Raise your hand if you were glued to the Olympics this summer! The unity and the underdog stories have always inspired me, so I was thrilled to attend this summer’s 2024 event. It was absolutely exhilarating to see that level of athleticism in person. Plus, I was able to experience my favorite part of traveling – the food! If eating were an Olympic sport, this foodie would be on top of the podium with a medal.
En route to the games, we first landed in Spain. The Boqueria Barcelona claims to be the best fresh market in the world, and I think they might be right. I was unprepared for how vibrant the fruits and vegetables would be along with the artful displays. You could find almost any item from produce, cheese, meats, spices, baked goods, nuts, juices, and sweet treats in this open-air space.
Tapas, also known as small plates, are very popular in Barcelona but I found the menu descriptions underwhelming. For example, one of my favorite meals from Guell Tapas listed the dish as “tuna cubes” but it was, in fact, so much more! It included in-season sauteed vegetables steeped in an incredibly flavorful sauce. I also ordered a side of peppers and eggplant, known as escalivada, and it was beautifully adorned with a slab of goat cheese, balsamic, and pine nuts. Every bite was delicious! Outdoor dining is common in the port city, but this seating option may come with a surcharge of 1-2 Euros.
We arrived in Paris via train and it was everything I imagined. There were bakeries and pastry shops at every corner, and I was swooning over the display windows full of flaky croissants and tarts. Of note, Europeans tend to ease into the day with many cafes not opening until 9 am. Restaurants are quite plentiful, so even with the additional tourists for the Olympics, we never once waited for a table.
The level of flavor in Paris was deep and I can see why it’s known as a culinary capital of the world. Even their version of avocado toast is next level. I tried several varieties topped with pomegranates, pumpkin, goat cheese, and more. For lunch and dinner, I enjoyed several French dishes including beef tartar, duck confit, and escargot. I often asked for a wine recommendation and their suggestions paired perfectly every time.
In both Spain and France, menus were offered in English, which was a nice surprise. Unlike the US, European dining is considered an experience and I never once felt rushed. Service was quick and efficient but once our food arrived, we were left to eat and linger as long as we wanted. Another nice touch I appreciated was settling the check at the table, so I was in possession of my credit card at all times. Digital tipping is purely optional in Europe, so checkout consisted of a quick card tap or chip insert and we were on our way.
It's been a couple of months but I’m still daydreaming about the wide variety of fresh, mouth-watering meals we had in Europe. I ate my heart out and can’t wait to go back and do it again!