rHVrcspIjNhWeyib5/s400/IMG_2098.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<div align="center"><strong><em>After we ordered, the waiter plopped down a couple bottles of infused olive oil. W</em>e <em>dipped fresh Italian bread in the oils and instantly fell head over heels in love. At first there was a lemon and a red chili pepper infused olive oil. Each oil was so flavorful and dressed up the plain bread, turning an ordinary loaf of JC Penny-like white bread into a Prada equivalent that made you wonder why anyone would ever use plain butter or oil to dip their bread. Think Pretty Woman for bread.</em> <em> </em></strong></div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZpDShyHxCxgURXDPIGfmC_0Fx8hPDQD8JF-nCsRnoC5Vs46pRwqZzrU7KvleQcb74jlg7yINrg7cSSwZNqJpo4wFGK_jUV8fZMHHKrR2NrR1fRNVOAGNqbq2vPy1eVnTGQRO47kV9M0v/s1600/IMG_2099.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643551877666671826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZpDShyHxCxgURXDPIGfmC_0Fx8hPDQD8JF-nCsRnoC5Vs46pRwqZzrU7KvleQcb74jlg7yINrg7cSSwZNqJpo4wFGK_jUV8fZMHHKrR2NrR1fRNVOAGNqbq2vPy1eVnTGQRO47kV9M0v/s400/IMG_2099.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" /></a><br />
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<div align="center"><strong><em>This is the point in the trip where I started to think of a future Mediterranean themed party that I would throw in Seattle. I asked the waiter how they made their infused olive oils. He was so happy we liked them that he brought out two more bottles: a garlic and an anchovy infused olive oil. </em></strong></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><strong><em>As soon as I came home I looked up recipes for infused oils online. The key is to make sure to either refrigerate or use your oil immediately because there is the risk of botulism if you do not properly handle the oil. The key is to heat the oil and add whatever ingredients you would like in your oil, letting them steep in the warm oil long enough to infuse the flavor. You then let the oil cool and use a funnel to transfer the oil back to a bottle, adding a little canola oil to keep the concoction from solidifying in the refrigerator. </em></strong></div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHqlP0RQ3nTiI1iLonwa7aVwWgpsHaPGuDIWBWiL-siE9gh56dqSOIa1B-R8UmAXeijrHDwW-FhscUXuFge0wcaBdrfiohnQ7WpQgLGy2nJ8g7bgpmQ10iaPlrHqU91SKbbv9P3ndDBkN/s1600/IMG_2102.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643551872703595074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHqlP0RQ3nTiI1iLonwa7aVwWgpsHaPGuDIWBWiL-siE9gh56dqSOIa1B-R8UmAXeijrHDwW-FhscUXuFge0wcaBdrfiohnQ7WpQgLGy2nJ8g7bgpmQ10iaPlrHqU91SKbbv9P3ndDBkN/s400/IMG_2102.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<div align="center"><strong><em>Kyle got the saffron gnocchi with dried baby scallops--he loved the scallops which were a little chewier and smokey tasting compared to fresh scallops. Plus, you can't go wrong with a luxury ingredient like saffron!</em></strong></div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfyMLRpiQUmeYz6-CgSNrrgv6vTxBZwavZZvJNUp5YUBAVKX85Jk0AayM52l7yze7gVcpeXDEfhgyWRvJ6bsA-0_de56unMUeNRDSs7IJLXw_F8EY98OozVZKfkkVLZj1AD7AkEhD7AWhQ/s1600/IMG_2103.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643551866730616994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfyMLRpiQUmeYz6-CgSNrrgv6vTxBZwavZZvJNUp5YUBAVKX85Jk0AayM52l7yze7gVcpeXDEfhgyWRvJ6bsA-0_de56unMUeNRDSs7IJLXw_F8EY98OozVZKfkkVLZj1AD7AkEhD7AWhQ/s400/IMG_2103.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<div align="center"><strong><em>My dad loves clam spaghetti and has made it for me at home since I was a baby. This version was the real deal. The clams were fresh and the pasta was handmade. It is a simple recipe, but with simplicity, there is so much that can go wrong. Not this pasta, it was perfect.</em></strong></div><br />
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<div align="center"><strong><em>I got the winner for the day--the lobster spaghetti that came with half a fresh Mediterranean lobster. The sauce was no ordinary tomato sauce, it was hearty and creamy tasting. The sauce was so flavorful I almost took home a doggie bag of just the remnants on my plate. </em></strong></div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilI_i2Jbuj2_dNVzbsGggSH-GcO9mJ1kJYwjInomHAHl1BJQddQ5XfilSX6ijie1s69qxfIJDFzx5DNsp9r6qis2csECXjhjwDQIEDTADRcRYRdaio_GPIeG659K5oWej2cZjI6XmCITCo/s1600/IMG_2105.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643551368172020274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilI_i2Jbuj2_dNVzbsGggSH-GcO9mJ1kJYwjInomHAHl1BJQddQ5XfilSX6ijie1s69qxfIJDFzx5DNsp9r6qis2csECXjhjwDQIEDTADRcRYRdaio_GPIeG659K5oWej2cZjI6XmCITCo/s400/IMG_2105.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<div align="center"><strong><em>We weren't exactly starving when we stumbled upon this restaurant--we just didn't want to waste a good meal time in a new city and wanted to take advantage of the opportunity before our boat left the port. However, whether it was the time crunch or the delicious food, we scarfed the food down as if it was our last meal before a Space mission or something equally worthy of the veracity we ate with. </em></strong> </div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNxV45gpD41wqIhFznU_Z4lt7Jg7b627lS4qYaJWjiZHLjllglC5C2QSXXy-iNdD4Cg98Z7M4HO6xanZfj5LzfaBKjRNBsM2kt0xe_S7XZ1BgK7ijyzRo5mobP4AAM7dEINhmIVi_qZ0B/s1600/IMG_2108.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643551365086086850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNxV45gpD41wqIhFznU_Z4lt7Jg7b627lS4qYaJWjiZHLjllglC5C2QSXXy-iNdD4Cg98Z7M4HO6xanZfj5LzfaBKjRNBsM2kt0xe_S7XZ1BgK7ijyzRo5mobP4AAM7dEINhmIVi_qZ0B/s400/IMG_2108.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OB0slu4nxpJ3mFBX-w_PpDIsRafQDDW6xA-18AQfeuc-ulHpJMN5UGvZUZnf-oBQLmzYhgMR5itbVqd2Bm8nekRaz4YJsXg9IjeiV-X2MQ0sMYYWybkIbhxNC2_s80Pu7Qc-CrX35pA2/s1600/IMG_2113.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643551352716830322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OB0slu4nxpJ3mFBX-w_PpDIsRafQDDW6xA-18AQfeuc-ulHpJMN5UGvZUZnf-oBQLmzYhgMR5itbVqd2Bm8nekRaz4YJsXg9IjeiV-X2MQ0sMYYWybkIbhxNC2_s80Pu7Qc-CrX35pA2/s400/IMG_2113.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<div align="center"></div><div align="left"><strong><em>Happy Eating,</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><em>Emi</em></strong></div>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562707181945666407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369787888286949300.post-60037247044379366852011-08-15T09:00:00.000-07:002011-08-15T09:00:07.417-07:00Prosciutto di Parma pizza - Dinner in Venice - Venice Part 1<div>After fattening ourselves up in Paris we were ready to flaunt our bikini ready bodies on an 11 day cruise through the Mediterranean. Our port of departure was Venice, which we had been told to expect "OK" food, so we weren't as focused on finding food in this city. However in the end maybe because of lowered expectations or sheer luck we found some truly great Italian food.
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmS5NjGkcdyuEStDJcu92VbH-ndbgBc0mKOqV3cf29mUvUpU6u2fGmAv5sJswepfkMqlqHyyUZrhVoWywrrEdlVNoQDWAF8fEISoN2ryAPct-qy6HEnUTTkzMgygMY58Dhu9COI3spGNF/s1600/IMG_2072.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635620929690061746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmS5NjGkcdyuEStDJcu92VbH-ndbgBc0mKOqV3cf29mUvUpU6u2fGmAv5sJswepfkMqlqHyyUZrhVoWywrrEdlVNoQDWAF8fEISoN2ryAPct-qy6HEnUTTkzMgygMY58Dhu9COI3spGNF/s400/IMG_2072.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">We met up with my parents in Venice and for our first evening went on a gondola ride through the "streets" or rather waterways of Venice. An amazing experience made even better with a bottle of Prosecco. After finishing our gondola ride we were ready to hunt down some pizza!</span> </div>
<br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtabz2_aGktCzmZmJPZ1ExyuKmwrH7Codof-E94urGLwFEDWSBorZBZP1e0cYzopHmwJa9aT5WIfnMM7xtXMoOKomnF9piJDTX4BIsERtVnAL3mpa1sUx4tajSQ4iz-bt3SNPX5kuCaf8/s1600/IMG_2064.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635620712313130562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtabz2_aGktCzmZmJPZ1ExyuKmwrH7Codof-E94urGLwFEDWSBorZBZP1e0cYzopHmwJa9aT5WIfnMM7xtXMoOKomnF9piJDTX4BIsERtVnAL3mpa1sUx4tajSQ4iz-bt3SNPX5kuCaf8/s400/IMG_2064.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Venice like many stops on our cruise was a beautiful and unique city just waiting to be explored by us. We made it our goal to eat local cuisines for every stop of the cruise. If it said "hamburgers, pizza/pasta (outside of Italy)" we avoided the place like the plague. We wanted what the locals would eat.</span> </div>
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<br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4ZBnZM3Zs7v2AzH1WpTeUUAq4ZzX28ChUaRW1tS2sdmxRnITJ3wCiuals5hgQnCSSmUg4kh5AssB4fBdSJRtMq7I6mglPiEiLcbB3dHFItoF98Dtr7lxUuxAkpNebVMPMQL9Ec5VB2xv/s1600/IMG_2078.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635620705423703202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr4ZBnZM3Zs7v2AzH1WpTeUUAq4ZzX28ChUaRW1tS2sdmxRnITJ3wCiuals5hgQnCSSmUg4kh5AssB4fBdSJRtMq7I6mglPiEiLcbB3dHFItoF98Dtr7lxUuxAkpNebVMPMQL9Ec5VB2xv/s400/IMG_2078.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">We went back to a restaurant my parents had discovered earlier in the day by the Academia Bridge in the heart of Venice. We started with a Caprese salad which we dressed ourselves with olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette. The fresh mozzarella and tomatoes were spectacular. We were soon to see the fresh cheeses and tomatoes across the Mediterranean were like nothing we had ever enjoyed before.</span> </div>
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<br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodvYh6cWXvXjDL4oXwf9cOjHwtA1ezGidiqNCybfYb14_aI_l-LaL4C8S5pBdoQxTkw9G7h55LJMUBdbyDDxu89pTDULFFggFuui7FrkVczt-fO8uF_-1mtA7lF1m4BptxyjOBP6dy6KP/s1600/IMG_2079.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635620701362526786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodvYh6cWXvXjDL4oXwf9cOjHwtA1ezGidiqNCybfYb14_aI_l-LaL4C8S5pBdoQxTkw9G7h55LJMUBdbyDDxu89pTDULFFggFuui7FrkVczt-fO8uF_-1mtA7lF1m4BptxyjOBP6dy6KP/s400/IMG_2079.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">My dad went with the melon and prosciutto which was even better than the one we enjoyed in Paris primarily because the prosciutto was amazing.</span> </div>
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<br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyj_P8_qdkv9suqI74eEAfVzL6hVbDNc050oaUBBALaVtNweMrjjUVODLZqkGoJAAt2LtFRYXwnCWDxLVnYosbUSLedeaqFBaOiSCVoTfa7M-TiYgSPkkuG1Pe2VnYjKCg1Vof-qLQsnPg/s1600/IMG_2080.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635620695866303234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyj_P8_qdkv9suqI74eEAfVzL6hVbDNc050oaUBBALaVtNweMrjjUVODLZqkGoJAAt2LtFRYXwnCWDxLVnYosbUSLedeaqFBaOiSCVoTfa7M-TiYgSPkkuG1Pe2VnYjKCg1Vof-qLQsnPg/s400/IMG_2080.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">I ordered the prosciutto di Parma pizza which came with a slightly spicy tomato sauce and caramelized onions. Emi and I discussed if we had been to Italy back when we were in grade school, (pre-California Pizza Kitchen which then turned into wood stone oven, gourmet, thin crust pizzas) we may not have enjoyed this pizza. Knowing only thick crust, greasy Pizza Hut, Dominoes, Little Caesar's, and Godfather Pizza we were not necessarily pizza connoisseurs. Good thing food has changed and improved over the years.</span> </div>
<br /><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">This pizza was not perfect, (the dough was a little chewy, even though the crust was thin) however still one of the best pizzas I've ever enjoyed. Maybe it was the environment and sitting by the Grand Canal in Venice that made this pizza memorable, but more likely it was the amazing prosciutto di Parma. I've enjoyed it before, but for whatever reason this creamy, rich, salty, melt in your mouth prosciutto was the best I've ever tasted and truly made this pizza extraordinary.</div>
<br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjDaPbRTnfj928yzJ9U_RUboCE3rfnmStFUlvS_GQAbm4tgs7YAy0nlBsZxSn3_uPw19eFQccuPRYskb48zhuUExvef-r_I_SSGCkz24bViqliLosdH5jCBYKTJkRme1ttbPqXMAsAljb/s1600/IMG_2083.JPG"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635620694425728610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjDaPbRTnfj928yzJ9U_RUboCE3rfnmStFUlvS_GQAbm4tgs7YAy0nlBsZxSn3_uPw19eFQccuPRYskb48zhuUExvef-r_I_SSGCkz24bViqliLosdH5jCBYKTJkRme1ttbPqXMAsAljb/s400/IMG_2083.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Emi's mushroom and ham pizza.</span> </div>
<br />Even though the city shut down completely by around 9:30pm and we almost didn't make it back to the cruise ship (long story), it was all worth it because of my vivid memory of this amazing pizza.
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<br />- Kyle
<br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562707181945666407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369787888286949300.post-31677867856923222732011-08-12T07:25:00.000-07:002011-08-11T21:52:20.836-07:00A Pre-Cruise, Cruise through Paris<div>Although you would think 3 nights in Paris would be too short to really see the city, I feel that we filled our days with meaningful Paris experiences that allowed us to get the most out of the short time. It's hard not to fall in love with the city; Kyle and I became just another one of Paris' groupies. Lucky for us, we also had the most amazing tour guide in my Auntie Charlotte.
