It’s not often that a dish leaves me speechless, but while abroad, I was too stunned to speak. This past summer, I had the fantastic opportunity to study in Europe. Not only did I gain unique work experience, but what touched my taste buds was a whole different experience. As someone who believes food is one of the best ways to experience culture, diving into the flavors on each plate made my days spectacular. Here is a preview of my favorite spots throughout Portugal, Barcelona, Morocco, and Paris.
I started in Lisbon, Portugal, my home base for nine weeks. Going into this summer, the excitement I had to soak up the city life was overjoyed. Portugal’s coastal location means abundant food, and I had no idea what I was getting into. Reviews rave about Lisbon’s affordable lifestyle and unique takes on traditional dishes. My favorite spot, and somewhere I visited quite often, was called Sr. Lisboa. This spot was hidden in the city’s back streets with the same five workers every time. We would always start with the housemade bread and brown sugar butter that would leave the basket within minutes. It may sound mean, but the braised piglet with asparagus that was prepped ten hours prior was a must-have every time. Dishes on dishes I could never try their dessert menu because we were stuffed. Calling this place home is something I will never forget, and I am counting down the days I will visit Sr. Lisboa next.
After two weeks in Lisbon, my friends and I decided to take a weekend trip to Barcelona. Critics praise Barcelona’s incredible views and vibrant nightlife, and while those are all true, the food is one step ahead. The city on the beach bursts with vibrant flavors and endless tapas. Jai-Ca, located in the streets of Barceloneta, fulfills it all. A local favorite, and mine, famous for its seafood tapas, is filled with a lively atmosphere and flavorful small plates. Calamari, patatas bravas, and fresh anchovies pair perfectly with the house wine. I imagine my daily life if this restaurant were just down the street from me in Eugene. Jai-Ca is a perfect way to finish or start a warm Spanish day.
Marrakesh, Morocco, where the city legitimately never sleeps. Celebrating a good friend’s birthday, we flew down to Marrakesh for an authentic North African Experience. Moroccan food is known for its fragrant spices, colorful dishes collaborating in slow-cooked tagines, and fresh salads. The woman—or as we call her “grandma”—who took care of us during the weekend left no crumbs on her cooking. Waking up every morning, breakfast was ready at the table, and coming back from camel riding in the afternoon, lunch was served. Homemade meatballs, fresh-out-of-the-oven bread, and Moroccan mint tea delighted my daily appetite. Eating at home allowed me to appreciate the hospitality deeply ingrained in Moroccan Culture. My camera roll will never do the justice that I experienced in Morocco.
Oui Oui we are Paris! Wow, Paris, France, was a breathtaking experience. To this day, it’s hard to believe I experienced this. After a week of catching an illness in Lisbon, I was ready to get my travel back on. Getting to experience and watch various Olympic events this summer was something I never saw for myself, but that’s a blog for another time. The show’s star, Le Relais de I’Entrecote, is a legendary restaurant known for its simplicity and style. Here, they serve just one dish: steak frites. But this one dish will change your life. After waiting in a line wrapped around the block, you are immediately sat because they don’t take reservations. After telling the waitress how you want your steak cooked, fresh bread and salad are brought to the table. When the main course comes, you can smell it from every direction of the establishment. Medium-rare steak, topped with a rich herby sauce, and crispy golden fries melt in your mouth. Phones usually eat first, but there was no time to waste here. Bring an appetite! Because refills are suggested and free.
This summer was more than gaining a unique work experience and eating well; it was a way to connect with the culture and places I visited. I can’t wait to share these tastes and memories throughout my life while making more.
Luisa LoFranco 
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