european breakfasts: a love letter
Though it’s only been a few months since our #LTeuropa adventure, I’m already itching to make my return to Europe. MOSTLY to see the romantic and satiate my never-ending wanderlust, but also because I kind of miss European breakfasts.
…And by kind of, I mean fiercely.
I know, I know! I’m a New Yorker– home of the best bagels in all the land! Bagels will always have a special place in my heart (and belly), but I can’t kick my obsession with European breakfasts. And who could blame me?
The coffee.
I’ve always been a coffee drinker, but I became a coffee addict during my semester abroad in Paris. Too afraid to ask my non-English speaking host for milk or sugar, I started drinking my coffee black. Now, I drink three or four cups of black coffee a day, and almost always on the run. There’s just something about leisurely sipping on a freshly brewed coffee in a European Cafe.
And I’m not alone. Even the romantic, who’s not an habitual coffee drinker, can’t keep herself from indulging in European coffee. During our delicious breakfast at Cotto Crudo, courtesy of our hosts at the Four Seasons Prague, the romantic paired her bagel and lox with a perfectly prepared latte.
The simplicity.
When it comes to breakfast in Europe, there’s rarely an option for double bacon, egg-white only, or avocado-topped. You’re more likely to find plates with two or three amazingly fresh and perfectly prepared components. Give me a simple omelette or soft-boiled egg accompanied by freshly baked bread, and I’m golden.
We were invited to Gresham Restaurant at the Four Seasons in Budapest, and though it was anything but small, everything they offered was supremely fresh and simply prepared. Countless breads and baked goods straight from the oven were accompanied by jams, jellies, and honey. A variety of fresh fruit lined the bar, simply sliced and beautifully arranged. The romantic and I had to use all the willpower we could muster to not load our plates with every option that the buffet offered.
The cheese. Oh, the cheese.
If I had to choose one meal to subsist off of every day for the rest of my life, it would be bread and cheese. I wouldn’t even be picky about the type of cheese. That’s how much I love eating cheese morning, noon, and night. In the US, eating JUST cheese for breakfast (outside of the cream cheese variety or mixed in with an egg) might earn you a few judgey stares. In Europe? Not only is it commonplace, its encouraged.
The pain au chocolat
Ok, so not all European countries do the pain au chocolat justice. But, if I’m going to enjoy one outside of France, I’d rather do it in Europe than anywhere else. Fair? Fair.
Even European cities not especially known for their pain au chocolat don’t disappoint. The pain au chocolat I devoured at the Radisson Blu Carlton, who hosted us in Bratislava, was everything I wanted and more: flaky, buttery, and golden brown.
If only to enjoy one perfectly prepared French espresso, the chances of me purchasing a one-way ticket to Paris increases significantly with each day that passes. I maaay have even started looking for flights.
Look out, Europe. I’m coming for your cheese.
xo!
the wino
Lazy Travelers
The Lazy Travelers are two transatlantic best friends who have mastered the art of exploring a new city. Though Ashley is based in London and Carolyn is in Philadelphia, we'll use any excuse to reunite around the world. We’re professional bar hoppers, pub crawlers, and food testers, and you’ll never see us zipping around, checking things off a list of “must-sees.”
15 Comments
Britany
Omg… The coffee. As a former barista, I used to defend the coffee here in the USA (and I CAN make a damn good Rosetta topped latte) but Europe most definitely has beat on the bean front. I love how drip coffee is utterly absurd over there. Now that I’ve been to Europe, I drink more espresso but it still rarely competes to what I had across the pond!
Britany recently posted..Suffering Through San Pedro Cactus in Peru
Lazy Travelers
new york serves a pretty good coffee, but nothing can compete with europe. the first thing i did when we landed in switzerland last december was buy a coffee. le sigh…
Pola (@jettingaround)
I’m lucky that Chicago, where I live, has some great indy coffee shops (plus Austria’s Julius Meinl). But I got hooked on coffee in Rome and Paris. I was absolutely, happily, defenseless. 😀
Pola (@jettingaround) recently posted..Photo of the Week: Krakow’s Main Square in the afternoon
Raul (@ilivetotravel)
That picture of the pain au chocolat is KILLER. I used to one a day when I lived in Paris – and I lost weight! My other favorite breakfast in Paris was getting a cafe au lait and bread which was really butter with bread. Loved it!
Pola (@jettingaround)
YES!!! Europe knows how to do breakfast. “Nuff said.
Pola (@jettingaround) recently posted..Photo of the Week: Krakow’s Main Square in the afternoon
lola
mmmmm i love me some breakfast and what’s funny is i almost never eat it when i’m at home. i agree, the cheese course is the best…why don’t we do that in the USA?? why???
lola recently posted..Staying Laid-back Chic at Bahia Hotel, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Mary Anne
I think it’ time for a coffee centric trip.
Traveling Ted
I am a big fan of breakfast. Can’t beat coffee and eggs. I remember enjoying breakfast in France. Fresh bread and tasty jams with great coffee hit the spot.
Traveling Ted recently posted..Hiking the Panorama Nature Trail in the Guyana Rupunini
Erin at The World Wanderer
omg…yes, yes, yes. I couldn’t agree more with you, and now I’m getting excited because, after three years without Europe, I’m finally heading back this year. Breakfast there seriously is the best. The coffee! The cheese! Ahh, you’re getting me so excited!
Erin at The World Wanderer recently posted..Thai Green Curry.
Leah
The coffee you and I agree on. The actual food? Not so much. I do love all the cheeses, breads, jams, butter, etc. BUT, I’m always hungry like one hour later and I have to fill up my gullet once again.
Leah recently posted..10 Things to Know before Visiting Texas
Lazy Travelers
it sounds like you need to be filling up on more bread and cheese and then you won’t be hungry an hour later. problem solved! xo, the wino
Lance | Trips By Lance
Only thing I’d add is English breakfast. I love fresh tomatoes and mushrooms, beans on toast, toast with HP sauce. As a Southerner, I’m not a fan of the huge country breakfasts we eat down here. Makes me feel sick. But those cheeses, yeah, I could do that.
Lance | Trips By Lance recently posted..Balloon Fiesta Inspiration
Veronica
Wow! Thank you for this post! I’m addicted to coffee and everything connected with it! Your idea of this post about breakfast in different countries is very interesting!
Veronica recently posted..Must-Visit Music Festivals in Australia
Sally
Hahaha this is definitely one of the reasons I vacationed in Berlin this past summer… I live in Korea and goshhhh do I miss cheese. So. Much.
European breakfasts are simply, the best. Period.
Sally recently posted..Snapshots of Istanbul
Zuzana
I am not a exactly an espresso drinker, but there is nothing better than to enjoy a cappucino with The pain au chocolat on our hotel terrace in the middle of old town. Starting a work day like this is perfect. Cool to be from Bratislava. Anyway, great post, you made me realize what we have. Thanks…and you are welcome, comming back anytime 🙂 Europe is great…