I’m back this week sharing captioned pictures fresh off the iPhone of the best things I ate from June through August 2022 — in England, France, Germany, Scotland, and Spain.
I plan to write one of these food listicles every 2-3 weeks or so (with restaurant addresses, photos, and recipes where applicable). Would anyone be interested in seeing a running list or interactive map of everything compiled? Let me know in the comments!
Langoustines du Guilvinec @ Kalypso La Cabane in Lancieux, Bretagne, France (August 2022). Sweet meat, sharp claws. Last sun of the day in our eyes.
Hand-caught lançons with olive oil, salt & pepper on the grill in Saint-Briac-sur-Mer, Bretagne, France (August 2022). A Breton tradition on super low-tide days, when the coefficient reaches well over 100. Families walk along the temporarily exposed sand with hoes, catching silvery fish that poke their heads out of the trenches. My hands were too slow to snatch many—my boyfriend (hi, Matthieu!) and his mom were the real pros, and responsible for this crispy treat.
Murex and percebes/pouces-pieds @ a dinner party in Paris (August 2022). Hosted by the talented and extremely gracious purveyor of Souleil wine, Marianne, who subscribes to a fresh seafood CSA. I was a last-minute, friend-of-a-friend invite (thanks, Lane!) to what would be one of the best apartment dinner parties of my life. An evening spent giggling with three fantastic women (hi also to Jenn!). Exotic seafood so expertly prepared that I was shocked to be in a home. Percebes to start, served alongside mayo, like snacking on the sea. Murex in a bay leaf-infused broth. Capped with an exceptional Bretonblue lobster (not pictured) and the sauce she made from its roe to serve over rice. Still drooling.
Dressed Crab & Half Lobster @ the Oban Seafood Hut (“the Green Shack”) in Oban, Scotland (July 2022). Halfway through a long driving day in Scotland, we stopped in Oban to stretch our legs. While seagulls circled, we ate stupidly fresh, stupidly affordable seafood until we couldn’t anymore.
One Perfect Cappuccino
Cappuccino @ Ernst Kaffeeröster in Südstadt, Cologne, Germany (August 2022).
Sweets
One ripe melon in Saint-Briac-sur-Mer, Bretagne, France (August 2022).
Iced nougat cake in the Beaujolais, France (July 2022). Like ice cream cake. But nougat. As if Carvel grew up and retired in French wine country.
Sugar-dipped frozen white peaches @ Septime in Paris, France (August 2022). Clever, and much better than frozen grapes.
Brilliant Alone (Even Better with Bread)
Pau Bhaji @ Dishoom Kensington in London, England (August 2022). My first time trying the beloved Mumbai staple (thanks, Rishav!). Patiently waiting for a Dishoom Paris location.
Caponata at Delicatessen Place in Paris, France (July 2022). Beautiful ingredients, simply prepared and singing. In a wine bar suited for restorative Sundays.
Jamón in Madrid, Spain (August 2022). Served fresh off the leg during a wedding cocktail hour—and not the last plate we finished.
Yesss I want the interactive map 😍