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<br />One night, as we sat eating yet another life-changing meal instead of packing in another museum or church, Kyle and I decided that food is the best way to experience a new city/culture. You can learn so much about the people and the land by what they eat. And we certainly did a lot of "learning" while in Paris.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-342_dv4v5XGWMRx4pVFi4XeVUMLRi75sr37ayrfNPXYvHYRT8crBSVTD861CMGHXov2MjOdnIEVZ05z9VYyQcLRFJtVc0cnJz99AmjZoMOnb7lKA-xNdGHqe8iFku7MjSC8cBO8XIzNM/s1600/IMG_1936.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635617894692489778" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-342_dv4v5XGWMRx4pVFi4XeVUMLRi75sr37ayrfNPXYvHYRT8crBSVTD861CMGHXov2MjOdnIEVZ05z9VYyQcLRFJtVc0cnJz99AmjZoMOnb7lKA-xNdGHqe8iFku7MjSC8cBO8XIzNM/s400/IMG_1936.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<br />As a final <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">hurrah</span> before heading off for our cruise, we tested our sea legs with a dinner cruise through the Seine River on the <a href="http://www.bateaux-mouches.fr/en"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Bateaux</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Mouches</span></a>. The dinner boat floats through the heart of the city, passing the main landmarks like Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and more. It was a magical way to see the city, especially as the sun began to set and light the city with a fiery glow.
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<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkBXqYqhGM_Hcmw7D-4NVprbV1SxX58emuXIgUsMzU10KLsR7TjjAaMa-SE9ff60u2kHh4Pr4jv2BMgR7vnwtaO7qnLByK5McQ0ocXSdCuzc5AQGexufpCPP1Cykol-UztHNblXOqsZLv/s1600/IMG_1903.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635617631559659186" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkBXqYqhGM_Hcmw7D-4NVprbV1SxX58emuXIgUsMzU10KLsR7TjjAaMa-SE9ff60u2kHh4Pr4jv2BMgR7vnwtaO7qnLByK5McQ0ocXSdCuzc5AQGexufpCPP1Cykol-UztHNblXOqsZLv/s400/IMG_1903.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">We started with an amuse-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">bouche</span> to whet our appetites: a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">crostini</span> topped with a dollop of slightly salty cod roe cream. </span></span>
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<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjn97OFo4dU1syxbAkNw2vuvnMZ2emTuZNCrgY8xShpTioCHUk2wWTMt7Hya2I-z8Fcn17udNgPBGw7NoU6aPi29ewr-WVlonjVAF3UTWB8PfUwkK8vgJ9Mi9_uuu_KI7PVZel0Nh2tx7_/s1600/IMG_1904.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635617628790334674" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjn97OFo4dU1syxbAkNw2vuvnMZ2emTuZNCrgY8xShpTioCHUk2wWTMt7Hya2I-z8Fcn17udNgPBGw7NoU6aPi29ewr-WVlonjVAF3UTWB8PfUwkK8vgJ9Mi9_uuu_KI7PVZel0Nh2tx7_/s400/IMG_1904.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Jou0PXbUetSZ2B60GHZRhM_bO-ib_SPA2YPoLp935dhxYfJeFe02XsuWAQn9ss3-dg-yCrRdJouSmPC7vJ2ehLbvE9bFPVNSs-7PLK4tIQvOMjVFB3jjBvYL3uMoG2p9HKYsDsdnolkC/s1600/IMG_1899.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 267px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635617623471702242" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Jou0PXbUetSZ2B60GHZRhM_bO-ib_SPA2YPoLp935dhxYfJeFe02XsuWAQn9ss3-dg-yCrRdJouSmPC7vJ2ehLbvE9bFPVNSs-7PLK4tIQvOMjVFB3jjBvYL3uMoG2p9HKYsDsdnolkC/s400/IMG_1899.JPG" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wine was mandatory with the meal--and I mean that literally. The dinner automatically came with a bottle of champagne, and then another bottle for every 2 people. Meaning, for our group of 5 people, we got 3 bottles of wine. The champagne was no cheapo Cook's or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Korbel</span>--no, no, the French would have none of that. This was a fantastic bottle of bubbly to start off the night!
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<br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuugsK9wD7c_tdYgbg6lXgU_pGevNQFKoaKjLi1xcL5XuiESAlcx7iF_4zE7OdkjpyRhJ04jKNkoYT9UVb_RMAgCLVE7td0_a_BUljIbHJWbsnfsoIKUSlYivRnZ1NEbbykZ8AHwaGm8O/s1600/IMG_1919.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 267px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635617620244605170" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuugsK9wD7c_tdYgbg6lXgU_pGevNQFKoaKjLi1xcL5XuiESAlcx7iF_4zE7OdkjpyRhJ04jKNkoYT9UVb_RMAgCLVE7td0_a_BUljIbHJWbsnfsoIKUSlYivRnZ1NEbbykZ8AHwaGm8O/s400/IMG_1919.JPG" border="0" /></a>
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<br />We decided that we needed to be adventurous and try out both the red and white. This red was superb and went beautifully with the food; although, let's be honest, even a bottle of Carlos <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Rossi</span> when looking at the sun set on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Notre</span> Dame would taste pretty good. </span></span>
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<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYgB_kXuEaeiCPCe-hr29kwnnsPAY_sJCbkF42SHXCJETOI6ZIqJ4MGw5m4V7MsPyUiVqpU0Y6w3ztcsrLBZmrlc1NTH7FSGbdeZ6aSnqJCX1_gESyKqSDEFI36urDHDXB-WW2PnYOGSo/s1600/IMG_1893.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635617617001944786" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYgB_kXuEaeiCPCe-hr29kwnnsPAY_sJCbkF42SHXCJETOI6ZIqJ4MGw5m4V7MsPyUiVqpU0Y6w3ztcsrLBZmrlc1NTH7FSGbdeZ6aSnqJCX1_gESyKqSDEFI36urDHDXB-WW2PnYOGSo/s400/IMG_1893.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirD24a1_o2d7g3GsOcCvMkYp53LjBLbFLdEAINHTaalZRyi5Sm3isHxTFncSUSyoMMgy1FSa4GQq3XQj_fcDAoV1Har1voD_4f5hL3exrK3qKRiSjBOUeK8iECja4MmL2x0VAIXXcpeOO6/s1600/IMG_1920.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635616820258212930" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirD24a1_o2d7g3GsOcCvMkYp53LjBLbFLdEAINHTaalZRyi5Sm3isHxTFncSUSyoMMgy1FSa4GQq3XQj_fcDAoV1Har1voD_4f5hL3exrK3qKRiSjBOUeK8iECja4MmL2x0VAIXXcpeOO6/s400/IMG_1920.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kyle and Auntie Charlotte got the quail thighs cooked in quail <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">jus</span> as the first course. </span></span>
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<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTslboQNK1oofNZBDVc1P0nu9vKxXs3iSHxeV24EtVf0CA-QanEpEMDG2z28SRinnYiOSKulu251hgWUX2OVbZhvPTooWJYHZMN5FmZhC223MPWgNGkkbZcwYRxPxQ2d7hiW-x4SOSQWTa/s1600/IMG_1927.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635616813594255698" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTslboQNK1oofNZBDVc1P0nu9vKxXs3iSHxeV24EtVf0CA-QanEpEMDG2z28SRinnYiOSKulu251hgWUX2OVbZhvPTooWJYHZMN5FmZhC223MPWgNGkkbZcwYRxPxQ2d7hiW-x4SOSQWTa/s400/IMG_1927.JPG" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Auntie Charlotte taking a dainty bite of the tiny quail.
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<br /></span></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwrfRiv349dcRnoUaivIUZbpBY38Nv9ACkVxC0dv073vTK1QwtRL599qaf3dT6yMFco7XapBxiRdDDOp5KwJ2quAJkONVpAkY4A-S7gPKfar-S7nzG4RLLKk0CdhgSZc9Wu2RBcnTndkMo/s1600/IMG_1922.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635616809562975442" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwrfRiv349dcRnoUaivIUZbpBY38Nv9ACkVxC0dv073vTK1QwtRL599qaf3dT6yMFco7XapBxiRdDDOp5KwJ2quAJkONVpAkY4A-S7gPKfar-S7nzG4RLLKk0CdhgSZc9Wu2RBcnTndkMo/s400/IMG_1922.JPG" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mom and I decided that we just had to try one last bite of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">foie</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">gras</span>. It was paired with a peppery baguette and hit the spot. </span></span>
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<br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDI5cohyphenhyphenO1h3b7sb7jxE7HhzhOQ3tPZAlCoC900kkg423fUPnSDypSdRAh-jVlc8foRPTNnW6i6Mx3NjT7AJiFdNorL92-QgIluLwM6zdF690m8Nhuto85PZy2nkffA6mVghYsfhzl7izo/s1600/IMG_1925.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635616808762234754" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDI5cohyphenhyphenO1h3b7sb7jxE7HhzhOQ3tPZAlCoC900kkg423fUPnSDypSdRAh-jVlc8foRPTNnW6i6Mx3NjT7AJiFdNorL92-QgIluLwM6zdF690m8Nhuto85PZy2nkffA6mVghYsfhzl7izo/s400/IMG_1925.JPG" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dad got the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">carpaccio</span> of smoked swordfish, topped with a soy sauce reduction and white vinegar.
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<br /></span></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMaxDHEhyphenhyphen55_JnfcbA2RZnxismZUl9AUX41gsOumocmELtyT3SczSZ1PGSk_8HJOxI6aqGZPcQ2XclX6gUqDFnp4nwqXq4X5kW-xuzLoiV6cPmBznQ7_bZuNjuJLa53-qyN81J40qXFMQ/s1600/IMG_1926.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635616804103842178" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMaxDHEhyphenhyphen55_JnfcbA2RZnxismZUl9AUX41gsOumocmELtyT3SczSZ1PGSk_8HJOxI6aqGZPcQ2XclX6gUqDFnp4nwqXq4X5kW-xuzLoiV6cPmBznQ7_bZuNjuJLa53-qyN81J40qXFMQ/s400/IMG_1926.JPG" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Our family takes our food seriously--notice my mom also taking a photo of my dad's food. Not to mention, what the hell my dad is doing?!?</span></span>
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<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOInPQAPtbXHyyu01vpTuaM74kBZNzG6NyGQkN0Ea4Fx90dV1P0FfcDhszljVkWEwj6HmuUA1M-w2SIf9Q2K2UL6JkBV0pqcg3VscFaARDE5LGOOiTwS11FMGpxfOfQ6177CPgHwmEdSU6/s1600/IMG_1942.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635616012872699778" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOInPQAPtbXHyyu01vpTuaM74kBZNzG6NyGQkN0Ea4Fx90dV1P0FfcDhszljVkWEwj6HmuUA1M-w2SIf9Q2K2UL6JkBV0pqcg3VscFaARDE5LGOOiTwS11FMGpxfOfQ6177CPgHwmEdSU6/s400/IMG_1942.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Second course: tender veal cooked with summer vegetables</span></span>
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<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKiPMkrci0SszLD4ExnGdBSwxjzomL6DvzdNWoWKlikS_4imWLDUwvWMN__f8FwpVf1vBJdLgTGH8ydJUAGKIX2LJpPCW3PU1BzHe17NA1cdX_qSPVAlt5Oo9zeoMdZhWsGgcHjhbIfkpV/s1600/IMG_1944.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635616006800913618" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKiPMkrci0SszLD4ExnGdBSwxjzomL6DvzdNWoWKlikS_4imWLDUwvWMN__f8FwpVf1vBJdLgTGH8ydJUAGKIX2LJpPCW3PU1BzHe17NA1cdX_qSPVAlt5Oo9zeoMdZhWsGgcHjhbIfkpV/s400/IMG_1944.JPG" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kyle got the free range chicken with "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">ratte</span>" new potatoes and asparagus tips.
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<br /></span></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSJzbIbV9btoFRAah3riR1NcdaDZKGd2NDoq7fG4N2EKt4XC_BAccHXq5fmYVatV8SCy8eOkE621IR_YrdNM8VpfxSh3eknaqlYXG63vVQ8lo5bf7Ac2Pgx9NY0TwWOfW3zoX6zTI1aXb/s1600/IMG_1946.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 267px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635616004831734242" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSJzbIbV9btoFRAah3riR1NcdaDZKGd2NDoq7fG4N2EKt4XC_BAccHXq5fmYVatV8SCy8eOkE621IR_YrdNM8VpfxSh3eknaqlYXG63vVQ8lo5bf7Ac2Pgx9NY0TwWOfW3zoX6zTI1aXb/s400/IMG_1946.JPG" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">I love this photo because it shows every table, lined with bottles of wine and happy eaters.
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<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4xXzgK2R4VQo8YCfuZCNr-qu8G1I-da1_j5MHra7CgTgTyNtp8Rr7z1fCpIMa0fKo1mUIC49-Eu8BlKsJkfm8iVsUG9J0fCMY75J1G4dKZsisgCDg4eGJQwG2qUipkgl6KotVzuWJ6K3/s1600/IMG_1975.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635615997786719410" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4xXzgK2R4VQo8YCfuZCNr-qu8G1I-da1_j5MHra7CgTgTyNtp8Rr7z1fCpIMa0fKo1mUIC49-Eu8BlKsJkfm8iVsUG9J0fCMY75J1G4dKZsisgCDg4eGJQwG2qUipkgl6KotVzuWJ6K3/s400/IMG_1975.JPG" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">MMM</span>, one last bite of stinky, raw-milk French cheese. I miss those cheese courses--we need to incorporate that more into our American culture.
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<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93HIjG-IyP8wdiZ0ws7DQbaDF4_gj0u-v2n9aq_GSPJ9AtbBAWKL9YaqIio02Y___qYEo811nI6XPUl2j98Ai6pfAVfM7fQ3kcAgV36gqC0YSvp0ZanBDc5hxr7Pe_nUoXiWQBRzgcNi9/s1600/IMG_1987.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635615996153401538" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93HIjG-IyP8wdiZ0ws7DQbaDF4_gj0u-v2n9aq_GSPJ9AtbBAWKL9YaqIio02Y___qYEo811nI6XPUl2j98Ai6pfAVfM7fQ3kcAgV36gqC0YSvp0ZanBDc5hxr7Pe_nUoXiWQBRzgcNi9/s400/IMG_1987.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">A delicious lemon tart</span></span>
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<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5FYuw30wh3cyGM0_D4YehBJTb9aWg558rlLGrqdr9SygoZQdbvyxEpMdbpiqDo_vUjho3HbDHYHXnq0i9GkZBqGEQR_3UGVmlBpTennnXj4bkupsbnJsVTkbqgkRllovpzGadCVWDgBX/s1600/IMG_1988.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635615616408334930" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5FYuw30wh3cyGM0_D4YehBJTb9aWg558rlLGrqdr9SygoZQdbvyxEpMdbpiqDo_vUjho3HbDHYHXnq0i9GkZBqGEQR_3UGVmlBpTennnXj4bkupsbnJsVTkbqgkRllovpzGadCVWDgBX/s400/IMG_1988.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The black forest gateau, which my aunt said is her favorite dessert.</span></span>
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<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh2dhnRcDtaSvXq4CIPC-1zP__l_jUvt9_PrPDmmOoMWvwcByRjuV8KWsiLixp2BGIOoxqDDfB96A7UEDeaKZ0tl-UQhaHoSdK4YxpLETDx8lWBobp8Y0ga8nRGSD3kVon7SGuzlsrIWUc/s1600/IMG_1990.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635615611426796162" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh2dhnRcDtaSvXq4CIPC-1zP__l_jUvt9_PrPDmmOoMWvwcByRjuV8KWsiLixp2BGIOoxqDDfB96A7UEDeaKZ0tl-UQhaHoSdK4YxpLETDx8lWBobp8Y0ga8nRGSD3kVon7SGuzlsrIWUc/s400/IMG_1990.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Strawberry tart...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">mmm</span>, I love French desserts</span></span>
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<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVb_QuNDJrgCkC88UeucGhRWv3DjKwn03hQOsp7veuUBTsOi5ckyQECGwFHcyFinotCuxuIAm6iDETIfwu_UHFS8lMMWN_FAiUXZoT6vLB2sRqdi-7Ajo3HEvIERN9jGn_W2z1n5ALg4d/s1600/IMG_1991.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635615607777436210" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVb_QuNDJrgCkC88UeucGhRWv3DjKwn03hQOsp7veuUBTsOi5ckyQECGwFHcyFinotCuxuIAm6iDETIfwu_UHFS8lMMWN_FAiUXZoT6vLB2sRqdi-7Ajo3HEvIERN9jGn_W2z1n5ALg4d/s400/IMG_1991.JPG" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The mango and semolina cream was so elegant and refreshing.
