Here we go. A culinary adventure spanning three countries. We are looking forward to unpasteurized cheese, organ meats, free-flowing wine, and artisinal bread. Not to mention all the ideas I can rip to use at Motor.
We left the house in a bit of a rush, between our own preparations and making sure everything was in order for our house-sitter. We got on the road and Melissa promptly started in on how hungry she was. That only made me hungry. By the time we got to the airport in Charlotte we were famished and cranky.
So, Columbia, here it goes: the first meal of our vacation. Up for your consideration: tacos from the airport chain Tequileria. Oh, and don't forget the bland cheese dip. I can't really say anything about it other than that.
We flew Aer Lingus to France. (Yes, it really is spelled "aer." Crazy Irish!) The plane (and flight attendants) were upholstered in a bright kelly green. The flight captain's name was Patty O'Rourke. We loved it. Our only in-flight disappointment was discovering that we were not to be served haggis and colcannon for dinner. (Dinner was an unassuming pot roast with peas and carrots).
Why do airlines and airports have such lackluster food? I believe it's because they have what is essentially a captive clientele with no options. Fortunately our spirits were buoyed in Dublin. The airport featured a United Kingdom chain called Soho Coffee Company (www.sohocoffeeco.uk). We were totally flummoxed by all the choices available: fresh-squeezed juices, sandwiches on artisan bread, just-baked muffins, and freshly-fried ham. A total departure from what we usually find when we travel.
Long story short: we're here. Sans luggage. So, we're going out to find new French duds and a bar. We hope they have French fries. Oops, sorry. Pommes frites.
