I just returned from 2 weeks in Europe. We entered through Dusseldorf, toured the Burgundy and Champagne regions of France and returned to Dusseldorf through Belgium.

It was an interesting trip as I was traveling with someone who has little to no interest in dining. That’s not to say he doesn’t enjoy food, he just sees little point in spend a lot of time/energy procuring it when there are museums to be seen.

So…we spent a lot of time in grocery stores and in outdoor markets. It was a different approach that still yielded us some great food. The best of the best was the market in Metz. Much as we do at the deli here, there you took a number at the fruit stand. You waited and then explained to your salesperson what you were looking for and when you thought you’d consume it. They then found you the best of the best for your budget and schedule. I have never had peaches that tasted that good.  Couple that will cheeses from Epoisse or other local regions, not to mention the wine. Amazing.

When we did dine out, the big “aha” was how many menus had salads came with a crouton (really a small piece of toast) topped with warm goat cheese that had been drizzled with honey. So good.

Outside of France, we managed to get to 2 Trappist Monasteries for Ale and more cheese. The monks make some wonderful beer.

We also toured a few vineyards and managed to visit the cheese and salt making museums. Twist my arm, I’d go back.