April 11, 2023
It truly can’t be said better when CI Azumano Travel states, “The distinct cultures [in Europe] are reflected in the delectable menus of each, and you’ll readily ravish it all.” With over 250 languages spoken throughout the continent, Europe is the best place to go for when you’re craving both food and culture. However, Europe is quite a large place, and it can be difficult to make your way to the best each city has to offer. So, here is a breakdown of where to go, why, and (if you’re feeling like staying in for the night) cooking classes which will make you wonder why you don’t open up your own bistro.
Eat
Fresh Mussels
Pasta may be first on the list when it comes to your next Europe trip, but an often forgot about food group from the region is fish. Fresh mussels are a must-have in countries like Spain, France and Italy; all three being “responsible for two thirds of all European mussel production”.
According to over 970 reviewing customers, Ciudad Condal is one of the best restaurants Spain to get fresh mussels, or any fish for that matter. While Mamà in Rome is praised for their linguine with mussels and shrimp.
Pasta
Pizza was invented in Naples, and it is said to be some of the best pizza in the world. Planning your first trip Europe without planning to get pizza from Naples would be like going to the beach for the first time and never touching the ocean; it’s just unacceptable. Though there really seems to be no going wrong in Naples, some of the best pizzerias are: Da Michele, Il Pizzaiolo del Presidente, Brandi and Di Matteo.
Drink
Train (or drink) the Night Away
The train is one of the best modes of transportation in Europe, and Eurail has made it easy for visitors with a love of wine by providing a list of the top ten wineries you can reach simply by getting on at the nearest station. Among the best are Porto and the Douro Valley, Portugal which is known for its “sweet red wines” and “scenic view”; and Champagne, France which is noteworthy for being a “small-town Champagne experience”.
Bordeaux, France
Bordeaux, France is crucial to mention when it comes to wineries because it is “one of the largest wine regions in Europe.” From guided tours to biking paths, the wine country gives tourists one of the best experiences Europe has to offer. And for your friends who aren’t crazy about a day of wine drinking? There is still amazing local cuisines for all members of the party!
Cook
Mother of All Sauces
While experiencing the food within Europe is essential to a well-rounded trip, what happens when the trip is all over? Most people can’t travel to Europe every month on a whim, but you can take a little piece of the continent. One of the best cooking classes can be found in Paris, France; because what better thing is there to love than food? The “Mother of All Sauces” is a class offered by Cook ‘n With Class, which “takes an uncomplicated, bottom-up approach to the art of French sauce making.”
II Salotto di Penelope
Perhaps one of the most devastating facts about coming back home from a Europe trip is that you will no longer be able to have one very special dish…pasta. But what if there was a way to take Europe’s most indispensable meal with you? II Salotto di Penelope is a cooking school where you’ll learn “the secrets to an authentic Bolognese sauce, the key to pillow-soft gnocchi, and the perfect proportions for pasta dough (a touch of semolina flour works wonders)”. Don’t leave Europe empty handed when you have the opportunity to leave with hands covered in flour and a mouth full of spaghetti.
Conclusion
Taking a trip to somewhere like Europe can be taxing for many people. After all, it is an entire continent. However, knowing locations like these and looking into sites like CI Azumano Travel can help the experience turn from something stressful to something to actually look forward to!