Let’s do lunch, shall we?
Tuesday Lunch
Do you see what I see?
Vegetables! Woo!
I’m not gonna lie, it feels a little weird to be eating healthy food and not downing casseroles, souffles, fried pickles and Easter candy. But it feels kind of great, too.
Today’s lunch included a mozzarella, tomato and spinach bagelwich made with legit mozzarella that I bought at the grocery store last night.
Mozzarella Bagelwich
I was inspired to buy the fancy kind of mozzarella after Ryan’s mom used some of it to create a delicious caprese salad on Easter. Sometimes fancy cheese is worth the price tag.
On the side I enjoyed little bitty sweet peppers. Aren’t they cute? They were so adorable that I could just eat them right up… and so I did. 😉
Great lunch!
Now for some Europe fun… but first, the Fashion page was updated this afternoon!
Europe: Your Guide
After receiving tons of amazing emails, recommendations, blog and Facebook comments from you guys about my upcoming trip to Europe, I just had to compile all of your thoughts into one massive post, complete with food and restaurant recommendations and “must do” activities.
If you have anything to add to this list, please do so in the comments section of this post! I want to try EVERYTHING! 😀
Rome, Italy
Food/Restaurants:
- Gelato: Giolitti’s (near the Pantheon, somewhat off the beaten path)
- Pizza: Da Baffetto or Dar Poeta (need reservations)
- Enoteca Corsi for lunch
- Navona Notte for delicious food
- La Cisterna (friendly staff, amazing food, let the waiter order for you)
- Iced coffee from Tazzo d’Oro Casa del café
Activities:
- Vatican
- Pantheon
- Colosseum
- Borghese Museum
- Cinque Terra
- Trevi Fountain
- St. Peter’s Basilica
Colosseum
Florence, Italy
Food/ Restaurants:
- Must-try restaurant mentioned by many: Acqua al 2 (order the blueberry steak/ the tasting menu which you may see here on Meg’s blog), reservations are a must
- Other great restaurants: Osteria Il Gatto e La Volpe and Trattoria Quattro Leoni (order tortellini with pear and gorgonzola)
- Gelato: Vivoli, La Carraia or the place on the corner of the Santa Trinita bridge (the bridge next to the Ponte Vecchio)
- Pizza: Gusta Pizza, Ostaria de Centopoveri or Il Pizzaiuolo (need reservations)
- Prosecco
- Cappuccino
- House wine
Activities:
- Explore Oltro Arno (the other side of the river from statue of David)
- Walk up Piazza de Michelangelo (a big hill with an amazing view of the city)
- Climb to the top of the Duomo
- Explore the San Lorenzo Market
- Great late-night bars: Moyo, Red Garter (American), Twice and Astor
Venice, Italy
Food/Restaurants:
- Harry’s Bar for peach Bellini’s
- Pizza: La Pearla
Activities:
- Piazza San Marco
Lucerne, Switzerland
Food/ Restaurants:
- Goulash and spaetzle
- Swiss fondue
- Raclette cheese
- Chocolate
- Zopf (Swiss bread)
Activities:
- Mount Pilatus
Mount Pilatus
Paris, France
Food/Restaurants:
- Berthillon ice cream (in I’ile de Saint Louis)
- Crepes (Nutella + banana)
- Pastries, chocolate croissants
- Éclairs and macaroons from La Duree
- Baguettes
- Cheese, brie
- Croque madame breakfast sandwich
Activities:
- Eiffel Tower + the light show at night
- Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe
- Louvre
- Notre Dame
Louvre
London, England
Food/Restaurants:
- Fish & chips (heavy on the vinegar)
- Indian food (specifically try Brick Lane)
- Happy Hippos cookies
- Pub food
- Bruges for chocolate
- Scones with jam and Devonshire cream
- High tea at Harrod’s, Browns, the Ritz, Fortnum & Mason’s or Claridge’s Mayfair
- Food Hall at Harrod’s department store
- Strawberry beer (Fruli)
- Hobnobs
Activities:
- Camden Market (in Camdentown) and Spitalfield Market (near Brick Lane, great Indian food)
- Westminster Abbey
- Buckingham Palace
- Big Ben
- Houses of Parliament
- Hyde Park
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
- London Eye Ferris Wheel
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I went to Acqua al 2 in Washington DC and it was amazing!!! They have locations in San Diego, DC, and Florence. You must go…but wear comfy pants because you’ll leave so stuffed 😉
ahhh since you posted all of this you’re just going to have to bring us all with you otherwise I’m going to be extremely jealous! 😉
i’m soooo jealous! i want to go to Europe and eat amazing food and drink amazing wine : )
I definitely have some additions for your list!
