Croissants, Gelato, & Pizza: WIAW Italy
Two What I Ate Wednesday‘s have come and two What I Ate Wednesday‘s have gone with no updates on what I’ve been eating.
I’m sure some of you are thinking, “I don’t care what you ate on Wednesday, Whitney.”
But if you’re a weird, food pervert like myself and you get your kicks off culinary voyeurism, then you’ve probably been devastated by the lack of WIAW posts!
I apologize. Part of the slacking on regular programming comes from the lack of time I had trying to traverse six cities in fourteen days. The other part comes from a cowardice to admit what I had been shoving down my thoat.
It’s time to come clean.
I spent most of my vacation subsisting off of croissants, full-fat cappuccinos, gelato, giant bowls of pasta, and of course, and un-godly amount of pizza. No, not whole-wheat and almond cheese pizza, greasy gooey Napolitano style pizza.
Here’s a quick look at the highlights:
Bolognese
Ravioli
Macaroons
More gelato
Spritz’
And more gelato. Are you noticing a trend?
OK, so obviously you’re supposed to enjoy yourself on vacation and I shouldn’t be that hard on myself. But half-way through the trip, I started feeling like crap.
You can’t possibly expect to live off refined flour, sugar, and copious amounts of wine for a week when your body is used to being fueled by healthy food.
So starting the second week, I made a slight effort to improve what I was putting in my body. This may seem impossible in Italy, but I actually found some surprisingly diet-friendly options.
First off, did you know there is such a thing as whole-wheat croissants?!
My mind was blown.
I have been obsessed with croissants since I was little and have basically sworn them off in recent years since I know they’re only a glamourous version of donuts.
However, I found that several of the cafes we frequented carried “integral croissants,” aka whole-grain. I was so excited that I went back to one spot three times in a row in a half hour period to stock up on their delicious whole-wheat goodies.
The BF was not too happy as I kept changing my mind each time we left, and were already two blocks away, saying, “Well, maybe we should go back just one more time to get the whole-wheat eggplant panini.”
Another saving grace on the trip: seafood.
You’re probably like, “Duh.”
But, as I discussed in my Sneaky Ways Restaurants Fatten You Up series, seafood isn’t always healthy. I ate plenty of fishy dishes there that were doused in butter and cream sauce to know that.
However, when you replace a layer of cheese and sausage on your pizza with a layer of fresh, grilled seafood, you’re saving your body a boatload of calories and fat.
Pizza ai frutti di mare quickly became my favorite dish. I plan to make it with a whole-wheat crust soon, so keep an eye out.
Another trick I learned is instead of ordering a cappuccino like a tourist, order your coffee Italian style and get a macchiato.
It’s just a shot of espresso with a tiny bit of milk. That way you save about a half a cup of full-fat milk.
It’s what all the cool, young locals were drinking :)
At the end of our trip we landed in Paris, where we encountered similar dietary difficulties. The only difference: gelato was replaced with macaroons.
OMG. It had to be done.
While there was plenty of fatty escargot and foie gras to consume there, one light and delicious dish I discovered was the crepe.
I’d had them for dessert before (drenched in powdered sugar and chocolate) but never as a main dish. It turns out they use buckwheat (score) and they can be filled with healthy ingredients like eggs and veggies.
Despite the ups and downs of the diet, we found some amazing restaurants along the way that catered to our picky eating habits, and I’d love to give them a shout-out here. If you’re ever headed this way, don’t miss these spots!
Mercato, Rome.
Located in the adorable Piazza Campo de Fiori, this is an excellent spot for aperitifs, people watching, and seafood pizza.
They also have a great little farmer’s market in the piazza every morning where you can buy fresh fruit.
Il Ritrovo, Positano.
A romantic, authentic Italian restaurant, perched over the gorgeous Amalfi Coast. Get their tasting menu (but share it, it’s big). You won’t be disappointed.
Chez Black, Positano.
A lively, beachside restaurant, perfect for a pre-dinner apertivi. The owner also owns the popular nightlife spot, Music on the Rocks, if you’re looking for late-night action. His son GianFranco, who was super friendly and accommodating to us, is an actor here in L.A. Small world.
Vecchio Forno, Florence.
The insanely, amazing bakery with the whole-wheat croissants.
I want to live in there.
The Oil Shoppe, Florence.
A bustling sandwich shop frequented by all the college students studying abroad.
Creative and scrumptious sandwiches…
…with whole-wheat bread.
Chez Toinette, Paris.
Ranked 26 out of over 10,000 reviews on TripAdvisor this intimate eatery was a delight for a non-speaking tourist. Not only was the food fantastic but the service was impeccable (something not so common on our visit to Paris).
Try the duck and scallops. Not that healthy, but worth every bite.
Les Editeurs, Paris.
Hip little lunch spot designed like a library with fantastic salads. Service here was spot-on too.
For more WIAW posts from other fabulous food bloggers, head over to Peas and Crayons >>
Amy's Vintage Closet (@ablackie) says:
Oh my WORD! I am soooooo jealous. I literally got goosebumps. I guess that means I am just as obsessed with good cuisine as you. Way to let loose and enjoy it! You deserve it girl!!! :) That pasta though…and the macaroons. Ahhhhhh mazing!!! I woulda been screwed!!!! <3
Whitney English says:
Glad you enjoyed the pics! Just writing this made me want to be back in Italy with a croissant in my mouth, haha!
I hear your pizza is pretty fantastic so I’ll have to check that out the next time I’m in Scottsdale :)
Shel@PeachyPalate says:
Gorgeous eats and beautiful pics!!! You really can’t do Italy without partaking in a whole load of gelato :)
Whitney English says:
No you can’t! I sometimes got it twice a day…don’t tell!
kate marrin says:
Aside from cursing Italy for introducing Nutella into my life, it is the most romantic place on earth. I think I fell in love with myself there. And the food? The food.. I’m glad you experienced and ate it all! When in Rome right?
Whitney English says:
Right! When in Rome was the mantra for the trip even after we left. We’d just sub in a new city, haha. “When in Florence” or “When in Paris!”
GiGi Eats Celebrities says:
Well if I wasn’t hungry before…. I AM NOW!!!!!! Gahh! Those seafood dishes are SPEAKING to me! ;)
Whitney English says:
I knew they would be Gigi-approved :)
caren says:
awesome pics! Your trip to Italy looked a lot like mine, only I tended to be holding a glass of wine in pretty much every shot. :)
Great to find fellow LA bloggers!
Whitney English says:
Nice to e-meet you! Love meeting other LA bloggers as well. Let me know if you’d like to grab lunch sometime!
As for the wine…it’s hidden out of frame, haha!
Kammie @ Sensual Appeal says:
Oh my gosh, I die. There is too much goodness going on here! o.O
I am soo jealous of your vacay, it looks like such a great and delicious time!
Whitney English says:
Thanks Kammie! I just checked out your blog and you have some delicious looking pics as well. Nice to meet a fellow froyo addict!
Jessie says:
Oh my gosh! I’m drooling… this all looks so, so amazing!
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Whitney English says:
Thanks Jessie! You blog is super cute btw :)
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lee says:
Saving for travel has always been a part of my list. I’ll be going to Rotterdam next month and part of the itineraries is to visit Paris. Your post made more excited to explore the place.