We were in Paris, exploring the Basilique du Sacre Coeur, when those usual hunger pains started. We walked down into the artistic district of Montmartre and immediately saw signs for “Soupe a l’onion.” I am always up for new experiences (of course everyone’s heard of French onion soup in the US) and the smell coming out of the cafes was phenomenal. My friends and I found one quaint café that looked over the artists courtyard area and all three of us ordered soupe a l’onion.

 

When they brought the bowls to our table, we just knew we were in for an amazing taste adventure. The soup arrived in fat little bowls, floating on the surface was an island of crusty bread covered with fine Gouda all toasty and burnt on the top. The smell was of onion and beef broth; the taste was divine, I have never had soup so good in my life. The simplicity of the ingredients is what really drove my taste buds mad. It was sweet and salty, the bread gave it texture and the cheese added just enough creaminess. I ate the entire bowl, but never once looked at the salt shaker—it was all too fabulous to insult it with salt and pepper (not that it needed it). Truly, this was one of the best foods I tried during my trip.

 

Needless to say, travel invokes the desire for adventure. You can’t be afraid to try something outlandish just because of the way you were raised. The best way to understand the culture is with food, it is the one thing all cultures share—the ability to make delicious, exciting meals.