Rome:
1) Dinner at Santa Lucia Ristorante (by Piazza Navona) – incredibly romantic outdoor patio
2) Gelato Tre Fontane (on Piazza Navona)
Venice:
1) Barababao (Restaurant)
2) Antico Dolo (Restaurant)
3) Guggenheim Museum (modern art, for when you tire of frescos!)
4) Doge’s Palace – a must see
Paris:
Shopping at Les Printemps
London:
1) Champagne cocktail at the Savoy Hotel
2) Tate Modern (museum)
Have fun!
Love the London part of this, since I’ll be heading there next month!!
Paris- Breiz Cafe for crepes and Maison Laduree for pastries!! Oh, and a croque madame isn’t a breakfast sandwich. It’s basically the equivalent of what we Americans call one, but the French would never eat something that heavy for breakfast!! Such snobs…though if I could eat chocolate croissants every day, I probably wouldn’t be eating many sandwiches, either 😉
You absolutely MUST go to the National Gallery in London. It is one of the most amazing museums…and it is FREE! One of the best days I have ever spent travelling was spent at the National Gallery. If you are into museums, the Victoria and Albert in London is really nice as well.
all of the museums in london are free! the british museum is really awesome too (aka, the museum of stolen artifacts). you’ll see the rosetta stone and pieces of the parthenon from athens. def worth the trip!
Wow! You have a great trip planned!
In Venice, make sure that you see the Rialto Bridge & hit up the Rialto Market early in the morning! Also, a good way to see Venice is to take a Vaporetto all over. For some good seafood, go to Trattoria alla Madonna!
When you’re in London, MAKE SURE to order *mushy peas* with fish and chips — they’re like mashed potatoes made out of peas. Sounds gross, tastes amazing — and I don’t even like peas!
Also, if you’re into the markets thing (think amazing local cheeses, specialty foods, desserts, fruits, wine, ANYTHING you can dream of) you should check out the Borrough Market in London. It’s less touristy and in my opinion one of the coolest spots in London that not everyone will check out.
Ahhh! I want to go to Europe. I am drooling looking at all those restaurants.
BTW – that is one of my favorite sandwiches to pack for work lunches!
In Paris, go to Montmartre & up Sacre Coeur – but avoid men who try and put bracelets on your wrists! and for an amazing view of the city that not many people know about, go up to the top floor/roof of Galeries Lafayette (it’s a big department store just next to the Opera), you can see loads! The Marais is fab, as is hot chocolate at Angelina on the Rue de Rivoli – it is literally just melted dark chocolate with a pot of cream, overpriced but SO worth it! Eat LOADS of cheese, speculoos paste and crepes.
And London, definitely go to Covent Garden! shop on Oxford street but prepare for it to be busy – also pop into Carnaby Street which is just down the road for a few quirky little shops, and Hyde Park is lovely. Try cider – mixed fruits or pear – you’ll never know it’s alcohol (potentially dangerous…!) And well done for already having hobnobs on your list.
Oh there’s so much I could suggest! Hope you have a lovely time and really looking forward to hearing about it.
If you can spend more time in Tuscany, do it. Rome is great for history but you’ll hear a lot of American there. Tuscany, particuarly, a walled in city called Montepulciano is just absolutely amazing. I took my now husband there in 2001 and we were blown away. Pure. Authentic. Breath-taking.
Lucerne is VERY pricey, just be ware but if you head up that way you HAVE to stop at Lake Como in Italy (aka home of George Clooney). Another tucked away gorgeous town. Although if it is the high season, it might be highly populated with tourists.
When in Rome (my least favorite of the Italian cities oddly enough) be sure to head to the Spanish Steps (gorgeous photo op) and buy the street vendor roasted chesnuts! Yum!
