I almost didn’t do a post today. Gasp.
At eight o’clock last night I hadn’t edited, much less chosen, a single picture for this. I was tired, it was my first day back at work in over a week, and my body is on Brussels time (fast forward six hours, making it 2 a.m.). I also went for a nice long run at the gym yesterday, and yes I believe anything over three miles is long when you’re not a runner. Scoff all you want, but I’m über proud of myself. Despite exhaustion, my ego is doing just fine. ♫ “[S]he’s going the distance. [S]he’s going for speed.” ♫
Then I thought long and hard (snort) about it, and decided what kind of food blogger would I be if I didn’t share my vacation eats. Hell, I went to Brussels and Amsterdam; it’s not like I went camping for a week, which wouldn’t be a bad thing necessarily….ok, it totally would. I don’t do camping and haven’t since the days of my youth, where my parents made all major vacation decisions for me (“It was great guys really. I have fond memories of Corey sliding down the side of a mountain into a bee’s nest and playing Ouija board in the dead of night. Good times.”)
Back to the food and the reason I finally got my act together (at least enough to do a post today because we all know my act will never fully be together, and I’m good with it). I ate phenomenally and fantastically well in Belgium and Amsterdam last week, so it would be an absolute travesty not to share. You might have seen a tidbit here and there, but now I’m going to reveal all the meals you haven’t seen. Dun, dun, dun.
Before I jump right into the pictures, I need to say a word (really several words because why limit yourself?) about what we’re all doing here today, and by that I mean our What I Ate Wednesday parties. None of it would be possible if it weren’t for Ms. Jenn, the woman, the myth, the legend behind Peas and Crayons. Not only does she routinely, untiringly and sometimes thanklessly host our gatherings, she’s a badass cook, with a little crafty throw in for good measure. Did I mention, she’s also a fan of bananas? Be still my heart.
BREAKFASTS
LUNCHES
#publicbanana wouldn’t be possible without these babies. Oh how I love them.
DINNERS
DESSERT
There you have it; my vacation eats.
Was it as good for you as it was for me? I sure hope so, and if you aren’t sick of seeing photos from Brussels yet, I still have my farmers market pictures to share. For some odd reason (or perhaps not so odd depending on your take on farmers markets), I edited those days ago, so they are ready and raring to go. I guess we know where my heart lies, aside from with the Hubby…and my cats…and my nephew.
What would have been your favorite meal from all of the above and why? Can you handle one more post of pictures? I hope so because they’re coming whether you want them or not.
Fran@BCDC says
May 29, 2013 at 7:28 AMCongrats on the run, Meghan! From a non-runner, I certainly understand. I can walk a good distance but run? Oh, No!! I think I gained a few pounds just Looking at this food! Have a great day!!
Meghan says
June 2, 2013 at 9:08 AMShockingly (or maybe because all the walking and running), I didn’t gain any weight on this trip. I also think it’s because they have different food rules and regulations, so there’s less weird crap in the food. I loved it.
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says
May 29, 2013 at 7:37 AMI think my favorite thing about this post is that the #publicbanana hash tag made it in there 😉
Meghan says
June 2, 2013 at 9:09 AMI am making it my mission to #publicbanana everywhere.
Jessie says
May 29, 2013 at 7:48 AMTheres no doubt that you wouldn’t of had to roll me onto the plane after consuming all that deliciousness!
Meghan says
June 2, 2013 at 9:09 AMAll good things in moderation, even moderation. I loved every sip and bite of that deliciousness.
Abby says
May 29, 2013 at 7:59 AMEven though I might not eat a majority of the (non-vegan) things that you pictured, I could SO get into another photo post. The colors and shots are so bright and colorful that it’s almost art! Looks like a fun trip and I look forward to hearing (and seeing) more 🙂
Meghan says
June 2, 2013 at 9:10 AMThanks Abby. I had a great time, and I’m glad you enjoyed the pictures. It took me forever to edit them all.
Alex @ Brain, Body, Becuase says
May 29, 2013 at 8:27 AMOH MY GOSH this is crazy! I need to go to Europe ASAP.
That little egg-on-toast-on-salad thing that you had for lunch looks AMAZING and maybe possible to recreate/mimic a little? mhm!
