I finally had a chance to read this post and loved it! It reminded me of our two weeks in Italy in 2023 and noticing how much better we felt eating their food than when we returned to the states with all the toxins and chemicals allowed in our foods. After doing some research, found that the Italian govt doesn't allow most of the harmful additives and toxins into their food supply.
Interesting. Good for them. I'm not sure how much the EU regulates, but it does seem to vary from one country to another. I'm told Spain is notorious for spraying crops with chemicals, but North America really takes the cake.
I’m happy to hear about this wonderful trip and your bonding experience. I relate to enjoying the generational inclusion in many parts of Europe that is completely missing in the west. It would make a big difference to both young and old to know that they are seen and treasured. The respect for simple food in Portugal is in line with Italy as well, although I believe we are often more casual here than Italy. Grilled fish, vegetables, olive oil and fruit are staples in my diet.
I wonder about the formality bit... I remember a Portuguese restaurant in Toronto that was very buttoned up, white tablecloths, penguin waiters, etc. Do you know the one? Still, the food is that wonderful pure and simple stuff that you never tire of. I'm behind on your news because I haven't opened my computer in two weeks. Will catch up! Here's to the simple life. :-)
There is more formality in the north of Portugal and that is more likely to be where chefs arrive in Canada from. I don’t know the restaurant you mention. Yes, the simple life for us!
Though I am deeply sorry that your husband has issues with Gluten, I am forever grateful for the information about the wonderful products you found in Italy that might help him and me! Also thinking of visiting Italy before I go back to Paris for the 3rd time...though your workshop in Provence sounds wonderful, and has inspired me to try for a fourth time as well!
Italy was way ahead of the curve when it comes to gluten issues. I remember about 20 years ago travelling in Sicily with someone celiac. There were celiac restaurants! I guess if you destroy the most important food of a country, people will find a way to fix it. Italy also makes a good gluten-free wheat flour called Fioreglut. Peter was making bread with it all through the pandemic.
I have to laugh about the invention of celiac restaurants in Sicily! My paternal ancestors came from northern Italy, Pascaglia in Lucca, and from Venice. My grandmother was an expert at roasting meats, and I cannot recall one time I ate pasta at her house. Only polenta, covered in a chicken stew with a redolent tomato sauce and sour olives. Like his mother, my dad was an expert at roasting and choosing the best cut of meat. When I moved out on my own, I focused only on making pasta, as I felt deprived as a child! Now I have to watch my gluten intake! Thanks so much for the mention of Fioreglut!
I'm so happy that you took a real break and enjoyed my most favorite corner of the world! We spend two weeks there every year and every single time I declare that "this time, I am not going home." Someday, it will be the truth. I've never felt more at home anywhere, even here in New England where I've lived since birth. It is slower (but you're so right, frenetic at the table, just like at my grandparents' house and all my cousins' homes), and simpler (but not boring), and delicious and beautiful and friendly and ancient and vibrant and new, all at once.
Really enjoyed this particular missive. Your Italy observations resonate with me, too. I have been all over Italy many times and would return again and again.
Wonderful pictures and comments. Your brother does remind me a lot of my favorite cousin. Give your Mum my love. From so many comments I can see you have a lot of Maritime in you. Combining that with other cultures is very special.
Stephen looks more like my father in this picture than I've ever seen him. Such a delight to see that familiar face in another face. The trip was great. As for the Maritime hue, I guess that's what I mean: we never lose our roots.
This made me laugh: "Now that Peter and I are onto this new and horrible trend in Paris, we’ve learned to ask for fresh cutlery, which isn’t always provided graciously." I agree with all your observations. My challenge in Italian wine resturants is to try and get a wine order in before food, it's generally ignored. I learned to at least get both in at. once.
I'm glad to have that tip and will ask you for others. For a culture meant to be laid back, dining does seem to be a bit of a rush sometimes. What's that about? Also, they are brilliant at apero, but they must have it in a different place and at a different time. It seems not to be part of dinner. Puzzling!
I think it's part of la passeggiata, the evening stroll, where you show yourself in bella figura around the piazza. The journalist, columnist Beppe Severgnini wrote a book that answers these questions (amusingly) for anglos about 20 years ago: La Bella Figura: A Field Guide to the Italian Mind. I might still have my copy somewhere...
Life in Provence is much like what you found in Italy. We’ve been spending a month each year in the Luberon since 2016. I was once in a tiny cafe in Simiane and noticed that the song being played was the cape Breton “Jolie Blonde”, sung by Danny Langlois ! I live in Dundas. He’s from Ancaster. My daughter-in-law is from Nova Scotia.
I finally had a chance to read this post and loved it! It reminded me of our two weeks in Italy in 2023 and noticing how much better we felt eating their food than when we returned to the states with all the toxins and chemicals allowed in our foods. After doing some research, found that the Italian govt doesn't allow most of the harmful additives and toxins into their food supply.