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<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2j9Dh27RDK9GDdozlp9_akbdssGpa6CVBkI6Z_xK6inzdjUPZsbJYd1a00QwS8glQR7mM6gK4sXFaqP83CFnPRWoUck8-i_u3K3kJHvIEPHedVYJ6p9t1Ul9eHTzhtlLJRUQ1YghLU1O/s1600/IMG_1996.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635615603178872898" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2j9Dh27RDK9GDdozlp9_akbdssGpa6CVBkI6Z_xK6inzdjUPZsbJYd1a00QwS8glQR7mM6gK4sXFaqP83CFnPRWoUck8-i_u3K3kJHvIEPHedVYJ6p9t1Ul9eHTzhtlLJRUQ1YghLU1O/s400/IMG_1996.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Two happy, and very full, tourists.</span></span>
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<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzBpP6XaepOHxV8oklFlnnoazogukoPpYwuRB5JjeqAX1-3VuFm5ldjvoxBNDeeXZroWZ7DO2gGTzwy05csgnTFVTlNe_2Udw_fgZ8z-DEj1DiHKgKsweQQRrjYHSelhSmk1xzgNlmSPJ/s1600/IMG_2031.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635615599962768066" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzBpP6XaepOHxV8oklFlnnoazogukoPpYwuRB5JjeqAX1-3VuFm5ldjvoxBNDeeXZroWZ7DO2gGTzwy05csgnTFVTlNe_2Udw_fgZ8z-DEj1DiHKgKsweQQRrjYHSelhSmk1xzgNlmSPJ/s400/IMG_2031.JPG" border="0" /></a>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The days are long in summer, so the boat circled around the river for a while to try to outlast the day in order for the guests to catch a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower, all lit up. The day won, so we got off the boat and wondered over to a nearby bridge where at 11PM on the dot, the Eiffel Tower started sparkling.
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<br />It was too beautiful and perfect a moment to leave behind, so Kyle and I passed up the convenient metro that was next to the bridge. Instead we walked back to our hotel and took in one last drink at the famous <a href="http://www.lucienbarriere.com/localized/fr/restaurants/nos_restaurants/fouquets.htm"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Fouquet's</span></a>.
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<br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span>Now on to the Mediterranean...
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<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Happy Eating,
<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Emi</span>
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<br /></span></span></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562707181945666407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369787888286949300.post-89467219492807151062011-08-08T07:16:00.000-07:002011-08-08T07:16:00.907-07:00Museum d'Orsay Lunch<div><br />
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I had to post this commercial because I thought of it often throughout this trip. It is almost comical how much it plays into the stereotype of America: all work, no time for real food, no time for what really matters in life--only time for a crappy microwavable meal before your boss is on you to meet with another client. Europe gave me perspective and allowed me time to truly savor the moment and the food in front of me. <br />
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635614201363190674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbKz1xCqRMKnCm8jouNsNh_jRFZqnofVdkRwIZcBjzdGKDek45B_DWWPDpxxCKhfQGarfJBzhr76I53vHi8P6iq9-MZ4EugF4hr_6Ooiw3LZAB-omdmC578xMejdsWy88QoJPL-fszgvW/s400/IMG_1722.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" /><img xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" /> <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>My Auntie Barb and cousin Kelsey said one of their favorite lunches in Paris was at the Museum d'Orsay. So after spending a couple of hours looking at the fabulous works of art, we found some edible art in the stunning museum restaurant.</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgli1K-kfCgfNU0xMnXxNeyTP2RaO7g1md3NrOPu7kOE62jXd06y_R6XAoRRkBI1MwHac9IF3WUgRleYBoz9-uzrswygsa7oIAyVUquzFeiKjRxTO5wsVw00ki6uEwJQPcJu5ZAHv9ty1kc/s1600/IMG_1732.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635614197062009346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgli1K-kfCgfNU0xMnXxNeyTP2RaO7g1md3NrOPu7kOE62jXd06y_R6XAoRRkBI1MwHac9IF3WUgRleYBoz9-uzrswygsa7oIAyVUquzFeiKjRxTO5wsVw00ki6uEwJQPcJu5ZAHv9ty1kc/s400/IMG_1732.JPG" style="display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /> </a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>The museum was built in an old train station. This restaurant at one point must have been an elegant stop for rich travelers to eat before boarding a train out of the city. Now it is an elegant stop for hungry tourists to rest their feet and eat in style.</b></i> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ODf_dhVC9HaBnVCdby7wCy6_I2fYX7JKDwmrHidYaAdqJGmTTvMxEPabmGsNfTNN0mfQ1MZfLunVO-iAhkGU3QBkOSRH-obxED5GfOKMS5V1dBdE0JUEig4WZjt4RsKh4tDcqn4VCZP3/s1600/IMG_1734.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635614191570470018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ODf_dhVC9HaBnVCdby7wCy6_I2fYX7JKDwmrHidYaAdqJGmTTvMxEPabmGsNfTNN0mfQ1MZfLunVO-iAhkGU3QBkOSRH-obxED5GfOKMS5V1dBdE0JUEig4WZjt4RsKh4tDcqn4VCZP3/s400/IMG_1734.JPG" style="display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635614184604248674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuVg84SyyjeKKUZvrya5czzzhiAC1mr5AUdxtaTP6ePVwsu_ZaK31Ufm6B7jLEtS9PvVsuQuI6y90TYvbhKE-vbcuaLyHRFlhic_EM_mskR6IutLXLt3L2ys38kxn456kXW1Tu9ZI1_5FP/s400/IMG_1737.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>The lunch was prix fixe for around $16 euros, not at all a bad deal for a three course French meal in a beautiful setting. </b></i></div><br />
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635613842169093394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT5KMSUVlRUZRB6cUiIzVZhRdbrqsMtivD36l5SyuGDVfwSSen6x5KOQj_XffxBOcJlaXUEJkupgOaI2P2bo0NjouP0VM35LR8aMFzILMCZJ_xn45kjtqUQR7rvfc9uYSWupMXnsNH6c-_/s400/IMG_1738.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Beef carpaccio with olive-sized capers, arugula, and Parmesan shavings. Can you believe that was the first course? So much for the petite French portions!</b></i></div><br />
<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9ToZYmONATEhIJJeEnBqrU-XPIDlk-Wb8-vMwcmnrQFFUff0pbNELomqeYTBB6zbvmCoRMlnsO2ALlqMNVxMMQrBHDpIkg_sM58yPlpAwwlXLyjX-5-kNrCv9wvNFeYVizOaVj2o27Od/s1600/IMG_1742.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635613838561829474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9ToZYmONATEhIJJeEnBqrU-XPIDlk-Wb8-vMwcmnrQFFUff0pbNELomqeYTBB6zbvmCoRMlnsO2ALlqMNVxMMQrBHDpIkg_sM58yPlpAwwlXLyjX-5-kNrCv9wvNFeYVizOaVj2o27Od/s400/IMG_1742.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /> </a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>When this dessert arrived, my parents instantly became nostalgic as this was a popular dessert during their childhood. The Floating island is a fluffy pillow of meringue, topped with crunchy slivers of almonds and "floating" in a sweet pool of custard. </b></i> </div><br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcA8xi2MvIufTMSVv409FjjehF_izZzV4Ol3jLt6X1TdT_4d7h5yqbQwdbcYey0Mxf9yAWj9GBCT0-fukLTc7q-qCRHz7zd30eKzCrfQpjt8QZ2RobV3AIHmTpAZ3UYBDJwmHDEsFl8Anb/s1600/IMG_1743.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635613840034944290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcA8xi2MvIufTMSVv409FjjehF_izZzV4Ol3jLt6X1TdT_4d7h5yqbQwdbcYey0Mxf9yAWj9GBCT0-fukLTc7q-qCRHz7zd30eKzCrfQpjt8QZ2RobV3AIHmTpAZ3UYBDJwmHDEsFl8Anb/s400/IMG_1743.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /> </a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>This dessert was a tangy yogurt cheese topped with a delicate raspberry puree. The flavors were very subtle, which was a nice contrast to the rich and flavor-heavy dishes we had been feasting on up to this point.</b></i></div><br />
<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLdHha6NxeEXbPsjMypqXzp4kJ4t8psQINatBh5e8Yz3lPLzw43mahshiCY1NNTQmJM44Ocon2oSWZGezuSeEA_u6g9rJMU4v0uoOVlqJLffaxNVPaplTC1kerNubGtJgJMNpNWlyJ9lG/s1600/IMG_1740.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635613829286466066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLdHha6NxeEXbPsjMypqXzp4kJ4t8psQINatBh5e8Yz3lPLzw43mahshiCY1NNTQmJM44Ocon2oSWZGezuSeEA_u6g9rJMU4v0uoOVlqJLffaxNVPaplTC1kerNubGtJgJMNpNWlyJ9lG/s400/IMG_1740.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /> </a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Apricots were in season when we were in Paris and many of the desserts reflected the highlights of the season. Kyle wanted this apricot tart so much that he made my dad order the more expensive prix fixe meal so that he could sample this dessert. Luckily, my dad agreed and passed the dessert onto Kyle because he was trying to eat a "light" lunch. Typical men, of course they both ended up trying all of the desserts and all of the entrees and appetizers! There is no such thing as light lunch while on vacation in Paris.</b></i><br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4poSfyq6Q_cn7zqKZMD6-ygL9JjRF-5JVFhVFXs1w95dgJFtdAQdZLFg3g5ev1wksmZwS9VGY85fmuS2e5M9AvyneMIKaFoaNN2cuGcxvek4RUPi3gkF3fO91TE3AVxIaXK1YWtgpnsu4/s1600/IMG_1659.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635613830851621554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4poSfyq6Q_cn7zqKZMD6-ygL9JjRF-5JVFhVFXs1w95dgJFtdAQdZLFg3g5ev1wksmZwS9VGY85fmuS2e5M9AvyneMIKaFoaNN2cuGcxvek4RUPi3gkF3fO91TE3AVxIaXK1YWtgpnsu4/s400/IMG_1659.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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My mom often calls meals "gorgeous." In this case, the meal was very good; however, it was truly the setting that made the meal stand out and embody that "gorgeous" meal my mom loves to talk about.<br />
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When in Paris, the Museum d'Orsay is a must-see, and lunch in the dining room is a must-eat.<br />
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<i><b>Happy Eating,</b></i><br />
<i><b>Emi </b></i><br />
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<div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562707181945666407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369787888286949300.post-73680316870422295652011-08-05T07:13:00.000-07:002011-08-04T18:41:38.037-07:00The hair of the dog…or the pig: Pied au Cochon<div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">While Kyle and I had an endless list of things we wanted to eat in Paris, the problem was that our bellies couldn’t accommodate everything our hearts were telling us we wanted. By the afternoon of day 2 we didn’t think we could stuff one more ounce of fois gras or a tiny morsel of croissant into our stretching tummies. </span></div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJZK_Y1KgF6N-8SmGa2j1H2NIk_5MXX0AAPRRj2sHwbU94imboPrXXUyUwK4psqCrOMtcRP259rLpX1O-5Wa3PhYlRkknGgJay_vb5SRkpBep9SZbOH6cuNyrDrHpJID3giffADuicdqa/s1600/IMG_1768.JPG" onblur="function anonymous()
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Similar to the old remedy for a hangover, the best way to get over a fully belly is, well, to eat more. My aunt took us to a famous French brasserie called <a href="http://www.pieddecochon.com/">Pied au Cochon</a> (The Pig’s Foot). Legend has it that my aunt and father came here over 40 years ago when the area was seedier, and the food was just as good. Especially, the pig’s feet.</span></div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOGfjY-PK7W5KFLV4vUgHTbQeVKBpkc3SsyeiWXsrnH6mwnvAP3ECWOEKq81ZirdV-sh0-dnee-pmm09mN3fffCVFj5helX46H4OYrKynyjZp20xAABTnI1aBOtLQ4T3_KKSP4T_4iJO02/s1600/IMG_1770.JPG" onblur="function anonymous()
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As soon as I sat down, I thought, this place is so…French. It was everything I envisioned in a French brasserie and more. It was what I had unknowingly used as inspiration for our kitchen remodel with the buttery yellow walls, red accents and dark wood. We sat along the sidewalk and watched as interesting people strolled by. In Europe, it seems perfectly acceptable to stare at other people. I didn’t find it rude at all; I just played along and enjoyed observing others and wondering what was going on in their lives…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There was a woman sitting near us at her own table. She ordered the fruits de mer platter, savoring every bite and exhibiting no inclination of being self-conscious for eating alone, something my American self would have challenges with. She enjoyed the platter of crayfish, langoustines, snails, and other sea delicacies for over 2 hours—almost as long as the raucous meal for our group of 5 people. </span></div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkoxpVd0Y-SlqIo6eKRyHRWA3Y-feTJHLEpi1zCD_UK5MwL2SRMpToMnXwQTGUYRmiJvfmAiS6ncilOgnSGA_oOKdrP8AcfXlh78M9yzrUmN6UERC3Mf8T_-OudCvotGBfvXMf5CB6k5G/s1600/IMG_1780.JPG" onblur="function anonymous()
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We decided to order a good sampling of traditional French brasserie food. A book I mentioned earlier, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hungry-Paris-Ultimate-Guide-Restaurants/dp/0812976835">Hungry for Paris</a>, was an excellent introduction to what to expect from a brasserie. Good brasseries have oyster stands outside, implying that their seafood is fresh and delicious. Oysters are prized in France and according to the book, in France, it is OK to eat oysters even during months that do not have an “r” in them. Good thing, because it was the beginning of July and Emi was hungry for some French oysters!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWY-xep-Rg9mHoQ4BEPirUOfowZ33_NEyI9WiWRqe22NJBRSXMcEFrpnU_yX79O2H_BRnWMaQAVxLw0Hf5_1FkMvm1fwwqtzXmK_Xz4u47n7b2nFP0JlYHJU_pLYarD_KYEyj_vqYBmimi/s1600/IMG_1774.JPG" onblur="function anonymous()