Meghan says
June 2, 2013 at 9:11 AMYou do need to go to Europe. It was incredible and I would love to see your recreation. I actually gave the piece of bread to the Hubby after scraping off the top and eating everything underneath.
Khushboo says
May 29, 2013 at 8:35 AMKeep the food posts coming…I might be jealous but they are a feast for my eyes- YUM! Everything looks amazing but my ever-so-prominent sweet tooth is especially drawn to the pastry breakfasts and waffle desserts….must.get.sugar.now!! Honestly though, so much exploring a new culture happens through food and am so glad you totally embraced it 🙂
Meghan says
June 2, 2013 at 9:13 AMI’m glad you like all the pictures, and I’m with you. My sweet tooth loved the croissants and pasties. As far as the waffles go, I actually got a plain one and with sugar crystals baked inside, it was sweet enough as is.
I agree with you about the food and culture, and I think you have to embrace it. When in Rome….or really Brussels.
kirsten@FarmFreshFeasts says
May 29, 2013 at 9:16 AMyou’re not going to believe this, but my favorite photo is the milky coffee drink in the clear glass. My Danish sister in law serves tea in glasses like that, and I love it.
Meghan says
June 2, 2013 at 9:13 AMMy brother-in-law made me that coffee. I had a couple of those while I was there, and it was delicious.
Olivia @ Liv Lives Life says
May 29, 2013 at 9:35 AMI love reading your blog – you always make me laugh! Even though I’d consider myself a runner, anything over three miles is *definitely* a long run. And I’m so not a fan of camping, either. I love the idea of it but when I actually get out there in the dirt and bugs and whatnot, ew.
I am totally drooling over all of those pictures. Wow. Just wow. Please keep the trip pictures coming!
Meghan says
June 2, 2013 at 9:14 AMI’m thrilled to hear I make you laugh. That’s actually my mission half the time. You made my day.
Sonja @ The {Happy} Travel Bug says
May 29, 2013 at 11:01 AMHoly Moly! I am super jealous right now! Especially for those waffles!
Meghan says
June 2, 2013 at 9:15 AMThe waffles were off the chain, and I actually just got a plain one, and it was phenomenal. It didn’t need all the crazy toppings.
Giselle@myhealthyhappyhome says
May 29, 2013 at 11:13 AMOh my goodness everything looks so delicious I don’t know if I could choose just one thing as a favorite! I’m a big fan of tomatoes, basil and mozz cheese though so that dish would be the win for me! I love traveling and trying new foods. Especially when in foreign countries! How fun!
Meghan says
June 2, 2013 at 9:15 AMI love Caprese salads this time of year. I can’t wait to start getting tomatoes in my CSA so I can make more of them.
Sarah Pie says
May 29, 2013 at 11:32 AMYou forgot banana’s on your list of loves 🙂 Where to start… I want that omelet, I want just about all the lunches (especially that caprese salad!) And if I was able to eat them I would eat ALL the waffles!!
I’m enjoying all the glimpses into your vacation and cannot wait to see the farmers market pictures (mostly because I know they are going to be gorgeous) 😉
Happy Wednesday!
Meghan says
June 2, 2013 at 9:16 AMYou are totally right. How could I skip bananas like that.
I hope you’re having a great weekend.
Alex (Veggin' Out in the Kitchen) says
May 29, 2013 at 11:51 AMOh my goodness, I can’t get over how amazing everything looks! Seriously, I want a bite of everything. I especially love the looks of that veggie tart (not too sure if that’s what it is, but the first dinner picture!). I had a vegetable tart in Iceland, and it was one of the best thing’s I’ve ever had.
Meghan says
June 2, 2013 at 9:17 AMIt was a vegetable quiche and it was smooth and silky, like butter. In fact, it probably had a lot of butter in it.
You were in Iceland? Now, that has to be a really interesting place to visit.
K @ Finding a skinnier me says
May 29, 2013 at 12:05 PMI could just lick your pictures they look so good!! Hey I’m a newbie runner still walk/running so 3 miles ROCKS!!!!!!
Meghan says
June 2, 2013 at 9:17 AMI think so too. I’m going to shoot for four today so wish me luck.