Ahhhhh Julie, I am LOVING all of the tips you’ve posted, as well as all of the additional comments! When I make it to Europe next I am so coming back to this post for a reference! Thank you!!
You have a million good tips! I will add two more:
Florence — take the bus (either city bus or one of those double-decker touristy deals) up to Fiesole, and plan to spend time up there either having a drink or dinner. You take this amazing, hair-raising trip up through the hills (barely clinging to the side of the hill!), and the view of Florence is SPECTACULAR. You get a great authentic Tuscan feel, so amazing.
Rome — if you go to the Borghese Museum, plan to spend some time in the Borghese Garden (where the museum is located). It is LOVELY to walk around, there is a little zoo, a little train, and lots of things to see. We actually enjoyed our time in the Garden more than the Museum (though both were definitely worthwhile).
Have a great trip!
omg I’m going to almost ALL of the places you are going too from May 18th-June 11th! Will you be in London, Paris, Switzerland Italy during any of those times!? I wrote about it on my blog!! HOW FUN!
Oh Italy is my FAVORITE!
In Rome there is the cutest restaurant near Hotel Julia! It is called Gioia Mia Pisciapiano. The owner is super friendly and will bring you lots of free Grappa 🙂
In Florance see Fra Angelica in Museo di San Marco. The way he paint Angel Gabriel’s wings will bring tears to your eyes.
Also, please try to go to Siena. Breathtaking!
Have FUNNNNN!
Seriously – if you can get to Cinque Terre – it is SO worth the journey. Go to the (only) bar in Riomaggiore and tell the owner Natalie from the states said hi and told you to get a mojito!
I am so excited for you to head to Europe! That is so fun! So many amazing ideas, you are going to have a blast!
I completely agree with the gelato place near the Pantheon in Rome. I didn’t even remember the name of it, but I’ve successfully given directions to it to everyone I know that’s gone there since I was there in 2003. Amazing!
For Venice, I would agree with the people who recommended the Rialto Bridge, the Basillica San Marco, and Murano. And it’s cheesy (and overpriced), but a gondola ride is pretty interesting. 🙂
Also – I would add the Musee d’Orsay to your Paris list. It’s my favorite museum in Paris – yes, it’s much better than the Louvre.
To add to MM’s post about Murano…keep going on the vaporetto to the next stop..Burano…this is the little island with different colored houses that you think of when you think ‘ah, Venice’ Eats on Burano – Da Romano is an amazing restaurant (see Anthony Bordain’s No reservations: Venice)..where they make risotto from a bottom dwelling fish stock by tossing it in the air…the Venetian food here is amazing!
It looks like you have some great things on your list!
I can’t wait to read posts about it.
I spent three months in London and you definitely have some great things covered! The other great thing about Europe, is that even though there is so much great food at every turn, there are so many places that are so conducive to walking about 5 miles a day!
You must be so excited! In London, if you wanted to venture to somewhere very unique for your afternoon tea, I’d recommend Sketch parlour. It’s on Conduit Street off Regent Street (look for a big stone dog scaling the wall). A bit different to the traditional Harrods/Ritz job, it’s grandiose mixed with quirkiness. I like their gold milk jugs. Also if you get thirsty on Brick Lane try the Hookah Lounge for a pot of Persian Tea it’s yummy
cinque terre isnt in rome. It is in the more southern part of italy made up of 5 cities. One of my favorite places to visit but not in rome so dont go searching!
Also, if you like adventures try to go to Interlaken, Switzerland. It is the most fun I have ever had with outdoor sports in Europe. I looooved it. By far my favorite city in Europe.
In Florence a good and fun option is to camp out on the Piazza de Michelangelo hill. Im not sure if your family would be up for it but my bf and I did it and had an absolute blast.
This was perfect timing! I’m going to Rome and Florence in 2.5 weeks. I will definitely be keeping those suggestions in mind
Hi Julie! I recommend the Musee de l’Orangerie in Paris. It has TONS of famous paintings, and it’s not as overwhelming or gigantic as the Louvre. 🙂
When you go to Paris, make sure to visit Montmartre (the highest point of the city) and the Basilica of the Sacré Cœur , and climb to the top of the dome. The view from the top is incredible! The area around is very bohemian to this day, and I think there’s a Picasso Museum. Movies like Amelie and Moulin Rouge were set to represent this area of Paris. You should check it out!