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>The oysters came with a sharp mignonette that cut the brininess of the oyster. There were also these lovely toasts that you would spread the cheesy butter on and eat with the oyster. </b></i></div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs3MEnYm_TV1jghVzexRMl_xangl2s-P5zFjuWQIjkwX3T1zwVzv6KenUrciK9F8nRY6r61tDtb4TEdRfRIAhFt5NLYPsSOi-iZs0NaCNoQSKqcXP1F1bCUucvpjhQ6bAAEli43V8NIz_i/s1600/IMG_1776.JPG" onblur="function anonymous()
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Next came the escargot...now you know we<i><b> can't</b></i> go to Paris and <i><b>not</b></i> have some salty, garlicy, buttery snails. These came sizzling on a platter and were glistening with melted butter and oil. Honestly, you could have put paint chips in those snail shells--as long as that sauce was poured over, it would have been heaven. <br />
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633171052004448386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamIkBSmjL5oaoZ5Vw_b-COs9zmklPtEbCCwnq0rR8hg3vLHtwJHuVeAXCSTOhcykzavb6tiDcd1hPzqbz6ZCFjGAl5VyrItD542tvyNpBjvHNNgYVujwggJkWTZVsIdLK71V1PrsfwgTV/s400/IMG_1784.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /> <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>They presented us with tiny forks that were specially made to scoop out those juicy suckers from their protective shell as well as pinchers to hold the shell in place. </b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBgHtcFCOOtmvbRWb__yo2VNjkBvGHHU4X1uiqOIGCFum-U8uzZhD0dg5_34XCG0cjyXV-zFtNraIF_x6rQ5dS4nc0_0nVRzXre2ti0T_Op1mSg35dEDa0rtN1JSw-OgSmvmfZysR6Tsu/s1600/IMG_1785.JPG" onblur="function anonymous()
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneMpaK_FQcoI8zfj4VKDb7D5GAcYh7gvb60caizgWQbok7_6V94Ufq_xAS8uLup0p0eeBsDbjeY-6jNeFqcgaHM9XEzV6pcReIR7aXEUl103f6MoUdHu8DZUQ6gt7i1ScYNWoRPkK5nkc/s1600/IMG_1791.JPG" onblur="function anonymous()
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>The onion soup was sublime, with it's crusty cheese topping that veiled a silky potent onion soup. </b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b> </b></i> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqghvPY_i8s-khhdPgbV1ulBJ24Me3sJsTWo-fh9FkRzuKTHMe5YeZeBiT75OdOuRoQo5AGF3m5tUaPqq3LOT95yuWAgO27TFKk1d75vQ5y2bi-wU_byx-op0sXdxVRM1sqC9wkeKuKBF/s1600/IMG_1795.JPG" onblur="function anonymous()
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>OK, so I lied about not being able to fit one more ounce of fois gras in our tummies. We managed just fine. </b></i></div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDtkMz9_0FXCBCfGS100HgECDYoORNWqk0HfZlZ9Fbbus66xm5wedM4vJqTEcTxAq_Ix6x2qgjtr7spxCPxaLhBfGUOJ_nP6Ry_3YezHB1PtGf8BkeBTWdmiy2bKNBrn5YLhQF62cFhnv/s1600/IMG_1805.JPG" onblur="function anonymous()
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>We spent hours "talking story" as we say in Hawaii. I love that about Paris. Meals are events, where it is so much more than just getting some fuel in your body; it is a time to enjoy each others' company and savor the dishes you are eating. </b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92lwrUBHRFCPVLJ7zb6C8zWr1FgnAbEd6ztV73BqEKf2w08ssvrunGD8CMu167ikoBP5SzLxBY7_98SzGfHk8El5eLKsnhvBHFp5E1rPtrD4eLMLQEelUbUBhAlnSXz88uqqeDLuiSdXA/s1600/IMG_1794.JPG" onblur="function anonymous()
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Well, here you are...Pied au cochon...The pig's foot. After all, it was the name of the damn restaurant, so you kind of have to do it, right? Now you might remember our earlier "dinner of innards." In the Japanese American culture, we believe that you live an extra 75 days every time you try something new--looks like Kyle and I will be living to age 115 at this point.</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b> </b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b> </b></i></div><br />
<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3yhSWB0x4L3KuMiE5LeJVRhF61HTn0y7cdkZOVTUF3rVL-3FwEDYaqalyC8QQdS8wonG7Z994AuofscuCjxVOWTMjdjHkFHMCZZFWsP-5YDellq5MRMPygxbzbIcQ_xM9EM3xgLLSLRb/s1600/IMG_1796.JPG" onblur="function anonymous()
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Well, it was absolutely scrumptious. The outside was crispy and salty and the meat was rich and almost buttery in texture. I was surprised at how porky it tasted--don't know what I was expecting it to taste like (maybe like a barn yard???). I just did my best not to think of Babe. </b></i></div><br />
<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFdCE2M5-3TuV8I7a2LWM-r69UNwaob301AyoBwCJr4NG-3zLLEmgWc672FRz8R2RCxZXCa1TRupXd5mk2gH4QzhccpRkv3f6MnptT9KP8C9lbWXIOcDCMo9YKlHdFVnzZJG4UH386qkF/s1600/IMG_1802.JPG" onblur="function anonymous()
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kyle managed to polish the whole dish off. And in case you are wondering, yes, some of those bones on that plate are the toes. Hope we don't have any vegetarians reading this blog.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIHcVInrH_4OHsmjUfmIoVWjLv2M3uE2ezR5ZshjET95_CNY3_a8laZkTR1ztzeqpBXP7VCE9aBxPvT4DLZuJ14EILlzcG41CgaygVyGET0XL8xDeqL-sN7huNOKgfNcmvXBDD_7veIcL/s1600/IMG_1803.JPG" onblur="function anonymous()
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>This picture sums up our feelings at the end of the meal: SO FULL! </b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>Happy Eating,</b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>Emi </b></i><i><b> </b></i></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562707181945666407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369787888286949300.post-67293660975292044512011-08-04T09:00:00.000-07:002011-08-04T09:00:00.861-07:00The Motherland of Macaroons: Ladurree<div><div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font face="Calibri">During our trip to visit Carmen and Jamie in Singapore, we found a macaroon shop and fell in love with the delicate French version of Oreos.<font style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </font>Naturally, when we went to the motherland of macaroons, we had to get some authentic macaroons. Kyle’s Auntie Julie and CY told us their favorite shop in Paris is Laduree, which was echoed by my Auntie Charlotte, who conducted a scientific study with my cousin Kelsey, trying to uncover the best macaroons in Paris. Their findings concluded with statistical significance that Laduree was the best.</font></div><br /><br /><a onblur="function anonymous(){try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHU1Kv_YdpoiYEyy71Wj8KJGXlvwMYx49gvbvlfOmiNcXDVEc0sx0oNByPzaDt6nR3AzQShTCnhM7zCP9DaiT5_knGuTVZvfU2oWgN6dWVFTfPdzmzQ11zqakyBGYet6F680rN1BYg6YI2/s1600/IMG_1862.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635610324114368850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHU1Kv_YdpoiYEyy71Wj8KJGXlvwMYx49gvbvlfOmiNcXDVEc0sx0oNByPzaDt6nR3AzQShTCnhM7zCP9DaiT5_knGuTVZvfU2oWgN6dWVFTfPdzmzQ11zqakyBGYet6F680rN1BYg6YI2/s400/IMG_1862.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font face="Calibri">According to CY, Laduree does not allow photos to be taken of their masterful pieces of edible artwork. I tried to be stealth like in getting these photos for your viewing pleasure. </font></div><br /><a onblur="function anonymous(){try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPgyukTFnop-bsRyJ67nwaouuv6jVxeV1fofL3LSbWrpR45eEwxN7V5O8cEF1IyZt2jXzIN7Forw-7FdfrlilEP07ZEN283ua8KXC1M0_J2sjSoqqac2B3_02-PVZr5Z0UdwBR_sCXSaip/s1600/IMG_1671.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635610322198451762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPgyukTFnop-bsRyJ67nwaouuv6jVxeV1fofL3LSbWrpR45eEwxN7V5O8cEF1IyZt2jXzIN7Forw-7FdfrlilEP07ZEN283ua8KXC1M0_J2sjSoqqac2B3_02-PVZr5Z0UdwBR_sCXSaip/s400/IMG_1671.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a onblur="function anonymous(){try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kFawZzOfNuWCK25v3-S9jgwwj2LxLpzZpv5KCRDIZMdkc1XlnOAx8E10nEQ_mzFE349aww74v8611fsnBee-WXHKoDH6jnlr5VDg48s3kHTMrdyDxi4MoJzcw-qKS-ANSdDU5mjZsVAw/s1600/IMG_1672.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635610317218549794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kFawZzOfNuWCK25v3-S9jgwwj2LxLpzZpv5KCRDIZMdkc1XlnOAx8E10nEQ_mzFE349aww74v8611fsnBee-WXHKoDH6jnlr5VDg48s3kHTMrdyDxi4MoJzcw-qKS-ANSdDU5mjZsVAw/s400/IMG_1672.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a onblur="function anonymous(){try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-gB5d0QIOqYtE5DW11wijn8bmZwgP4Ln7QSTxOdxHo6gzeOrHlo7zof5DA_wgiTBQlCAiOoNStiGucilW5KDwwmMBPxmXfgAqt2J0_AMIi9bY0h9PXZ1Pgo5RHJ4us_BiS435v3MhqhY/s1600/IMG_1866.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 267px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635610118244326194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb-gB5d0QIOqYtE5DW11wijn8bmZwgP4Ln7QSTxOdxHo6gzeOrHlo7zof5DA_wgiTBQlCAiOoNStiGucilW5KDwwmMBPxmXfgAqt2J0_AMIi9bY0h9PXZ1Pgo5RHJ4us_BiS435v3MhqhY/s400/IMG_1866.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br /><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font face="Calibri">In addition to the smuggled photos, we also had to escape a near mob-scene that was gathering on the Champs-Elysees that day for a “Triopical Parade.” Thousands of people were swarming the street, watching as groups of Jamaican and other island groups danced in the parade. </font></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><a onblur="function anonymous(){try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBgnQIGMWtmWL-7lCotlSOGQ1CunITuyw6VucWnOWLPBfICZodXMFO9we8phoogHztSabONrsHPbV3XR3H0vZzR5TlM1_OQGB5d34IVdBG4JohTeEMDquFDxxKKZEA4bKO5UEQz2UdRzf/s1600/IMG_1868.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635610114352373010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBgnQIGMWtmWL-7lCotlSOGQ1CunITuyw6VucWnOWLPBfICZodXMFO9we8phoogHztSabONrsHPbV3XR3H0vZzR5TlM1_OQGB5d34IVdBG4JohTeEMDquFDxxKKZEA4bKO5UEQz2UdRzf/s400/IMG_1868.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a onblur="function anonymous(){try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_aysUQYj5y1njVU6tYF1tt6Owy1y08srBzAdX3BGMZil0RvQstqLNni-t53HV4cSuoe-6pXCxgmpuoiQlJQadn6y1R5EA3jqUuxErtvc8rO0zTxo2aHOVEQ1IOkQ5xadxf_5lP9wzHpn/s1600/IMG_1869.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 267px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635610112918935154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_aysUQYj5y1njVU6tYF1tt6Owy1y08srBzAdX3BGMZil0RvQstqLNni-t53HV4cSuoe-6pXCxgmpuoiQlJQadn6y1R5EA3jqUuxErtvc8rO0zTxo2aHOVEQ1IOkQ5xadxf_5lP9wzHpn/s400/IMG_1869.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font face="Calibri">My taste buds were doing their own little dance as I chomped on those sweet little pillows of heaven. Laduree’s macaroons are unlike anything in the U.S. or Singapore. They are light and moist, almost wet, when they are fresh. The filling is also incredible—it practically bursts in your mouth as you bite in, and the fruit flavors taste as though they picked the berries that morning and slapped them into the cookies.</font></div><br /><br /><a onblur="function anonymous(){try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmeOgE4Ot3eDgxoFvtcdIUY0jX0dwWv0BC3_xH-uPKojNjBkI6hoiCo6kAOd-q_5G7h5_d3ExnrsWAQc5xtq4phhuetO3jBkAKMO5kDqJaLfb6qRCfqyersQ9XNP7uEv51rfFBoJl1RWPG/s1600/IMG_1870.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635610105576789458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmeOgE4Ot3eDgxoFvtcdIUY0jX0dwWv0BC3_xH-uPKojNjBkI6hoiCo6kAOd-q_5G7h5_d3ExnrsWAQc5xtq4phhuetO3jBkAKMO5kDqJaLfb6qRCfqyersQ9XNP7uEv51rfFBoJl1RWPG/s400/IMG_1870.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br /><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font face="Calibri">My aunt said that you cannot eat the macaroon if it is more than one day old because it will harden with time. I can attest that unless you have a very refined macaroon pallet like my aunt, you can stretch these puppies out for up to a week. Although she is correct that they begin to harden after the first day, they still retain their amazing flavor and are far superior to what you can get in the U.S. This makes it worth the effort of schlepping a box home and savoring bite after bite as you nurse your jetlag and vacation withdrawals away.</font></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><a onblur="function anonymous(){try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkgYuyeodVexsZPsQ5-jRvwDY9MMbdE7XixspDWfvkqDqevkkUW1fJTfevEBX-duQo51vLh_xjqow7D8Yemi5lMnJWuSzRDCXIvQbIjAEDOMtZ5wrSyutGbgLX-8laWrdS6OQaFsjVKZB/s1600/IMG_1871.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635609811930169618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkgYuyeodVexsZPsQ5-jRvwDY9MMbdE7XixspDWfvkqDqevkkUW1fJTfevEBX-duQo51vLh_xjqow7D8Yemi5lMnJWuSzRDCXIvQbIjAEDOMtZ5wrSyutGbgLX-8laWrdS6OQaFsjVKZB/s400/IMG_1871.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="function anonymous(){try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxWR1iLwJeiTEcXTCkJr-reYgTgGLwBjipjoxUZaTgNlgWkHWr5UAEWEHAN2PoRIdx-RQHcuYM0TaPsLjsdLBEFiPVCv4h8ldJ3Jm2EjCkbB2ba57NdAQsqd5x7ysCQBmTUm3edVI4EvQ-/s1600/IMG_1872.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 267px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635609802869188114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxWR1iLwJeiTEcXTCkJr-reYgTgGLwBjipjoxUZaTgNlgWkHWr5UAEWEHAN2PoRIdx-RQHcuYM0TaPsLjsdLBEFiPVCv4h8ldJ3Jm2EjCkbB2ba57NdAQsqd5x7ysCQBmTUm3edVI4EvQ-/s400/IMG_1872.