When did you start running?
caren says
May 29, 2013 at 12:13 PMomg, of all the gorgeous things you posted, all I want to do is go face first into that glass of coffee… looks soooo yummy!
Meghan says
June 2, 2013 at 9:18 AMI don’t blame you. The coffee was pretty incredible, especially when you dipped some chocolate in them….mmmm.
Caitlyn @ City and the Cubicle says
May 29, 2013 at 1:50 PMOH SWEET LORD that first breakfast pic and those desserts. yummmmmmm
Meghan says
June 2, 2013 at 9:24 AMThanks; it was all fantastic.
Jess @ JessieBear What Will You Wear says
May 29, 2013 at 3:50 PMI… I’m not even sure what to rant about first! Jaysus those are some good eats. I want to dive headfirst into that pile of sweets in the first pic.
Meghan says
June 2, 2013 at 9:24 AMI kinda did dive head first into it. I’m sure you understand.
Sara says
May 29, 2013 at 4:12 PMwhat is it about breakfast from Europe that is so beautiful? Is it the proportions (a little bit of everything)? YUM
Meghan says
June 2, 2013 at 9:25 AMIt really is the proportions and also the sketch free ingredients in the food. I seriously loved their take on both.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
May 29, 2013 at 4:42 PMI want it all. Especially the 2nd lunch pic.
LOVE travel pics – keep them coming!!
Meghan says
June 2, 2013 at 9:26 AMI want it all….AGAIN…too.
Allie says
May 29, 2013 at 5:06 PMWell, the bananas would clearly be my favorite meal option…if every single breakfast and lunch posted above didn’t also exist. Particularly the breakfasts. Because they are the most important (and consistently tastiest) meal of the day. Even when not eaten at breakfast time. Croissants! I haven’t had a real one in ages, just ones that keep disappointing me with their not-quite-European-ness. And bring on more pictures! I am full of glee (yup, glee) over the fact that you did, indeed, post these today, because now I can spend the rest of my afternoon at work dreaming of European culinary delights.
Meghan says
June 2, 2013 at 9:27 AMBreakfast at any time, other than breakfast, is the bomb.
These croissants were amazing, light and buttery. I swoon.
Allie says
June 3, 2013 at 5:54 PMOh, you taunt me with your croissants! (That’s what she said?) Light AND buttery is something the ol’ US just can’t achieve in it’s croissants. You get heavy greasy or fluffy bland white flour. Neither is the real thing!
Eating 4 Balance says
May 29, 2013 at 9:06 PMSo I’ve decided that instead of talking about all of the pictures that you post, which I tend to do (and ramble on about as well), I’m just going to pick my favorite meal from each! Well… I’ll try at least 😀
Breakfast: Oh my! to those pastries in the first picture. I bet they were fresh from a bakery too.
Lunch: Loving the spotted bananas. Perfect snack for wherever you go! Oh, and I’m going to cheat and say that I also think that plate with the bread (bagel?) and oranges looks scrumptious.
Dinner: What is that green dip/topping for the toast? Is it some time of avocado or spinach concoction? Well, it looks smooth and creamy, whatever it is.
Dessert: Thankfully you only included one picture for this, so it wasn’t that hard 😉 I’m guessing you had to pick from the selection of waffles, but I honestly don’t know how you would have chosen. Must have been hard!
I can take another post of pictures definitely!!!
Meghan says
June 3, 2013 at 3:55 PMRambling or not, I like your comments. The plate with the oranges also has focaccia bread, tapenade and a mini caprese salad.
The green dip was the creamiest guacamole I’ve ever eaten. It was at a Cuban restaurant, and it was delicious.
For the waffles, I actually went au natural, so no toppings, and since there were sugar crystals baked into the batter, it was scrumptious.
Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat says
May 29, 2013 at 9:08 PMAll your vacation eats look awesome! I want to try everyone, especially the desserts (I have such a sweet tooth!).
Meghan says
June 3, 2013 at 3:56 PMI have a sweet tooth as well, more like a whole mouthful really.
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
May 29, 2013 at 10:28 PMEverything looks SUPER delicious, but I am especially going gaga over that pizza! Holy cow, that looks good!