Interesting. Good for them. I'm not sure how much the EU regulates, but it does seem to vary from one country to another. I'm told Spain is notorious for spraying crops with chemicals, but North America really takes the cake.
I’m happy to hear about this wonderful trip and your bonding experience. I relate to enjoying the generational inclusion in many parts of Europe that is completely missing in the west. It would make a big difference to both young and old to know that they are seen and treasured. The respect for simple food in Portugal is in line with Italy as well, although I believe we are often more casual here than Italy. Grilled fish, vegetables, olive oil and fruit are staples in my diet.
I wonder about the formality bit... I remember a Portuguese restaurant in Toronto that was very buttoned up, white tablecloths, penguin waiters, etc. Do you know the one? Still, the food is that wonderful pure and simple stuff that you never tire of. I'm behind on your news because I haven't opened my computer in two weeks. Will catch up! Here's to the simple life. :-)
There is more formality in the north of Portugal and that is more likely to be where chefs arrive in Canada from. I don’t know the restaurant you mention. Yes, the simple life for us!
Though I am deeply sorry that your husband has issues with Gluten, I am forever grateful for the information about the wonderful products you found in Italy that might help him and me! Also thinking of visiting Italy before I go back to Paris for the 3rd time...though your workshop in Provence sounds wonderful, and has inspired me to try for a fourth time as well!
Italy was way ahead of the curve when it comes to gluten issues. I remember about 20 years ago travelling in Sicily with someone celiac. There were celiac restaurants! I guess if you destroy the most important food of a country, people will find a way to fix it. Italy also makes a good gluten-free wheat flour called Fioreglut. Peter was making bread with it all through the pandemic.
I have to laugh about the invention of celiac restaurants in Sicily! My paternal ancestors came from northern Italy, Pascaglia in Lucca, and from Venice. My grandmother was an expert at roasting meats, and I cannot recall one time I ate pasta at her house. Only polenta, covered in a chicken stew with a redolent tomato sauce and sour olives. Like his mother, my dad was an expert at roasting and choosing the best cut of meat. When I moved out on my own, I focused only on making pasta, as I felt deprived as a child! Now I have to watch my gluten intake! Thanks so much for the mention of Fioreglut!
I'm so happy that you took a real break and enjoyed my most favorite corner of the world! We spend two weeks there every year and every single time I declare that "this time, I am not going home." Someday, it will be the truth. I've never felt more at home anywhere, even here in New England where I've lived since birth. It is slower (but you're so right, frenetic at the table, just like at my grandparents' house and all my cousins' homes), and simpler (but not boring), and delicious and beautiful and friendly and ancient and vibrant and new, all at once.
It is all those things. We'll travel there a lot more now. Peter might even take some Italian lessons. I definitely need to brush up mine, too.
Such beautiful views and clear skies!
Really enjoyed this particular missive. Your Italy observations resonate with me, too. I have been all over Italy many times and would return again and again.
Happy to have you home! And that you enjoyed a solid dose of La Dolce Vita.
Wonderful pictures and comments. Your brother does remind me a lot of my favorite cousin. Give your Mum my love. From so many comments I can see you have a lot of Maritime in you. Combining that with other cultures is very special.
Stephen looks more like my father in this picture than I've ever seen him. Such a delight to see that familiar face in another face. The trip was great. As for the Maritime hue, I guess that's what I mean: we never lose our roots.
This made me laugh: "Now that Peter and I are onto this new and horrible trend in Paris, we’ve learned to ask for fresh cutlery, which isn’t always provided graciously." I agree with all your observations. My challenge in Italian wine resturants is to try and get a wine order in before food, it's generally ignored. I learned to at least get both in at. once.
I'm glad to have that tip and will ask you for others. For a culture meant to be laid back, dining does seem to be a bit of a rush sometimes. What's that about? Also, they are brilliant at apero, but they must have it in a different place and at a different time. It seems not to be part of dinner. Puzzling!
I think trying to get the check is where they are laid back
I think it's part of la passeggiata, the evening stroll, where you show yourself in bella figura around the piazza. The journalist, columnist Beppe Severgnini wrote a book that answers these questions (amusingly) for anglos about 20 years ago: La Bella Figura: A Field Guide to the Italian Mind. I might still have my copy somewhere...
So glad your stay in Italy was (nearly) perfect. Beautiful Italy!
A-hem…as ‘they’ say, “all ROADS lead to Rome.”
Life in Provence is much like what you found in Italy. We’ve been spending a month each year in the Luberon since 2016. I was once in a tiny cafe in Simiane and noticed that the song being played was the cape Breton “Jolie Blonde”, sung by Danny Langlois ! I live in Dundas. He’s from Ancaster. My daughter-in-law is from Nova Scotia.
True. And the Luberon is so lovely. :-)