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="function anonymous(){try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLLrxz51V61dJUrS8lHOJg2e36H57HZ9yzKAbKTXn_ZSWI4vLzNNOkuzINQed1W9P99BY2CGBcVWOKx8fRW5mM4TUuAi9hOf0iD3QxjN77OTwksOibLpAWv2lhcVPZKVBA2PKvMVHbEvf/s1600/IMG_2044.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635609797117992290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLLrxz51V61dJUrS8lHOJg2e36H57HZ9yzKAbKTXn_ZSWI4vLzNNOkuzINQed1W9P99BY2CGBcVWOKx8fRW5mM4TUuAi9hOf0iD3QxjN77OTwksOibLpAWv2lhcVPZKVBA2PKvMVHbEvf/s400/IMG_2044.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br /><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font face="Calibri">We schlepped a box all the way to our cruise, so Kyle’s parents and aunt could enjoy these beauties, too. It was quite the treat to savor as we sailed through the gorgeous Mediterranean. </font></div><br /><br /><a onblur="function anonymous(){try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJR0vPibf4cgkR0Q5HLjvguBomWoQYwB0gNAJCRHKE9JxpYFw_Udl-VRyvTArus4WRdZXpJcAxeQQDINH1x1azhhV1D_nM8xJOYi2yrQ4KDZEpX52bBpJscjPX5NMbmeMfLZMz5c6xElt/s1600/IMG_2792.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635609792665776402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJR0vPibf4cgkR0Q5HLjvguBomWoQYwB0gNAJCRHKE9JxpYFw_Udl-VRyvTArus4WRdZXpJcAxeQQDINH1x1azhhV1D_nM8xJOYi2yrQ4KDZEpX52bBpJscjPX5NMbmeMfLZMz5c6xElt/s400/IMG_2792.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font face="Calibri">If you want to bring home the freshest of the fresh, Laduree has a couple shops at the Charles de Gaulle airport, so you can pick up a box on your way out of the country to savor back in the macaroonless States. </font></div><br /><a onblur="function anonymous(){try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4s2FG2aRs4pYSwmX-Cv378-Wkn2ijkR1BnJyeclB3szuYCUtpG1DKXEwssvWxYDX73T1TDPynysXmcOU1FV6q8Ic3CrxG3dPis9IH1pktIC34MEpL7bdRo2VFBaxeYl9T4GYM2ZQM3OJ/s1600/IMG_2793.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635609427192347458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4s2FG2aRs4pYSwmX-Cv378-Wkn2ijkR1BnJyeclB3szuYCUtpG1DKXEwssvWxYDX73T1TDPynysXmcOU1FV6q8Ic3CrxG3dPis9IH1pktIC34MEpL7bdRo2VFBaxeYl9T4GYM2ZQM3OJ/s400/IMG_2793.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br /><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font face="Calibri">We of course had to get a couple more boxes on our layover in Paris as we made our way back home. </font></div><br /><br /><a onblur="function anonymous(){try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zE9eXRejXmcgTMCXjUMNprk0_-RX5gyAJLV4mnnntiM3LK2PTLgVdQucOeRVJfcOakyr8Ye5YKuT3IW6TUdjTMmWP2Daiuq3O8EGqfZLKvqtKkCtZJVPgd9-q7yqtOBdbC8TQXM7XcAk/s1600/IMG_2794.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635609426991397938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zE9eXRejXmcgTMCXjUMNprk0_-RX5gyAJLV4mnnntiM3LK2PTLgVdQucOeRVJfcOakyr8Ye5YKuT3IW6TUdjTMmWP2Daiuq3O8EGqfZLKvqtKkCtZJVPgd9-q7yqtOBdbC8TQXM7XcAk/s400/IMG_2794.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="function anonymous(){try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QKy_pe2dzoUDCIXPDsKXt080QE6M3uXiUWpNpo05Wn7ksTTJAm5edE6Fa88xJPmv-jh004-ujElHMqtIpRa0fVC69MbuB4HUjBTK5rpTf80Q-VBdfQmWW1iuSws2PNpgK1AoF7CznCFd/s1600/IMG_2806.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635609415313845234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QKy_pe2dzoUDCIXPDsKXt080QE6M3uXiUWpNpo05Wn7ksTTJAm5edE6Fa88xJPmv-jh004-ujElHMqtIpRa0fVC69MbuB4HUjBTK5rpTf80Q-VBdfQmWW1iuSws2PNpgK1AoF7CznCFd/s400/IMG_2806.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><font face="Calibri">Everything tastes good with champagne, but I must say a Laduree macaroon is pretty tasty with a glass of bubbly. </font></div><br /><a onblur="function anonymous(){try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiE6AJeUPjIlCDbZNru3IWri-WOGLpOWefte_K_NCokBvMap-w1maygDQFTOkYm35gTkg1j2oY8m8WqgPxascVKfondNZoRjy8x_m8v2Ik2JfpCw7KheJVkk-e_k_udt84ToaNqXeXNABj/s1600/IMG_2807.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635609411602493330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiE6AJeUPjIlCDbZNru3IWri-WOGLpOWefte_K_NCokBvMap-w1maygDQFTOkYm35gTkg1j2oY8m8WqgPxascVKfondNZoRjy8x_m8v2Ik2JfpCw7KheJVkk-e_k_udt84ToaNqXeXNABj/s400/IMG_2807.JPG" /></a><br /><div> </div><div><strong><em>Happy Eating,</em></strong></div><div><strong><em>Emi</em></strong></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562707181945666407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369787888286949300.post-85401447083629779612011-08-02T09:00:00.000-07:002011-08-02T09:00:01.425-07:00Romanticizing Paris - Sidewalk Cafes - Paris Part 7<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgDmuc5Rghk1GdOnBtgcKtPclpmtpSTTT5OyPgh7Y3VU_mcqGKKxSfQO4mYkZULga10X5RBFqhSOYMwSnmPVqwfrh9gmRd6ArDcQrSqHKen9e70jFdzN94_mYx8WsZ0yt2gxE5XogUSIh/s1600/IMG_1653.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633165897497898178" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgDmuc5Rghk1GdOnBtgcKtPclpmtpSTTT5OyPgh7Y3VU_mcqGKKxSfQO4mYkZULga10X5RBFqhSOYMwSnmPVqwfrh9gmRd6ArDcQrSqHKen9e70jFdzN94_mYx8WsZ0yt2gxE5XogUSIh/s400/IMG_1653.JPG" border="0" /></a>When Emi and I think of Paris scenes out of movies always come to mind. Think fashionable Parisians seated at a sidewalk cafe with a newspaper in hand, designer sunglasses, one leg crossed over the other showing their designer sockless loafers, all while an enjoying an espresso with a buttery croissant on the table. The espresso could be interchangeable with a glass of wine, the newspaper with a cigarette, but the constant would be the classy, sunny sidewalk cafe. <br /><br />We told Emi's aunt when we arrived we could spend our whole time drinking wine at one of these imagined sidewalk cafes. The people watching, the great weather, the beautiful sites, tasty wine, and amazing food was all we needed.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacP3XSUoVIgFk_EK17KlKI2vzuUocnZdOvkGfC_hlCgW6xfhMw-oGbguKIZYly_8hw8zlzgG8vns2wUcHvtz3uyzfGfUxe25UhQjo4S9AkbZ5NId3YyTVkMgEzCV66pWtj_dyQV5-Mvru/s1600/IMG_0839.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 267px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633165886434899778" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacP3XSUoVIgFk_EK17KlKI2vzuUocnZdOvkGfC_hlCgW6xfhMw-oGbguKIZYly_8hw8zlzgG8vns2wUcHvtz3uyzfGfUxe25UhQjo4S9AkbZ5NId3YyTVkMgEzCV66pWtj_dyQV5-Mvru/s400/IMG_0839.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">We stopped into many a sidewalk cafe and wine bar in Paris to rejuvenate and to soak in the city and people of Paris. It was interesting to see that people watching was a common interest of Parisian locals and tourists alike. They even turn their chairs so that people can sit together and look out on the streets.</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Aps3B-agNXxasgOx2dj8Xq_1zFdclrNmoQKW50l97yMf54-IjxyciHrYqOx0AgAF8iPtpGcD_zwr_1vGXZAaqacZHMq0XcI7NHMPfHMnUw0sXJzAaeqoIrKztAQtURYPmgacryEzejmq/s1600/IMG_1725.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633165878289589842" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Aps3B-agNXxasgOx2dj8Xq_1zFdclrNmoQKW50l97yMf54-IjxyciHrYqOx0AgAF8iPtpGcD_zwr_1vGXZAaqacZHMq0XcI7NHMPfHMnUw0sXJzAaeqoIrKztAQtURYPmgacryEzejmq/s400/IMG_1725.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Like most of Europe, no one drinks what we classify as coffee, unless it's an Americano. Everyone enjoys the stronger espresso, which is quite bitter, but with a dash of sugar this is the perfect pick me up after an afternoon of walking through the city.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHxbdauDp5Io6m853-6tZzbSdjAQ7IqdciCjgmk1R9GhEhHInvpk4amLDjb2fNactuPvEvFjK5OoPBEqK4bvMSJCZsJsjuyM_QPFtPODkz8bbxiabhYFx5X9ZZf7p6stIfZ56X05VQQMO/s1600/IMG_0838.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633165893272502642" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHxbdauDp5Io6m853-6tZzbSdjAQ7IqdciCjgmk1R9GhEhHInvpk4amLDjb2fNactuPvEvFjK5OoPBEqK4bvMSJCZsJsjuyM_QPFtPODkz8bbxiabhYFx5X9ZZf7p6stIfZ56X05VQQMO/s400/IMG_0838.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">One of our favorite cafes was located across the street from Notre Dame where we stopped in for a drink before dinner at Ribouldingue. We ordered their seasonal "summer beer" to enjoy while looking upon Notre Dame.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCY4_spBDCFdEzDvVh3rFhZZZ1YDE8zH6NQ0c0ChkCE-NZwDjDOTkwbxaNSxbrEUd3X6hssnju07uaKy8hgQuPs7IuI4nT-PONK2N1oXM6t4PkO3XJNA5lV5uircHFscKXAos8Kli2T8w/s1600/IMG_1806.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 267px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633165307412434482" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCY4_spBDCFdEzDvVh3rFhZZZ1YDE8zH6NQ0c0ChkCE-NZwDjDOTkwbxaNSxbrEUd3X6hssnju07uaKy8hgQuPs7IuI4nT-PONK2N1oXM6t4PkO3XJNA5lV5uircHFscKXAos8Kli2T8w/s400/IMG_1806.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUSPqdq8RvTzfIAcU_2IEktpHhIS0XH7v8DMKvNzsD1IB8J44IJMgp-AQHXJ-myjESGNMgEiyYECAKbcuFBhYeW3qxMi-OJJ87u7B6UStq1w87NOyUZQ7xhZafoyZEhKp65V9R264bh64/s1600/IMG_1875.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633165295682746754" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUSPqdq8RvTzfIAcU_2IEktpHhIS0XH7v8DMKvNzsD1IB8J44IJMgp-AQHXJ-myjESGNMgEiyYECAKbcuFBhYeW3qxMi-OJJ87u7B6UStq1w87NOyUZQ7xhZafoyZEhKp65V9R264bh64/s400/IMG_1875.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Right across the street from our hotel was a nice wine bar that specialized in the wines from the Bordeaux region. They take their wine so seriously in France that you can find places that only serve varietals from one specific region! Also a common and welcome pattern was the fact that you could enjoy good wines at great affordable prices.</span><br /></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-A5__6mlEgs788ns8okEA6uv0yWqyR5H7JhQdrFpMkh1n-G1nYK6zKG7xcqLD5jBvGl3NuovwoT8_sTOWsqdh3MhraXfYbJvVjbHkhgJ0YWDWmO7tu7GHQ4GtAUu1JhZSaAAs4IIvH-Lh/s1600/IMG_1680.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633165291643626450" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-A5__6mlEgs788ns8okEA6uv0yWqyR5H7JhQdrFpMkh1n-G1nYK6zKG7xcqLD5jBvGl3NuovwoT8_sTOWsqdh3MhraXfYbJvVjbHkhgJ0YWDWmO7tu7GHQ4GtAUu1JhZSaAAs4IIvH-Lh/s400/IMG_1680.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fouquet's located on Champs de Elysee supposedly was a well known Paris restaurant. The food was super expensive, but since we had already eaten we dropped in for a late night glass of wine</span>.<br /></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zYugthUQT5k25C7UGs_NNygo62DgyTcwm9Hfgm-eaUgBx9MDUqPX2uX2WRSCX4nAXJqkvyPz54pFh77hdBND9eoZfjlrf6_zIOXVibfcEC2BiTZuewCRbySV6QHn4r1RS9SecgWLcAP1/s1600/IMG_1676.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633165286641934194" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zYugthUQT5k25C7UGs_NNygo62DgyTcwm9Hfgm-eaUgBx9MDUqPX2uX2WRSCX4nAXJqkvyPz54pFh77hdBND9eoZfjlrf6_zIOXVibfcEC2BiTZuewCRbySV6QHn4r1RS9SecgWLcAP1/s400/IMG_1676.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Emi with her glass of French rose.</span><br /></div><br />Even though we had romanticized the sidewalk cafe experience in Paris, each one lived up to if not exceeded our expectations. Food, life, and love is always better in a place as beautiful as Paris.<br /><br />- Kyle<br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562707181945666407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369787888286949300.post-56774337579580905402011-08-01T09:00:00.000-07:002011-08-01T09:00:13.226-07:00Boulanger, Patissier - French Pastries - Paris Part 6<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21KtxXCFQYBuloGObLHG4uqQ2nGxCpdmkKH2fAZSSmz1O-iICBh0Nkp3DwfXsACzApDk6HusDs-RSZLrFsF9Gdx7DUD1q0H8PxsvhzLNBh5XxAlxSsMMW1viKHiP-DoErFaax_HLTSC8N/s1600/IMG_1820.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635612562781360722" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21KtxXCFQYBuloGObLHG4uqQ2nGxCpdmkKH2fAZSSmz1O-iICBh0Nkp3DwfXsACzApDk6HusDs-RSZLrFsF9Gdx7DUD1q0H8PxsvhzLNBh5XxAlxSsMMW1viKHiP-DoErFaax_HLTSC8N/s400/IMG_1820.JPG" border="0" /></a>As some of you may remember before we made our trip out to Paris, we made sure to "research" all things French food and wine. I soon came to learn that one of my favorite things to eat was pain au chocolat or chocolate filled croissants. Nothing is better with a cup of coffee. Knowing we were going to the land of buttery croissants I made it a mission of mine to eat as many as possible knowing I wouldn't be able to compare once I came back from Paris.<br /><br /><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtXTRkEAfRM0oqnR76aTP8MnhSY51x3gzJmvPl4DLiZiqEc3cqjYgBmYFw323Sn0wNObGp_JRNffPCkU8drwHhD3E71-c2AyFjzKtz-QeiAOXcWUthYT-7qJQ8Y8TEz71ajGpeLp0UVkc/s1600/IMG_1685.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635612557304532434" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtXTRkEAfRM0oqnR76aTP8MnhSY51x3gzJmvPl4DLiZiqEc3cqjYgBmYFw323Sn0wNObGp_JRNffPCkU8drwHhD3E71-c2AyFjzKtz-QeiAOXcWUthYT-7qJQ8Y8TEz71ajGpeLp0UVkc/s400/IMG_1685.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Even though our hotel served us breakfast every morning (which was delicious and included mini pain au chocolats and butter croissants), we would head across the street to fill up on more buttery pastries to enjoy with our coffee.</span> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">This bread/pastry shop was located right across the street from our hotel and was filled with buttery, glistening goodness.<br /></div><br /><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRL1C1NaQsx3w98EElZg0ssCdFZKBHd8wpf2pDX_RzdvkAau3gE3y8nVUs103rdetJSBg57H_-ZXHYYT4yez7aMFiAsM-XYRDT2X_6wiJMjnlmqLSd5YRSZBk1ikxfW-D-sLOuHuB7su3l/s1600/IMG_1682.