European Lunch Inspired by Anthony Bourdain

Bonjour & Buon Giorno, everyone! It has been quite a long time since my last post. I have been working a ridiculous amount of nights and weekends. I did, however, take some time out of my busy schedule to go to a little show that many foodies will be jealous of! I took my mother to see Anthony Bourdain and Eric Ripert at the Merriam Theater.

First of all, let me explain my obsession with Anthony Bourdain. I have been watching his show No Reservations since it started. He loves food of all types and appreciates every morsel of food he is offered. I find him so admirable because he tells it like it is. 

Eric Ripert is the amazing chef of Le Bernadin in New York and 10 Arts Restaurant in Philadelphia. He also has many shows on television and is a great friend of Anthony Bourdain. Eric loves all things Italian even though he is a classically trained French chef. Much of his show Avec Eric is filmed in Italy where he learns about local, organic foods. 

The main reason why I love both of them so much is because they are real human beings who want real food. They do not have affiliations with any companies who sponsor them. They do not hawk any cooking tools, spices, or tomato sauce. They love food and everything about it. 

During their show they spoke of several topics current in the food industry today.

Local – Its easy!  Buy foods from your local farmers market!  (There is a Newtown Square Farmers Market in Edgemont on Thursdays). The concept is, the closer the foods are to you the better they are for you. Farm-to-table is the best means of retrieiving your food. Nutrients in foods deplete during transportation. The longer it takes for the food to get to you, the less nutritious. Additionally, it is always wonderful to support the mushroom farms in our backyards.

Organic – Again, easy. Growing with chemicals are not good for your body or your children's bodies.

Simplicity – The most indulgent foods are the basics.  Europeans typically do not have a cheeseburger and fries for lunch. Fresh baked bread, some aged cheese and fruit could satisfy you more than you think.

All in all, it was a great night.  Being in the front row about 5 feet from both of them, I heard every word and did not stop laughing the whole time. Both my mother and I could not agree more with them on every topic. One of the most hilarious stories of the night was Anthony Bourdain reminding Eric Ripert that he served The Situation of Jersey Shore fame at his $190 a plate restaurant. The whole theater was roaringwith laughter.

This experience inspired me to make a quick European lunch this weekend for my husband and myself. I encourage you to try it, it will not disappoint.

It included: Fresh bread from , fresh cut Parma proscuitto and a wedge of Grana Padano artisinal cheese from , and local apples from the Havertown Farmers Market my mother picked up for me. Lastly a glass of Wickerton Red from Kreutz Creek Winery in Chadds Ford.

Sante! And Cin Cin!