Meghan says
June 3, 2013 at 3:56 PMYeah, the pizza was incredible, and it had pineapple on it. Holy yum.
Amanda (@fridaylovesong.net) says
May 29, 2013 at 10:50 PMEverything looks. so . damn. good. And congrats on your run – that’s awesome sauce.
Meghan says
June 3, 2013 at 3:57 PMThanks; it really was fantastic, every single bite.
Brittany says
May 30, 2013 at 12:36 AMHELL YES I can handle more pictures!! I LOVE travel photos and especially of FOOOD! These are all so gorgeous, especially breakfast and DESSERT! Anything over 3miles is a long run for me right now too..don’t even worrrry about it. Awesome job!
Meghan says
June 3, 2013 at 4:23 PMGlad to hear because I got more pictures coming.
Misti @ Finding My Inner Kate says
May 30, 2013 at 11:24 AMConsidering my “running” intervals are….only about a tenth of a mile right now, 3 miles sounds awesome! Camping = bad. Why would I want to spend time with no electricity or running water? I’m in Texas. I’ve been camping. Not my favorite childhood memory….
Also, fabulous pictures! I’m so glad I just ate, otherwise I would have been starving at the end of this post. Now I’m just wondering what some of those foods actually are!
Meghan says
June 3, 2013 at 4:25 PMIf you let me know which picture has peaked your curiosity, I’d be glad to let you know what it actually is.
I’m with you; I need electricity and running water.
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
May 30, 2013 at 7:57 PMI want ALL the food! Seriously, asking to pick a favorite is kind of cruel because there’s not a single meal in there that I’d turn down. That being said, my carby, sweet-loving ways make me more inclined to go for the croissants or dessert waffles, but again… I wouldn’t kick any of those meals out of bed 😉
Meghan says
June 3, 2013 at 4:26 PMGood pick my dear because those croissants were like butter, possibly because they are made with lots of butter. They were melt in your mouth good, and I went with the au natural waffle (sans toppings), and it was simply (being the operative word) divine.
Thanks for stopping by.
Jess says
May 31, 2013 at 6:13 AMIt would be hard for me to pick a favorite from your photos but I’m most intrigued by some of the lunches and dinner. Haha I also totally hear you about “long” runs-I’m not a runner either and would be totally proud of three miles! If it feels good, do it…
Meghan says
June 3, 2013 at 4:28 PMI like your motto: if it feels good, do it. Makes sense to me, and if you let me know which pictures intrigued you, I’d be happy to let you know what it is.
Luv What You Do says
May 31, 2013 at 10:10 PMThat food looks so much better than when I went to London. Although we were college students with no money so we lived on McDonald’s and Ben and Jerry’s ice cream pints…ha ha!
Meghan says
June 3, 2013 at 4:28 PMI’d pass on the McDonalds, although Ben & Jerry’s is a different story altogether.
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli says
June 10, 2013 at 1:23 AMOooooookay…so it’s about time you got #broccolibombed so here goes:
1. You run your little heart out missy! As someone who used to run quite a bit and now can’t run AT ALL, anything over say 0.10 is a long run now (which is what I was able to do last week before I realized, yep, I’m still in fact…a gimp! Bah!
2. I’m so excited to read/see all about your trip! Yay!
3. I’ve never been a huge fan of croissants and dry pastry-thingies, but I would lick that icing off those buggers in a HEARTBEAT!
4. And I have absolutely no idea what that stuff is on the toast OR the green stuff with the other toast, but I want it! Haha! What can I say? I go weak in the knees for anything dippable and/or spreadable!
5. I’m sorry, but that pizza’s just not cutting it…where the heck is the CHEESE!?!? :O
Meghan says
June 10, 2013 at 8:50 AMI’m always a sucker for icing. Hell, the real reason I eat cake is for the frosting. The green stuff is the most amazing and creamy guacamole I have ever had. Delicious and I still don’t understand how it was so creamy. There wasn’t a wayward lump to be found. The pizza did have cheese (c’mon on now; this is me we’re talking about!) although you can barely see it in the picture. It had tons of cheese and pineapple and it was all fresh and amazing. Honestly, you would have loved it, although a Lactaid would have been in order.
Sorry to hear about the knee…maybe you could do biking. I’d ride with you.