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635612410298861074" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRL1C1NaQsx3w98EElZg0ssCdFZKBHd8wpf2pDX_RzdvkAau3gE3y8nVUs103rdetJSBg57H_-ZXHYYT4yez7aMFiAsM-XYRDT2X_6wiJMjnlmqLSd5YRSZBk1ikxfW-D-sLOuHuB7su3l/s400/IMG_1682.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Just walking through was a fun experience, but you know we had to try a few things as well.</span> </div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWxtiZGapg-p8i9rTpzsh1FPaIYi1ijpovyu0wJ82JdR7PGYY2doIuHgCt353QbREHTE3T6HLcQJB1Znc-BxmwimorB8EBp1iJ5pCbLnruav1KGm5i84h4xkzU4txhyCgYBHXy2Db3Wdr/s1600/IMG_1683.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635612405782833154" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWxtiZGapg-p8i9rTpzsh1FPaIYi1ijpovyu0wJ82JdR7PGYY2doIuHgCt353QbREHTE3T6HLcQJB1Znc-BxmwimorB8EBp1iJ5pCbLnruav1KGm5i84h4xkzU4txhyCgYBHXy2Db3Wdr/s400/IMG_1683.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj07GqhJsbRrAl-G0jVzGR92o_t9qqM3TQZM7qsRe_vAQt6JUcGxwubJUZIvrNCdSlRqaogAQOr5v-nBFYQe63WS6CjA8YAuYhXwkwNH-8tARKvLrPiVGKNAorGhbOLOvSqcJdU58CIE-m_/s1600/IMG_1688.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635612399215304418" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj07GqhJsbRrAl-G0jVzGR92o_t9qqM3TQZM7qsRe_vAQt6JUcGxwubJUZIvrNCdSlRqaogAQOr5v-nBFYQe63WS6CjA8YAuYhXwkwNH-8tARKvLrPiVGKNAorGhbOLOvSqcJdU58CIE-m_/s400/IMG_1688.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Their pain au chocolat was perfect flaky, buttery (my hands and anything I touched was greasy afterwards) and warm so the chocolate inside oozed out. This pastry was soo good and one of the highlights of the trip.</span> </div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSxmz19hkUShxI54p2bDOSl3AFovrK26CQ8FrtlSczDyEdxh81Vho9Zf42zoGn30m6DHzGyQHJxfRoOYi4sC2zLjfJCwsXRFlix_1ByOX7sqPQgeNbbvUZB1HvW-OJdFalcXYXA0e-f1h/s1600/IMG_1690.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635612394590464930" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSxmz19hkUShxI54p2bDOSl3AFovrK26CQ8FrtlSczDyEdxh81Vho9Zf42zoGn30m6DHzGyQHJxfRoOYi4sC2zLjfJCwsXRFlix_1ByOX7sqPQgeNbbvUZB1HvW-OJdFalcXYXA0e-f1h/s400/IMG_1690.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">We also tried their framboise (raspberry) beignets which were covered in sugar. A little thicker than the light, fluffy powdered sugar ones I've enjoyed in the States, but still amazing.</span> </div><br />We both noticed that the French eat very light breakfasts, no eggs and sausage, but sometimes just a loaf of fresh French bread or a croissant and a cup of coffee. Something I could get used to, too bad I don't have a French bakery around the corner from my house.<br /><br />- Kyle<br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562707181945666407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369787888286949300.post-11927463038501370302011-07-29T09:00:00.000-07:002011-07-29T09:00:01.355-07:00Site-seeing and of course more food - Montmarte - Paris Part 5<div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 267px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633167898008014914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJ9IJ_0bskaGXarVCX2In7UQDv6KNJKdu3jENr8qZYN7XuR23DCniWeO7KeHmGUC0perjPzhJcUJfNeskQqDGFMIKrZ7ieljU7pwEA1_xz1REiIjwlcMFq8G2LRrRj-Q0yX4S2LYjJmpU/s400/IMG_1841.JPG" />Every time we travel we share photos and videos of our experiences afterwards with family and friends and a constant comment is "what did you do besides eat?"</div><div> </div><div>To combat that question we tried to mix in some site seeing with our eating during this trip. One day Emi's aunt wanted to take us to Montmarte, one of the oldest most historical churches in Paris. What makes this church unique besides the age and history is the unique location at the top of a steep hill. You can walk up to the church or do what we did and ride a tram up the hill.</div><div> </div><div>At the base of the hill is a great little cafe Emi's aunt recommended we drop into for a quick lunch before making the ride up the hill and this was the amazing view from our cafe.</div><div> </div><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633167909634166034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3YbbjgiEI9kDc5_l4kRfDRm9rAOC7jQYAsqSACOD1kY44qA5dO5bKWuBgGb3KngWYzqTwP81PrGA1DF3rgMETZx5P1_nik2Wri9br-ZdqQMXMeNo-uSJ-zNJQLJE29cUDPZ87OfbMx1A/s400/IMG_1838.JPG" />If you are a fan of ripe, super sweet, juicy melons, make sure to schedule a visit out to Europe for July. What would turn into a common theme was amazing cantaloupe, unlike anything I've ever enjoyed here in the States, accompanied with salty savory ham or prosciutto. This one was cut a little thicker.<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-OJud1plCeow-48Rc4116eWQzZK-ZhYgm5I6KENu5ILRY6fMNjf0Sf_cr1c6nqoWXVHhnXYwrgtQoFnEjUgp5Iep75edQeyBtqTkfcblQpQnlsUqZw_eTCoyRu_SMMe41Xwn-vUWS1YEZ/s1600/IMG_1834.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633167901213272274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-OJud1plCeow-48Rc4116eWQzZK-ZhYgm5I6KENu5ILRY6fMNjf0Sf_cr1c6nqoWXVHhnXYwrgtQoFnEjUgp5Iep75edQeyBtqTkfcblQpQnlsUqZw_eTCoyRu_SMMe41Xwn-vUWS1YEZ/s400/IMG_1834.JPG" /></a>Emi and I decided to go with a "light lunch" so of course ordered the Croque Madame, which is an open faced ham and melted cheese sandwich over toasted bread topped with a grilled egg. There's nothing better than breaking your egg yolk and having it melt all over your bite of toasted bread, salty ham, and gooey cheese. Delicious and look at the bright color of that yolk!</div><div><br /><div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0zIhO27RZ2ccMCt4-U1psujN-yXHFrv2mUpB3uo3TfrvrWDly4TBjX6KA1StXQXYTPVY4fCoaqybdpqZ_Abrc1k3z1QWemUOg5RSgviJH7f5-zvhmzzaYpUIpN58lfHHPI08mVc_RG00/s1600/IMG_1855.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633167892210555602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0zIhO27RZ2ccMCt4-U1psujN-yXHFrv2mUpB3uo3TfrvrWDly4TBjX6KA1StXQXYTPVY4fCoaqybdpqZ_Abrc1k3z1QWemUOg5RSgviJH7f5-zvhmzzaYpUIpN58lfHHPI08mVc_RG00/s400/IMG_1855.JPG" /></a>The view from the top of Montmarte looking down on the city below. See we didn't just eat :).</div><div> </div><div>- Kyle<br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562707181945666407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369787888286949300.post-7492160912650075212011-07-26T09:00:00.000-07:002011-07-26T09:00:06.647-07:00A Dinner of Innards - Ribouldingue - Paris Part 4<div>Emi's Aunt Charlotte, grew up in Hawaii, but has spent a majority of her life living in the beautiful city of Paris. She was our resident host and tour guide throughout our four days in Paris. She organized an open bus tour of the city (the quickest and easiest way to hit up a few historic sites in a short amount of time) for us on the first day. After touring the city, we were hungry and excited for our first French dinner experience.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqzgWXQbTVI09hzeFo__cZ8s7ZuOW-sQtw_ZCfr1GAofShVkj0U9Mk2LunPxFCem16BMNaSzBw-YLaAcQM1GWUrTk0aZyqtoMq88ENOWyfYOHHG_0Y4qeQ7CGbEiBet3tPD3HZu6XonCE/s1600/IMG_1659.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632048298848580050" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqzgWXQbTVI09hzeFo__cZ8s7ZuOW-sQtw_ZCfr1GAofShVkj0U9Mk2LunPxFCem16BMNaSzBw-YLaAcQM1GWUrTk0aZyqtoMq88ENOWyfYOHHG_0Y4qeQ7CGbEiBet3tPD3HZu6XonCE/s400/IMG_1659.JPG" border="0" /></a>We headed to <a href="http://www.restaurant-ribouldingue.com/">Ribouldingue</a>, a restaurant specializing in "innards" which was located right around the corner from Notre Dame. Word of warning, this place isn't for everyone, but exactly what we wanted to experience; something different and something delicious. <br /><br />We ran into a few American tourists and all of them were perplexed by the menu. Lucky for us we had Charlotte to make recommendations and translate the menu since it was all in French.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vB-j6AJES4-4tgxc4FXoRf7WPxO5YBVAmXMLx7qI0-yCWapJ50zPwfThRuYWijHlJsR6HAAsxkm59zeOlEUB5OV3uo7feSzgSkG2RBHWx0djzpvMaxfblkXYOwbJ6-XmdW_mJFrP0P_A/s1600/DSCN1316.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633145856149086978" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vB-j6AJES4-4tgxc4FXoRf7WPxO5YBVAmXMLx7qI0-yCWapJ50zPwfThRuYWijHlJsR6HAAsxkm59zeOlEUB5OV3uo7feSzgSkG2RBHWx0djzpvMaxfblkXYOwbJ6-XmdW_mJFrP0P_A/s400/DSCN1316.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />This quaint restaurant with the simple exterior had a very refined French style interior. Fine china, nice silverware, mirrored walls, gold trim and light colors. The decor added to the decadence of our first dinner in France. You've heard it before and you'll hear it again, but we didn't travel thousands of miles to eat McDonald's hamburgers. Charlotte gave us the choice of seafood or innards and being from Seattle I knew the most unique food would be with the innards.<br /><br />There was excitement in the air, we could already tell this was going to be a memorable meal. All of us went with the 32 Euro pre-fixe meal which gave everyone the option of a starter, entree, and dessert. Definitely one of the things I love about French dining are the pre-fixe meals. Unlike Americans, the French believe in enjoying your meal so no quick dining and definitely no entree only dinners. No meal is complete without dessert!<br /><br /><div><div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2_LT_-YRj4JYukl0Bmdj2K3pA4ROdnoYpAtZiZyVbq2lvQVx7IKEB5zIEG5U87r_RMR1aN7neDZwCDpcOwu1fG6Ux3xlNLGSwdVFsLgom-_vRWAmoiL_LuTYbv9kBDiVc9c_hQg2CnTc/s1600/IMG_1666.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 267px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632048289205612466" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2_LT_-YRj4JYukl0Bmdj2K3pA4ROdnoYpAtZiZyVbq2lvQVx7IKEB5zIEG5U87r_RMR1aN7neDZwCDpcOwu1fG6Ux3xlNLGSwdVFsLgom-_vRWAmoiL_LuTYbv9kBDiVc9c_hQg2CnTc/s400/IMG_1666.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">We started the meal with a calf's head amuse bousch to whet our appetite. Fatty and a little gelatinous with a pickled salad on the side, all to be enjoyed over French bread.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLeE3lzpxldnrxg1f8oJIyfd61JX5JfRsHTAwkutma-dR0Eg-FPZervHinlpcjsQmHfOwN5TtusDcgtkRf-XOzQ32nWFLc0Lw7n7JNSbnl1eOvkb6R0sZ_Vdm5535cWv5K7a-fPrWwCfm2/s1600/IMG_1667.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632047198895555282" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLeE3lzpxldnrxg1f8oJIyfd61JX5JfRsHTAwkutma-dR0Eg-FPZervHinlpcjsQmHfOwN5TtusDcgtkRf-XOzQ32nWFLc0Lw7n7JNSbnl1eOvkb6R0sZ_Vdm5535cWv5K7a-fPrWwCfm2/s400/IMG_1667.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Our first courses were just as bizarre, yet delicious. Emi's aunt went with a crunchy, pig ear type of pancake. Salty and crunchy with chewy bits of the ear interspersed throughout the thin pancake like dish.</span><br /></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4v7Ge1PTiTxZS27Jd7lGu_qIXe5PU0xaoNZ79vV6XK7Qx5LjTdSLUBjy0ozaB-vmdnkmCCLh2-yWsk78nPCHXaPF076FwpLfRBN_8z78lWY-NQLZZpq3b8yg-L-W-zbBVkm4NHAsqFTdG/s1600/IMG_1668.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632047188771958274" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4v7Ge1PTiTxZS27Jd7lGu_qIXe5PU0xaoNZ79vV6XK7Qx5LjTdSLUBjy0ozaB-vmdnkmCCLh2-yWsk78nPCHXaPF076FwpLfRBN_8z78lWY-NQLZZpq3b8yg-L-W-zbBVkm4NHAsqFTdG/s400/IMG_1668.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">I went with the lamb tongue, which didn't have the "tastebud" like consistency tongue can sometimes have, but was tender and served with a cool vinaigrette, crunchy lotus root, and salad.</span><br /></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2r4qy3zeesBTVAUTCXDwm7Dne8FZ1WDDP9xakuIp2D5lwIgzg34stj7057br4bLNw63yZs8x1GcYMKGdXIfRFYB_-YgOYXh2nUPCIZ5MLrPfJMOTrzPvcwxpVT8GV9TqRaMHDIef19SL/s1600/IMG_1671.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632047184768525026" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2r4qy3zeesBTVAUTCXDwm7Dne8FZ1WDDP9xakuIp2D5lwIgzg34stj7057br4bLNw63yZs8x1GcYMKGdXIfRFYB_-YgOYXh2nUPCIZ5MLrPfJMOTrzPvcwxpVT8GV9TqRaMHDIef19SL/s400/IMG_1671.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Emi ordered what her Aunt calls the cow "chi-chis", which Emi translated as cow boobs. We found out they were thinly sliced cow udders, fried up and sprinkled with salt. All of the food we ended up enjoying that night was very simple, just salt and butter (which created a great crust), yet with very unique ingredients and executed magnificently.</span><br /></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATtUAfNWc1niplOVU2BaXDodbegi0oTHsMkkN00_Pc8f2ZPaixGKVpI7pS2P0CpqkSQPGGxyzkQchrAXjtkST32RZmlVAa97Rp1PamadBoNBVFDXuotp45Y3egdONrqrWq3VVVP-0EgN-/s1600/IMG_1670.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632047177853352690" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATtUAfNWc1niplOVU2BaXDodbegi0oTHsMkkN00_Pc8f2ZPaixGKVpI7pS2P0CpqkSQPGGxyzkQchrAXjtkST32RZmlVAa97Rp1PamadBoNBVFDXuotp45Y3egdONrqrWq3VVVP-0EgN-/s400/IMG_1670.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">The highlight of the meal was the dinosaur sized bone marrow bones Steve and Gail both enjoyed. Look at the size of those things! They were filled to the brim of the bone with fatty, rich marrow. More of a European delicacy, but something you can still enjoy in the States. If you've ever had a good oxtail stew or stew with any kind of big beef bone, on the inside dripping out is the fatty, delicious bone marrow. Here in France they make it easy for you and cut the bone in half and serve it up with a spoon, toast, and fleur de sel (French sea salt) for you to combine together to make the best toast imaginable. After this dish alone I was stuffed and it wasn't even mine and we had our entrees and desserts coming still!