My Brand of Tourism

Bonjour loyal readers! I have finally been awakened from a deep blogging hibernation. Last week, I toured Paris and Rome with my Dad and Marguerite to celebrate their 10th anniversary and my 25th birthday. I can't think of a better vacay to rejuvenate my love of writing about food and eating. Did I mention I have the best Dad, ever?

I'll be posting a slide show of the trip highlights (hopefully, by the end of the week), plus a few stories of incredible food. However, it's important I explain how I travel to you first.


I do not aim to mark things off a typical sightseeing itinerary. Okay...I have a checklist that I research plenty, but I enjoy a unique brand of tourism. I live the local, foodie culture when I'm visiting far-away places. I savor the small experiences found in back alley markets and un-touristy restaurants.

Some of my most memorable moments from last week include: chatting with a Parisian spice master who insisted I smell everything in his shop's apothecaries, or humoring an Italian waiter after he poured Grappa for the entire table. It tasted awfully strong, but all of us smiled as we shot the liquor down. We smiled even bigger when a beaker of complementary sweet Limoncello arrived (or maybe we were tipsy)!

My parents, despite creaky knees, were good sports to accompany me on all of my adventures, which were at times wild goose chases among windy, historic streets. But, I have it on good authority, I'll be invited to be their European tour guide again. Did I mention my Dad is awesome?