Huan The Cook

Tired of processed cheeseburgers and fries?  Need zest and flavor in your life?  Get out of town!  Literally, leave the country.  Discover some of the Europe’s traditional delicacies.  Many of my fondest memories abroad involve food.  A particular dish can take you back in time—you remember where you ate it, with whom you were dining, how the dish tasted, and even how you were feeling that day.  Here are a few of the European delicacies which take me back in time…

1. Seafood Paella, San Sebastian.  Northern Spain offers some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes.  One such scenic region is San Sebastian.  It was in this picturesque, seaside city that I tasted the BEST paella of my life.  Though paella can be considered a Valencian dish, I think the Basque country produces some serious competition.  The traditional rice dish came out sizzling on an enormous pan, with mussels and clams emitting a savory steam.  The flavor was unreal!  I was with a group of nine friends, and we all shared the seafood paella, as well as copious amounts of wine and fresh bread.  Perfection!
2. Waffle Sunday, Barcelona.  For those of us who appreciate the sweeter things in life, consider a trip to the coast of Spain.  I discovered one of my favorite desserts in Barca: the Waffle Sunday.  The gelato in Europe is dangerously yummy, and when you combine that creamy delight with a warm, perfectly toasted waffle, you get the most scrumptious, mouth-watering result.  Drizzle some chocolate syrup on top of the waffle before adding the gelato, and voila!  You created the breakfast of champions.
3. Pesto Pizza, Cinque Terre.  It’s no secret that Italy is home to the best pizza.  Those Italian charmers have a way with dough and cheese.  While I was on a weekend trip in Cinque Terre, I discovered Pesto Pizza.  Wowza.  I thought Dominoes was the cat’s meow before my taste buds encountered a whole different kind of animal.  Turns out authentic, hand-made pizza far surpasses American fast-food chains.  It’s hard to explain, but this pesto pizza practically melted in my mouth.  Heavenly crust coated with melted cheese and topped with flavorful pesto.  Cinque Terra is said to be the birthplace of pesto, so you can imagine how tasty it was on the already delicious pizza.  This meal was the best reward after completing a five-mile coastal hike.
4. Spanish Tortilla, Madrid.  I lived in Madrid for four months and never once tired of tortilla española.  I could have lived off this traditional Spanish dish.  Made with fresh potatoes, eggs, and of course some olive oil, Spanish tortilla is really a simple, hearty dish.  There are variations of tortilla.  Some people like to add onion and/or salt for flavor.  Some add ham or vegetables.  Regardless, it always turns out delicious.  I have the best memories of enjoying pinchos of Spanish tortilla in Retiro Park, preparing the dish with my señora, and enjoying a slice with my sister when she came to visit me one weekend.
5. Banana and Nutella Crepe, Paris.  This is yet another sugar fix for sweets fanatics.  Everywhere you go in Paris, you encounter crepe stands.  Vendors effortlessly prepare delectable crepes on large, flat stove tops.  The Banana and Nutella combination is a personal favorite.  So delicious!  The Banana and Nutella crepe is a quick and delicious treat to enjoy while exploring the city of romance.

These are just a few of my favorite things from Europe.  It’s time to create your own menu of memories!  Look for cheap flights on Travelocity.com  and use a Travelocity promo code to help you save some money.  Bon voyage and bon apetite!

Erin Prickett is a food and travel enthusiast who enjoys finding great deals on meals and flights.  She recommends using a Travelocity promo code to help save some money on your next flight!

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