</span><br /></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDn0PoGxqpPBzyx-9A7QogQ1falkcaSkETJeZZFzTXINEIgCMopr4KS3_VV3HaD6MKJ97ZsB4Wk0UTiURETjwxqbuhF-u8bKsjbEmMa5Y3Ytnwwx7X3l7mzvBrrJAuIGv4MfdWyQaoqPhc/s1600/IMG_1672.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632045615315102386" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDn0PoGxqpPBzyx-9A7QogQ1falkcaSkETJeZZFzTXINEIgCMopr4KS3_VV3HaD6MKJ97ZsB4Wk0UTiURETjwxqbuhF-u8bKsjbEmMa5Y3Ytnwwx7X3l7mzvBrrJAuIGv4MfdWyQaoqPhc/s400/IMG_1672.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">For our entrees we each ordered something different in order to taste a variety of dishes. This meal was turning into a Bizarre Foods episode with Andrew Zimmer.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Charlotte ordered the veal kidneys, different, but probably my least favorite dish of the meal. The kidneys sort of had an acidic taste to them and were strange looking too :).</span><br /></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzeMUqn0D32G3-urIEk9Fh46k_pySKKreTgYfyCGhDabDQNruXzhHIK0MBrSzLi6RuR8-fSEC7LEc2-4AxQc9uF5gFlJhyphenhyphen9yUG-UVdaL4htqgqAHwTWqFK-cFIS-2h4lZZdT0-DeRv4BQM/s1600/IMG_1673.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632045611441850482" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzeMUqn0D32G3-urIEk9Fh46k_pySKKreTgYfyCGhDabDQNruXzhHIK0MBrSzLi6RuR8-fSEC7LEc2-4AxQc9uF5gFlJhyphenhyphen9yUG-UVdaL4htqgqAHwTWqFK-cFIS-2h4lZZdT0-DeRv4BQM/s400/IMG_1673.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Steve was excited to order the sweetbreads which is the veal's thymus gland. I've ordered this delicious course before at Tom Douglas's Cuoco so knew to expect something great again and this didn't disappoint.</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17ism_mAd6izX5ARQFq8p1GV2qBccL0aLO6sUzEcb8Qg9_rK4ziJ2plEl5SHMZ4faowZwDtfaqB9IDe4rvCdv12kGCQbYeKSWyJR_v_F89dc34ahdIfVmTewg_L9xRKvp3jTzfaKpWkGv/s1600/IMG_1674.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632045604900444978" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17ism_mAd6izX5ARQFq8p1GV2qBccL0aLO6sUzEcb8Qg9_rK4ziJ2plEl5SHMZ4faowZwDtfaqB9IDe4rvCdv12kGCQbYeKSWyJR_v_F89dc34ahdIfVmTewg_L9xRKvp3jTzfaKpWkGv/s400/IMG_1674.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">My dish by description was probably the most unique; calf's head. However by flavor it was very simple and delicious. My understanding was the meat from the head was removed, reconstituted, and shaped into a round "cake". This "cake" was then salted and cooked in butter giving it the best crust imaginable, think the best fried chicken skin you've ever enjoyed and that's what this was. Salty and crunchy and on the inside was the meat and gelatinous pieces of the head. Don't think too much about what it was, but how it tasted. On the side was the softer, yet still delicious brain. I never thought I would be the Hannibel Lecter type, but this rich and filling meal ended up being very good.</span><br /></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb548ZvQzlTCjdRjuNEF13kXexhbsKtxddUn4MCl-I8XUkZijwYHWn2y3p07e-_y6EpzXZjfvibhL8baxaAbCzzRvKMFMrdgDFSNq4slzNtt-8HYl4Z_U9pzCrabJhfPO06MvPgBMqas5s/s1600/IMG_1675.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632045603192301762" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb548ZvQzlTCjdRjuNEF13kXexhbsKtxddUn4MCl-I8XUkZijwYHWn2y3p07e-_y6EpzXZjfvibhL8baxaAbCzzRvKMFMrdgDFSNq4slzNtt-8HYl4Z_U9pzCrabJhfPO06MvPgBMqas5s/s400/IMG_1675.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Emi and her mom enjoyed the vegetable stew with beef cheeks. We've had salmon and halibut cheeks in the past at Japanese restaurants. They are usually expensive because of the tenderness and rarity of the meal. The beef cheeks proved to be similar in tenderness and flavor.</span><br /></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJfxsnO131Y4uE6F0UJBvrgijnTKck1_SRnkvEkbIqcqHFecz2BPr-bBDPdjQj0dKPnAwsHjbEXBg2LbEvm6NS1bFY5QXedQ_ue_hKtQDoLbB1vXIzgmNML3WArpbjFO9KJU06Xph6Shq/s1600/IMG_1676.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632045057508869218" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJfxsnO131Y4uE6F0UJBvrgijnTKck1_SRnkvEkbIqcqHFecz2BPr-bBDPdjQj0dKPnAwsHjbEXBg2LbEvm6NS1bFY5QXedQ_ue_hKtQDoLbB1vXIzgmNML3WArpbjFO9KJU06Xph6Shq/s400/IMG_1676.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">The pre-fixe meal wasn't complete without dessert to finish off the amazing meal. We were all stuffed, but excited to see what Ribouldingue had to offer. Steve ordered the in season cherries and yogurt flavored ice cream, not as sweet as you might expect, but still tasty and unique.</span><br /></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiR_S-co8RSXvBqLmFlyq0eHVh_Hh1Hden0hriPaJ4DuhAT91rg3CNe8l-eW7dL1eaO4e_IlVoRrfRol_w6Rt2lK16Y5pAaPA4GIJZjKY10KypDkoHtH3eF5mqgXfM-yIAHkyHjq-Kewvs/s1600/IMG_1678.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632045045576487154" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiR_S-co8RSXvBqLmFlyq0eHVh_Hh1Hden0hriPaJ4DuhAT91rg3CNe8l-eW7dL1eaO4e_IlVoRrfRol_w6Rt2lK16Y5pAaPA4GIJZjKY10KypDkoHtH3eF5mqgXfM-yIAHkyHjq-Kewvs/s400/IMG_1678.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Emi's mom had the deconstructed cheesecake which was served in layers in a bowl.<br /><br /></span></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikovqZAFtKO_WKPhW1y54wdyeTNikCScKLxjipgrX4GkSpjXG2XIa0R1nGHj5nH8heA4T1hf6eSEvoTZa_C5xsvfBhHVPXJ7P2SbDZx2VV7wpOnlmIBuf2BGznDyi6qKlPw8py_vqC4h3Y/s1600/IMG_1679.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632044807059787394" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikovqZAFtKO_WKPhW1y54wdyeTNikCScKLxjipgrX4GkSpjXG2XIa0R1nGHj5nH8heA4T1hf6eSEvoTZa_C5xsvfBhHVPXJ7P2SbDZx2VV7wpOnlmIBuf2BGznDyi6qKlPw8py_vqC4h3Y/s400/IMG_1679.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Emi went with the French cheese plate, which was a gooey stinky cheese. Not my forte, but exactly what Emi wanted from our trip out to Paris.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxFogsdloA-4Yj6tVIs_cf4mIW6nWgCvc2IjISaU3wAaJ3mghcj1iK5ICuCvLaAcZZKNbK9dTh8fc0Y4AenbR75KF0s_6PpaiUAi0SgxIBRNQoymgwJxMjbxRq10hGtOYDI98YE4AHros/s1600/IMG_1677.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632044804640261954" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxFogsdloA-4Yj6tVIs_cf4mIW6nWgCvc2IjISaU3wAaJ3mghcj1iK5ICuCvLaAcZZKNbK9dTh8fc0Y4AenbR75KF0s_6PpaiUAi0SgxIBRNQoymgwJxMjbxRq10hGtOYDI98YE4AHros/s400/IMG_1677.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">I enjoyed probably the second best dessert of my life, second only behind an amazing lillikoi malasada dessert I enjoyed in Hawaii. This dessert utilized the in season apricots which were stewed and sweet yet tart and burst in your mouth when you bit into them. Although I was skeptical at first, included in the dish was fresh rosemary which added a great flavor to the dish. I was sold after the first bite. Candied slivered almonds added an extra crunch and the subtle yogurt ice cream was again tart, yet creamy and not too sweet as to overpower the sweetness of the apricots. To top it all off the dessert came with a buttery, flaky green tea cookie. Amazing combination of subtle flavors and textures creating one of the best desserts I've ever enjoyed.</span><br /><br /><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmz3_m9JBmanN9SGcHky9Q_jMj2z9fv5X0TETvGS9-SgT1BXiMpUD2gWgI7_neFn6jB-nRahzR2hIJbiRp0Jlx3zRiNNQA2_84J58-OsZPOqX5Qz_yfZ_abwSVJ4SiqanNnPX5m8nEdxaS/s1600/IMG_1681.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 267px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632044796429487026" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmz3_m9JBmanN9SGcHky9Q_jMj2z9fv5X0TETvGS9-SgT1BXiMpUD2gWgI7_neFn6jB-nRahzR2hIJbiRp0Jlx3zRiNNQA2_84J58-OsZPOqX5Qz_yfZ_abwSVJ4SiqanNnPX5m8nEdxaS/s400/IMG_1681.JPG" border="0" /></a>What a memorable meal. I think we ate a whole cow and ate everything the cow had to offer! This meal is one that I'll probably think of on my deathbed as I reflect on my fortunate life. Unique, different, local cuisine, in the heart of Paris enjoyed with good company over a great bottle of wine. And like most cities in Europe, the city was still alive and active when we left the restaurant. We were dead, but excited to see the city lit up as the sun set. In the summer the sun doesn't set until 10pm which added a nice glow to the city as we rolled ourselves back to our hotel to save up energy and room in our stomachs to do it all again the next day.<br /><br />- Kyle<br /><div><div><div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562707181945666407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369787888286949300.post-54455700193429391242011-07-25T07:23:00.000-07:002011-07-25T07:23:01.006-07:00A Day at the French MarketThe opening scene from Beauty and the Beast showcases an average morning for Belle, where she dances her way through her French village’s open market, grabbing fresh baked bread from a boulangerie, passing a butcher, a crazy lady that needs six eggs. I had this as inspiration as I wondered through a well known open market near our hotel in the 12th Arrondissement.<br />
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Kyle wanted me to sing while shopping, but I thought that might be a little over the top.<br />
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Instead, I oohed and ahhed my way through the vendors, taking time to practice my incredible French vocabulary of “bonjour,” “oui,” and “merci.” Like I said, very impressive.<br />
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Our hotel, <a href="http://www.hotel-astrid.com/index_uk.php">Hotel Astrid</a>, was a block away from the famous Arc de Triumph, and on the corner was everything that one could want in France: a brasserie, café, wine bar, patisserie, and a butcher. If we could only spend the rest of our lives on that corner, I think we would be just fine.<br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdIl2wbjKaJfrWL9FKGzrp8XImUCPQz7WpBwc16zfB1jeGRUE1P83w8icTfrV15es4Rh2qPQX9indsWMHzAEiSMv4xDDOynDOgTclXgy7UslbAOiz0DKcHAhtrDY_xKVWxNFDMO1ssq1Xd/s1600/IMG_1692.JPG" onblur="function anonymous()
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><i>We stopped in at the butcher and marveled at the huge slabs of aging beef and interesting cuts of meats hanging from the ceiling and lounging on the large wooden counters. The butcher was slicing up some salami for a French couple as we wondered around the store. </i></b></span></div><div align="center"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUdSJ3cOB26HEO-_rs4zx9YZ_7X-P4QcEjKxEStIf7CsiyP-CROELkulvSJcVUTspzNrcF6eeF6PX3VsUVzUZPxX42rkD9vlDtuJuhcHgacmYW5uC3cYV2xxpUap9-9SxMbcyxRS9C8x_/s1600/IMG_1691.JPG" onblur="function anonymous()
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><i>We noticed that one large wooden counter was warped—my aunt said it was deformed from years of scraping meat off the slicing area. A really good butcher will spend hours a day scraping meat off of the counter and eventually the counter will wear down and be replaced. Many people seek out these discarded counters at antique shops to have in their homes as decoration.</i></b></span></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>As we moved on to the market, the elaborate displays of fruits and vegetables captivated me and it soon felt as though you were in a magical fruit jungle. That was until a rude fish monger across the street started bowing and shouting Chinese phrases at us to get our attention. </i></b></div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5Sh1cUmXIztxEWyZ-B9IcbQqWyFnnYOTnnERT7wQXMc2zCoD7Zeqxhdc5UnFHp1XCQM4hZENlWqSRxDNk8vR8J1pEOXVcxyTnwZw2GhXuHjKBVI0e2WEJYbU-Sq7ffkvFXjxjR3mVA66/s1600/IMG_1700.JPG" onblur="function anonymous()
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><i>Kyle spent several minutes drooling over the langoustines, which are large prawns that are served in Europe. We are keeping a list of food that we want to make when we get home, and these were added to the list if we can find them. </i></b></span></div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyT3nKVjNwwBOU83VJfuH8gB0mRwrDkcqFu_wQQXlwqnrfI-rT0sqLY2L9yLXjvO5RfAWrV8AASdatO5FZs4K2GdKPL8HgOaIzFWbW1Qv8urNWMAWhRckNsoeJPDNrSN4ztzC3zKvVXd-n/s1600/IMG_1701.JPG" onblur="function anonymous()
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUP88fIF6b_6Q7T9SvreXkSYKqo4JlityXg_GLpt29dARQMeoSSn5uPY0TEZLIY_YLVS_5wkZl8XhffzjUP_0GXJ4FMg_mds1GXXG6FDboDmvJ9BWQEOfpzkj6yBhfYHuf_BneBRKfRdH/s1600/IMG_1702.JPG" onblur="function anonymous()
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<div align="center"><b><i>Kyle also spent a significant amount of time drooling over the chickens and other delectible meats that were roasting throughout the city, the fat drippings providing the perfect basting for a mound of potatoes that were stuck under the meat to absorb all the juicy goodness. </i></b></div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmF3B6tcVjj-KARuzaI6PmNo8kPV054GU64qE1xOEulI-chQdjR4JS-e65DepmQ7Gwln04qh_BZPVpZpWCCvwwTH0fkXJGaLX0f1zZzlMyjqbtSn6bAqq58M1-g6FZ47vAPQlGOKHH22Q/s1600/IMG_1703.JPG" onblur="function anonymous()
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<div align="center"><b><i>Kyle loved this photo of my dad and I walking away disgusted by the shop that was wholly devoted to all things horse--yes, that is right, horse meat! Any cut you want...all in a one stop shop.</i></b></div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIrPPC0SeiytfGd1Otb0mW20I54-1FamXmhyx5yFOQvuu4bLcjyX3GbgOfj7NU5I8KPZrT9MnlOrvnxngPCxkYq0pQP5Ct4tyVWQMrzHnpk2-pwt82XHl0y_SZCTiwWuSzratg8sBsOal/s1600/IMG_1704.JPG" onblur="function anonymous()
