Southwest of France

[Thomas]

WOW I shall have to send you to Bucko's corner. Have you ever tasted fresh Mediterranean sardines? They ain't oily or salty or "canny," cause they ain't from a can, and they are BIGGER than the canned ones. And they make a great flavorful dish with pasta, or topped with a tomato-based sauce without pasta.

As for you Bucko, I always thought physicians lose their taste buds staying up all night cramming during residency--you have confirmed my suspicions...

On a serious note: have you ever been to Italy and tasted the real Italian food? In the U.S. it is rare to taste the real thing, for want of fresh ingredients, and for want of skill.

As for France: I thought they had given up on butter and on rich meat dishes. It's fine once or twice a week, but to dine on heavy food every night simply makes me feel bad, if not heavy. And why don't they eat soup anymore? Can't find a bowl of it in this part of France. Next week we will get to Paris for a few days before returning. Might find some soup there--pleeeeezzz!

Tonight I am cooking a rabbit stew, and a light one at that. My wife is presently making a stock so we can get some soup.



[This message has been edited by foodie (edited 10-21-2003).]