FOODIE IN FLIP FLOPS

Gietthoorn, Netherlands is an idyllic, charming canal community. It has become more popular over the years as a day trip from Amsterdam. It is really important to visit before 10 in the morning or after 4 in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.   The canals wind throughout the village and boats are definitely the main mode of transport. You can rent your own boat, no license required or they have bigger boats with tour guides. The canals have rules and signage just like roads. On the right you can see the sign signalling that canal is one way only.  There are no roads for cars, making it easy to understand how it has earned its nickname "Venice of the North". Even mail is delivered by boat! Since boating and walking are the only modes of transport, boat parking is a commodity. It was common to look down side canals and see many boats wedged in.  We opted for a bigger boat with a tour guide so we could learn more about this...

This is the completely walled village of Guérande in southern Brittany.  It is completely enclosed, with this being one of the impressive medieval gates leading into the old town. Inside, the streets are lined with alluring artisanal snack shops. This is bonbon heaven! Maison Georges Larnicol is famous for their la Kouignette, which with he won the prestigious MOF designation. This is a mini Kouign Amann, the smaller version of the delectable buttery and flaky pastry from Brittany.  Georges Larnicol is also famous for his caramels. They taste better than your average caramel due to  Brittany's cows which are famous around for their special butter.  More gooey goodness!! Another reason the caramel tastes so good is because it uses Guérande’s world renowned Fleur de Sel, which leads to the real reason we came to this part of Brittany. I have been using Guérande Fleur de Sel for quite some time ...

This is an oyster farm in Cancale which is situated in Mont Saint Michel bay on the Emerald Coast in Brittany. The most common oyster found here is the Creuse. The fast changing tides and fresh water supply create a perfect environment for oysters. They need brackish water for nutrients, oxygen, and the tides make them accessible for cultivation and harvest. There is a little market of about 5 stalls selling fresh, very reasonably priced, oysters. After making your selection you can enjoy them on the seawall overlooking the farm or take them home with you. The seawall has hundreds of places to sit, but can fill up quickly, which is also true with the parking situation. So arrive early! If you do decide to take oysters home with you, they can last up to two weeks. The key to their freshness is the strong muscle that locks the shell shut thereby trapping water inside. Ever see sellers tapping shells together? They are ensuring the oysters are holding water! About...