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<div align="center"><b><i>This fois gras was over $400 for that tiny can! </i></b></div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQjm2sgh7qCR7CExOVIgQVgsKGIqiWjmNBbbOO2eIEk25cDES8Y_sOuLoMuRE4X-h1FiOh_tSEaa7iVUOAk3vIS0fbMN9YOAAZC9TVz5LN5-dN8o4yTcZpeHQfSWCRRfMoI06VRYBTTOwx/s1600/IMG_1707.JPG" onblur="function anonymous()
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-e4pE9paUgVGGJtgDvtCwUR6Gjx7vtDxZie8UruEW6LEdrBi8UVvbpQxtUxo65taCdmEk770IFJz0PLbLF-pTPsGhJYjoi74DInDEWIpJDRMAn2ggFjn_40qDdUhGv3COpbKV6hSgj4FH/s1600/IMG_1710.JPG" onblur="function anonymous()
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><i>Leading into the trip, I read a couple of books on French cooking and food. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hungry-Paris-Ultimate-Guide-Restaurants/dp/0812976835/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1311312828&sr=8-1">Hungry for Paris</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lunch-Paris-Love-Story-Recipes/dp/0316042781/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1311312859&sr=1-1">Lunch in Paris</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Remembrance-Things-Paris-Writing-Gourmet/dp/0812971930/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1311312897&sr=1-1">Remembrance of Things Paris</a>; all of these books will leave you with some serious longing to hop on a one-way flight to Paris with an empty stomach and a deep pocket full of euros. </i></b></span></div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6jqUsfqthDrg2x-h62y7CyiUPQTzou_uJC0HDLkPI1xaCsI8bOGWcZsqtcx7kLw3q0u2fm37jnRWSveFjO-iOCwp1dk2AlS-B7ZGGRrIIcSQul9-NExbFtFOwwWLnZyONKcAz-l9njQoN/s1600/IMG_1711.JPG" onblur="function anonymous()
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><i>All of the books at one point or another speak of the cheese in France. I have been craving a taste of the famous French cheese which is made from raw milk (not pasteurized like the U.S.D.A. forces our puny cheeses to be). We found this tiny shop that looked like cheese fairies could live in, with a ceiling of silk flowers and a pungent aroma that thousands of cheeses will create. My aunt asked the fromagerier to show us which cheeses were made with pasteurized milk—he scratched his head and could only find three tucked away in the vast array…a very good sign. </i></b></span></div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEnGd_xsqXAc4jCqvQMUYNCAk5ydN4EqoQpNVPjSNdma5Y5EYcvHI7HTkIFQ2pmJAJi5yYzgaECshhYVNEgnajUVtYkS9HLDhEcedB-RmT5Lm-LWpRbblv8j0sMs274TFp1JlKZ-PohiP/s1600/IMG_1713.JPG" onblur="function anonymous()
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"><b><i>Since we were only in town for a couple of days, it wasn’t practical to get the 10 lbs of cheese I wanted. Instead I settled on a couple hunks of goat’s milk cheeses…one that was more nutty and creamy tasting (although it was still a firm sucker), and anther that had a little more of a bite—the kind that sort of kicks at your sinuses with its cheesy stank. </i></b></span></div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLI27cdbi5WmqR5zoMJc_mp-PdPoNTbjx57sRrvcu_OG5YRuAEEhUX1w4hYSkxVHV7t7dP5bJmq-WqqyWKRfZjGLQlZKPUd-TPyj3QnNAcYzlgbM6rcyyprfFyXNi1TFGjOnLN4IIU3oF/s1600/IMG_1714.JPG" onblur="function anonymous()
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjvli7UmsJm28Dau32ZpOx8WsuE2MoZsMPsVlBbKY6U9C0IwF6xbB_Wm-5trOPzXHs9Gz8uqoM1IEIJAJQFz-FTrQX-vV0cW78AaxvViz_DUCLCzST-fxJY5pYmVHtcOkSi2lbNPZMXaZ/s1600/IMG_1717.JPG" onblur="function anonymous()
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt;"><b><i>We ran across the street to the boulangerie, because you can’t have French cheese without French bread. We got a whole baguette which was crusty and chewy and everything a real French baguette should be.</i></b></span></div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJHRPv6x82ArOmM9J06nqU1Rte1rmNSjjqRHuzN15Wr91n64fWckbYnYjaQ2WlANn53GUBMZRzVblZwr0hi-JeskY1kkXVYqQNJv-wCYycjD9lyFiEnPOn483ET7XTT0dtv6-sa68hm6c/s1600/IMG_1719.JPG" onblur="function anonymous()
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><i>My aunt also threw in a couple of rolls—one spotted with bacon (yum!) and another with olives. </i></b></span></div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEz6vQNFE8uxoD_G7CFWek0JFvglKyP_EKoDEIN-U_E4S5AL8NN7ABdFIPGfCytLxGzPHqaDgWEFcVlUl-Mk0YcXqKapXUMkjC3_aE21DWVfkASreN69iIJmdCOxcsqjoMX2Uwwr19L3M/s1600/IMG_1723.JPG" onblur="function anonymous()
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Most people are confused why we only eat when traveling. In response, we usually try to stick in an obligatory picture of some monument or historical point of interest to satisfy the question our parent’s often ask: “did you do anything besides eat and drink???”</i></b><b></b><br />
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</b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Well, here it is: we went to the Orsay museum—the museum that focuses on the 19th century art of France which was also the impressionist era. We got to see the famous Water Lilly painting by Monet and the self portrait of Van Gough (although whether this was a self portrait is now under debate). We also enjoyed a wonderful meal at the museum’s restaurant—another post to come!</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>My aunt had pre-purchased tickets to the museum online (which I highly recommend as we got to avoid the 2+ hour line just to get tickets to enter the museum). Our tickets allowed us to enter at 11:30AM, which gave just enough time for us to sit in front of the museum and munch on our fresh bread and cheese. A perfect French moment.</i></b></div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmC2_Kwfg7nm5uv64Tuqb1XjvSEmwVVqzxtqLo5wP_UOs8mdoksPdfEce9UMPS-Wv5ngnIRsExGmAiJeq-KJJ2w38nUQZer8KIoSW8tIaHHBXnq75TxEqnanDajK70gDfjHxsdKKw_uNxi/s1600/IMG_1764.JPG" onblur="function anonymous()
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<div align="center"><b><i>My friend, <a href="http://healthygumsandme.blogspot.com/">Violet</a>, suggested we go to this awesome kitchen shop that inspired Williams SonomaOllivander's shop to pick out my first wand. Sorry, I have Harry Potter on my mind right now.</i></b></div><div align="center"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgDr8xpgFJaDJ8DqNMO59ArWei4cVhGhwmpFWMyT72vIDTaGa01w-1xc3FXu1hqUL1_xBYt8X3ba9AHK3oF4KiYH8v5YaaZRR0CxVSv6shGt1VQAf1eFVOK3fHqXXiJQrCz3jjduFGEwL/s1600/IMG_1766.JPG" onblur="function anonymous()
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<div align="center"><b><i>They had every type of pot and pan you could ever want or need. This is the face I make to Kyle when I want something that I know he will say is unnecessary and too heavy to take home...In my mind it looked much more compelling and lovable...I may have to work on it more!</i></b></div><div align="center"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0p426q0mNO6dnsIbZ9pjhk_eLzYIsWd8vhnhxCzaYkAOScI6eOwyWvaf37zzw9P_0r6ee6nY9cxJWwc1kKuKfxfPQQHk2dlutaKleKeSbQBsm0i1XOE2a99McYDLwCMlKBbcXKm7_pOm/s1600/IMG_1825.JPG" onblur="function anonymous()
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<div align="center"><b><i>I did get some fun things, though, including some fleur de sel, which I plan to sprinkle over chocolate caramel cupcakes and other goodies at home.</i></b></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Later that night, even though I was stuffed and didn’t think I could find another spare millimeter of space in my tummy, I sat on our tiny Paris hotel bed and tore off a hunk of bread. I unwrapped the remaining bit of leftover cheese and took a bite, as if it were an apple, and chased the pungent flavor with the crusty bread. It was the perfect day in Paris.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i>Happy Eating,</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i>Emi</i></span></div></div></div><i></i></div><i></i></div></div></div>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562707181945666407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3369787888286949300.post-16952470031249536242011-07-22T09:00:00.000-07:002011-07-22T09:00:05.379-07:00An introduction to French Cuisine - L'Arc - Paris Part 2<div>Emi and I have never been to Europe before and wanted to make sure we maximized all of our "eating" time. Emi spent the past few months reading and salivating about all of the food we hoped to enjoy in Paris. Instead of picking out restaurants to visit, we made sure to educate ourselves on what is "French Cuisine." We rarely eat French food, so wanted to make sure we would fully appreciate all of the amazing food we knew were were soon to enjoy.</div><div> </div><div>Emi's aunt proved to be an amazing hostess who narrowed down the list of places to visit and guided us through the city during our three days in Paris. She also brought us to amazing restaurants throughout the trip. Our first stop we ended up at by chance. L'Arc was conveniently located next to our hotel so we decided to enjoy our first meal there. Emi's aunt thought it was interesting because most cafes do not have a full menu or food of the quality we ended up enjoying.</div><div><br /> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0YAlypSJ_EtDvPfpIUS-AsZQyM2qUY7YgjQjNJcSSsU23ZN8Iuty82sZkF3NgMDsdXw27eZUBzA4bCmmO3NZOuHXPx9uGS2ISsr8orcDY6IDoZLgq6RFKm0_ATsHkdQ4A3vCmRCO6qYG/s1600/IMG_0785.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631676332489993522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0YAlypSJ_EtDvPfpIUS-AsZQyM2qUY7YgjQjNJcSSsU23ZN8Iuty82sZkF3NgMDsdXw27eZUBzA4bCmmO3NZOuHXPx9uGS2ISsr8orcDY6IDoZLgq6RFKm0_ATsHkdQ4A3vCmRCO6qYG/s400/IMG_0785.JPG" /></a>I ordered my very first boeuf bourguingnon (French beef stew, popularized in the US by Julia Childs) which was chewy, flavorful, savory, and the reason why I flew across continents. One of the things we read was that the French enjoy their meat a little chewy which can be strange to Americans who appreciate and worship their tender meat, but I have to admit working at the chewy flavorful meat was a great experience and made me appreciate the flavors more. Also I don't think anything makes my mouth water like a red wine enhanced stew with red meat, potatoes, and carrots.<br /><br /><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_SDbmgQRMjGs3a-rYOBXNXLGnbfGB4-G2DwiBnUYFG1f5fEcDR2_5oLC7_UjTlwcAhUXt7mpIYIAjLFevQtc5GCL_Zd7pLdU1CJaLf6XS9G3lfrQy9IB5kwmkmr1aTORPj6cjxQKu6oa/s1600/IMG_0779.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631676323259150722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_SDbmgQRMjGs3a-rYOBXNXLGnbfGB4-G2DwiBnUYFG1f5fEcDR2_5oLC7_UjTlwcAhUXt7mpIYIAjLFevQtc5GCL_Zd7pLdU1CJaLf6XS9G3lfrQy9IB5kwmkmr1aTORPj6cjxQKu6oa/s400/IMG_0779.JPG" /></a>Emi's mom went with one of the best French onion soups any of us had ever enjoyed, creamy and unique. Growing up I was used to salty, cheesy, "Red Robin" variations of French onion soup. I enjoyed it and still do, however like most things French, this was more refined. We were surprised to find French onion soup on the menu because typically this is considered a winter dish.<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGyhkI39XHIvxBDNlvHffTr4ij96a1xtNNN4VTC7_O2shJ4Mkq6B8VcrC5G-cX1VwNFecAg-ytOeJibHw5gKjXKgUkOrGzg3GjuwiRb-TZJF04mO7YyYm1nP9EibvW_TIWZlmr7jkLsN5/s1600/IMG_0780.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631676321405184306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGyhkI39XHIvxBDNlvHffTr4ij96a1xtNNN4VTC7_O2shJ4Mkq6B8VcrC5G-cX1VwNFecAg-ytOeJibHw5gKjXKgUkOrGzg3GjuwiRb-TZJF04mO7YyYm1nP9EibvW_TIWZlmr7jkLsN5/s400/IMG_0780.JPG" /></a>Emi's aunt ordered the fried potatoes and duck confit. The potatoes tasted like they were deep fried in goose fat and were rich and delicious. These weren't your average American Jo-Jos.<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGTxv_xjEXbzglm9wEjk4wIXpjKzWiRpQvQB5GnjGIr49V7SSn62Bmno53eMTvblUHDnBqxriWdBA8588groF-nh-GRxzOQvZS9-Q94ubm5ovY8wMz5XLym-1Pw6IP4p8r3AjzDBIxDu-/s1600/IMG_0781.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631676312294304386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghGTxv_xjEXbzglm9wEjk4wIXpjKzWiRpQvQB5GnjGIr49V7SSn62Bmno53eMTvblUHDnBqxriWdBA8588groF-nh-GRxzOQvZS9-Q94ubm5ovY8wMz5XLym-1Pw6IP4p8r3AjzDBIxDu-/s400/IMG_0781.JPG" /></a>Emi's dad ordered his favorite; fois gras pate on toast. I think we ended up eating this dish another five times or so throughout our 3 days in Paris.<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAScokqShWzXXHPOK8bPZWovj4Tp0EGGm1gqZQi8DPHjKV5CV5uxwuCHhzp-42DxbKTCx2KViGRkl2mxZjvWWcXYGC40ejDBwCxFCUiawlHlH_kiE3cYAVnk7eG79y7pCLwiMw9XIJE9U/s1600/IMG_0786.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 267px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631676307292887986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmAScokqShWzXXHPOK8bPZWovj4Tp0EGGm1gqZQi8DPHjKV5CV5uxwuCHhzp-42DxbKTCx2KViGRkl2mxZjvWWcXYGC40ejDBwCxFCUiawlHlH_kiE3cYAVnk7eG79y7pCLwiMw9XIJE9U/s400/IMG_0786.JPG" /></a>Emi ordered the French scrambled eggs with fresh porcini mushrooms, the special of the day. A little too mushroomy for Emi's liking, but when in France you might as well try the special.</div><div> </div><div>Now that we were filled up with a light lunch or in my case a heavy lunch we were ready to tour the city. Since this is a food blog, we'll focus on the food, but the sites were amazing and more than one could ever hope to accomplish in a quick 3 day trip, so hopefully we'll be back soon.</div><div> </div><div>- Kyle</div><div></div></div></div></div>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04562707181945666407noreply@blogger.com1