Spain, A Culinary Road Trip

Spain, A Culinary Road Trip by Mario Batali (with Gwyneth Paltrow) is, quite simply, a wonderful book. I received it as a gift and immediately plunged in, seeking out those Spanish culinary delights that I’ve come to love during my annual treks. Much to my delight, I encountered numerous items that I normally wouldn’t try. However, given the interesting descriptions, I’ve decided the next time I’m in Spain I’ll be expanding my palate.

The book itself may seem like your typical coffee table tome. Don’t be fooled. Sure, the book contains many photographs but they are handsomely integrated with the recipes and text. Batali and Paltrow put the food into cultural context, one of the things I appreciate most about this book. Furthermore, the photos show a bunch of people having a great time. The enthusiasm and love for the people and food of Spain literally leaps off the page. You’ll meet ordinary people as well as famous chefs courtesy of this duo.

Of course, I’m an easy sell in this department. During my many trips to Spain, I’ve come to love the culture. Still, I’ve seen my share of travel, history, and cooking books. This one is among the best. In some ways it brings to life portions of H.V. Morton’s A Stranger in Spain. If you are even remotely interested in the subject, don’t hesitate to plunk down your cash. You will not be disappointed.

Published in: on December 22, 2008 at 2:35 pm  Leave a Comment  
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The Treats Truck, NYC

While in New York City yesterday, I happened upon The Treats Truck on 38th Street at 5th Avenue. Not one to pass up a meal, dessert, or other stomach filling substance, I checked it out.

As you can see from the photo above, I had to wait in line. This type of thing is what I like about New York. Right on the street, literally, you’ll find great food. In this case, it’s brownies and other sweets. Of course you’ll also encounter every type of food from a cart or truck that you can imagine. Let’s take a closer look at what’s on offer here:

Nice cookies! The hardest part is deciding which one you’d like. Buy a couple, maybe three. What could happen? With all the walking I do in NYC, I don’t worry about putting on the pounds. As you might imagine, I treated myself to an ice-cold Coca Cola after this, then went about my day.

Next time you’re in NYC, don’t be afraid to try the food from the “roach coaches.” You might be impressed.

Published in: on September 19, 2008 at 6:22 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Spices in Granada

In Granada, Spain, you’ll find a wonderful spice market located alongside the cathedral. You’ll find an amazing assortment of spices, dried flowers, nuts, and tea. Here’s a general look.

I like those retractable awnings that they call pull over in the event the weather turns sour. Check out that selection, everything from cinnamon to saffron and more. Here’s a view of the teas and dried flowers.

Each of these is supposed to have medicinal properties. Of course the people selling them swear by the cures and I’m inclined to believe that there can be some benefit from such concoctions.

As for me, well, I’m into flavorful food. You’ll find some of the best food in the world in Granada, Spain. In fact, I found the tapas there to be better than the same offerings in Madrid. The selection was more diverse, more flavorful, and a better value. Then again, I never had a bad meal in all of Spain.

Published in: on September 17, 2008 at 12:35 pm  Comments (2)  
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Cupcakes!

I almost forgot about this post. Terrible omission on my part. Around the other corner from the bookstore in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, USA, on Oakland Street is a place called, “Let Them Eat Cupcakes.” This past Friday night was their opening. Now, let me say, I love chocolate cake and a cupcake is simply a portion of the whole. Plus, when you eat cupcakes you can sample a variety of flavors. Check out what was on offer:

There were all the usual flavors as well as Red Velvet, a buttermilk mix that is among my favorites. Not only that, check out the presentation: silver trays, handsome case, and as you can see below, a crystal chandelier overhead.

Here’s the menu board, as if I would pay any attention to that. I’m a more “give me one of each” type of guy.

The cupcakes were excellent and the people in the shop friendly enough to allow me to take all these photos. If you’re in the area, check this place out. You won’t be disappointed until you try to fasten your belt the next morning.

Published in: on September 9, 2008 at 5:01 pm  Leave a Comment  
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