You must must must try the gelato from GROM! There is one in Venice and Florence.
In France the Musee D’Orsay is a must, also a Lemon/Sugar Crepe is amazing!! And if you can or have time you should see Versaille, it’s beyond words beautiful!!!!
suuuch an amazing trip! you’re going to have a blast!
if you have the chance in venice — try to find one of the glass blowing places. they can be hard to find — but the glass they make is GORGEOUS, and you can usually get in on a demonstration — soo cool. and go up the tower in the main square. beautiful views!
So excited for you! I’m actually going to be backpacking Europe this summer…leaving May 22nd to spend 2 whole months in Europe 🙂 Its exciting reading your posts about your trip…makes me more excited for mine as well!
All of these are great recommendations…I’ll add that Montmartre is an amazing place to visit in Paris…it was one of the most memorable parts of my trip!
Watch a Shakespeare play at the Shakespeare’s Globe in London! They do it as authentic as possible to how the plays would be produced in Shakespeare’s days, e.g. hand-sewn costumes using fabrics that was used back in the day, no microphones… The acoustics is amazing there. It only costs about 5-10 pounds to be a “penny stinker”. It’s a bit nerdy but I thought you might like it since you like English 🙂 They only put on plays in Summer, I missed out last time I was there in Jan. Watching Les miserables/Love never dies (sequel to Phantom of the Opera) on West End would be amazing too.
too bad you’re not going to amsterdam / the netherlands! hihi
Great looking lunch. All that fresh produce is just so colorful and pretty! I loved this guide to Europe- makes me miss it so much and also excites me for summer!
In Paris, you also must try a flan- trust me on this! And in London, Walkers shortbread and Dairy Milk chocolate are musts! And Madame Tussauds is always fun to check out- the wax sculptures are remarkable. And also try and go for on a walk (preferably at night as the lights are beautiful) on Embankment: beauty of London! Eeks I’m excited for ya!
Hey Julie!
I JUST got back from Venice last month! Another restaurant you absolutely can not miss out in Venice is Call La Zucca ( meaning the pumpkin in Itlaian). It is right up your alley- the chef counts on whatever produce is fresh that day to inspire the menu, which changes daily. They specialize in vegetarian fare ( I had the pumpkin lasagna- heavenly!) but also have delicious meals for meateaters (Shawn had the osso bucco, and the spiced chicken cous cous- yes it was sooo good we went there twice in 4 days…no judgement please). It was a little difficult to find ( everything in Venice is) but so so worth it.
Also, if you are in Venice long enough, check out some of the smaller islands nearby- Murano is famous for its glass making, and is a less touristy area, and San Giorgio Maggiore is a tiny island featuring a tower you can go up in and get a gorgeous birds-eye-view of the whole island of Venice! Cheeaper then the tower in Piazza San Marco, and a better view.
Also, if you will be in Venice for a few days- check into the Rolling Venice card. It’s a travel card for people under 29, and gets you a huge discount on the transportation card you will need for all the water taxis, plus discounts on museums & the Palace of the Doges, etc.
Sorry that was a mouth- full (eye full?) but I loved Venice so so much. Hope you will too!
That should say restaurant is “called La Zucca” oops!
Also forgot to mention that the gondola ride is totally touristy but worth it- we all loved it. It was about 80 euro (yikes- i know, pricey) but that price is for up to 6 pple and it’s a 45 minute ride past things like Casanova’s house, the Bridge of Sighs, etc. Feel free to stalk my FB album of Venice to see what I mean!
If you’re in paris don’t forget do to a boattrip on the Seine, that way you get a nice impression of the city on the water 🙂
Also don’t forget about the castle of versailles! It has a long waiting period to entry but it’s like you’re catapulted in the middle ages.. so cool!
Being a European, who has lived in the US for a while, there is only one suggestion that came to my mind when I read your post: Take your time to stroll and suck in the feeling of Europe. You want to do so much in so little time, as most Americans when they are on this side of the pond, and I can totally understand, but I would really recommend to take at least an afternoon with nothing planned and just let the history, cobblestone streets and locals be your guide. Have fun in my home. You will love it!
