New Beginnings

Since my last post my life has taken some dramatic turns and unexpected twists. In January I returned to Italy for a second round of studying abroad in Florence. There were many new restaurants explored and many new food experiences enjoyed. I took an Italian cooking course taught only in Italian, completed tests about Italian cured meats, Italian festivities, and Italian recipes all in the Italian language. I took a course about Italian museums and had a formal Italian language lesson every day.

Despite my apparent Italian overload, I ended up finding myself a French boyfriend in Greece. How's that for an international experience? Being in Greece opened me up to a whole world of familiar flavors presented in their authentic setting - much like Italy had done the first time around. I have never tasted more honest food than I did in Crete, surely one of the most naturally beautiful places on earth. Check out the Mediterranean Ocean off the southern coast of Crete in the picture above.

In the upcoming posts, I will share with you my most memorable food moments from Italy (and Greece). From dining al fresco above the Arno River on my private terrace to eating horse in Verona, Italia delivered once again. After my re-cap of la dolce vita, I hope to have collected some amazing new stories to share about my now permanent locale: Washington, DC!

Pasta will always be the love of my life, but I'm sure a couple of crab cakes on the side won't hurt anyone - especially not me!