I’m currently living in switzerland (the basel area), and i must say, pilatus is one of the best places we’ve been so far! save room for food when you get to the top- they have some heavenly desserts. I hope you get clear skies when you are at the top- the view is spectacular! one food you forgot- Älpler Magronen. its the swiss version of macaronni- its amazing! don’t miss the gruyere cheese either- its one of the best known swiss varieties. be careful too- if you are in the area on a sunday, then EVERYTHING will be closed. a little inconviencience we learned the hard way ;]
Hi Julie!!! Add Le Sacre Coeur (The Sacred Heart) cathedral to your Paris list! It is beautiful! While you’re there, head to Montmartre and you will see the artists’ corner of Paris. Van Gogh, Monet, Degas all lived there. You can get your portrait made by an artist there today! This is also very close to Moulin Rouge!! Have a great time!
I forgot to mention last time, that when you’re in Florence there is a wine and oil shop that lets you taste anything in there. We bought a ton of flavored olive oils and a bottle of limoncello when we were there and they are fantastic! Here is the website, their address is listed in it! http://www.italianloves.com
Two pieces of advice:
1) Harrods food prices are INSANE! I spent $30 (american dollars) on a Reuben sandwich. It’s a funny memory now, but I wasn’t too happy about it at the time ha.
2) Pick your
wisely in Paris. I went there expecting the food to be incredible, but if you just go into any
off the street, you might be disappointed. Do some research and read the reviews!
Pick your restaurants** wisely! Sorry!
I have never been to Europe but I am so excited for you!!! I cannot wait to see all the amazing photos!!!
I’d definitely add Sacré-Coeur to the list in Paris. Its absolutely amazing and the area where it is, Monmatre, is adorable and fun and very artsy! Definitely worth it!
I second Sacre-Coeur/Montmartre in Paris and would also add Sainte-Chapelle. It has been a while since I went to Paris, but I definitely remember these places as my favorites! Also, you must stuff yourself with as much bread and pastries as humanly possible or you will regret it 🙂
I was just in Florence a few days ago and I actually didn’t LOVE Vivoli. My favorite gelato was from the gelateria Neri. It was actually the cheapest and the most generous with portions too!
For Paris you also must go to Laduree from french macarons. My faves are caramel and pistachio.
Just another note, the croque madame/monsieur aren’t breakfast sandwiches, they’re normally eaten more for lunch. As far as breakfast goes the French pretty much just eat some bread, or a pastry with coffee. It’s tough to find a bigger american style breakfast, though there is a great place called Breakfast in America you could try!
If you have time, you should absolutely go to Les Refuges des Fondue in Paris. My parents went on their honeymoon 35+ years ago. They recommend it to anyone going to Paris, and everyone always loves it, including my boyfriend when he went with his family. The fondue is fantastic, the ambience is quirky, and they serve wine in baby bottles!
I studied abroad in London! Go to Portobello Market in Notting Hill, amazing jewelry, great food. Go on saturdays! Oxford Circus is amazing for shopping especially for shoes. Love Topshop! Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Kensington High Street is good for shopping. See a play in Piccadilly Circus. Covent Garden has excellent bars and clubs. Ben’s cookies is great, too! Tate Modern, Victoria and Albert Museum, and The British Museum.
Florence is basically the best place in the world. Leather coat for 120 euros with a lifetime warranty? Would never find that here! Although I did live in Rome for 5 weeks and it’s also amazing, Florence just has a place in my heart. And the olive oil in Italy is to die for
Hi, I just discovered your blog a month ago and absolutely love it! Anyway I thought as there are over 140 comments it won’t hurt to add one more 😉
I spend half my life in London and although I am no Londoner (until september that is!) there are a few things that I love about it. If you are staying anywhere near hyde park an early morning run in the park is the next best thing to heaven. I usually do the 6 mile loop around lake serpentine and then sit and people watch/swan watch as I catch my breathe…very beautiful and peaceful! I have to agree on the borough market front…last time i was there there was a stall selling the most AMAZING balsamic sauces!! Not mentioned yet is Kings road. Its a lot less crowded than oxford circus and there are some cool shops but the best part is the little off the road old bookshops I discovered on an aimless wonder….you’re bound to find a few gems in such quaint little shops! anyway hope you have an amazing trip!!!!