Day 1: Eataly

While I did not anticipate Day One to be so adventurous, it turned into a pretty great eating day. My sisters took the kids for a sleepover and my husband took the day off of work, so we decided to hit Eataly, which opened just a few weeks ago. We set off about ten o'clock this morning (in the freezing cold) to catch the Blue Line. Despite the bitter wind, toes so cold they hurt, and the hour long train ride, Eataly was worth it.  I didn't realize how hungry I was until I walked in the door and saw the Nutela bar.

We decided to head upstairs to the food stalls and hit the first floor shopping later. We stepped into the long line to give the La Pizza e La Pasta hostess my name and number so she could text us when our table was ready - about a 30-40 minute wait. Normally, I would be impatient and annoyed, but in this case it was a blessing.  The upstairs is set up into stations for seafood, fried food, cheese, salami, etc. As we waited, we hit La Piazza in the center of it all where they serve a little from each smaller "enoteca." I ordered a glass of the Bramito del Cervo Chardonnay, which was delicious. Our bartender, Lamar handed us a menu and the Zampette di Rana immediately caught my eye. I looked deep into my husband's eyes and asked him the most important question I would ask him all day: "How do you feel about frog's legs?" Without hesitation he agreed and ordered them, much to Lamar's surprise. He admitted they were the one item on the menu that he didn't try during his training. I think we convinced him to give them a shot. They were lightly fried and served with a sweet tomato sauce. I also ate way too much artisan bread and olive oil.

Once our table was called, we moved over to La Pizza e La Pasta where I ordered another glass of the Bramito del Cervo Chardonnay and the Antipasti Misti. It was the antipasti patter of the day, and we had no idea what we would be served - I wanted to be surprised. We enjoyed orange-scented olives, which I know sounds horrible, but was really lovely. It also included a great pepperonata, marinated golden and red beets, and cold roasted squash. Our pizza, the Ventura, had beautifully melted fresh mozzarella, salty prosciutto, the most peppery arugula I have ever eaten, and shaved gran padano. As I enjoyed my Ventura, I noticed a quote from Sophia Loren on the wall: "Everything you see I owe to spaghetti." This, I decided, is my motto for life. 

After gorging on pizza, we headed to the markets, bought some dried pastas and olive oil, before heading to the Lavazza coffee bar. We grabbed a cappuccino and a stunning Torti di Nocciole. We bundled up, I held my cappuccino like it was a steaming cup of liquid gold, and braced for the elements. We decided not to head for the train, but, to of all places, the Lounge at the Signature Room at the John Hancock building. I used to work there during my summer breaks from college, and I have not been back much since. I love the building and the view. (On a side note, it is cheaper to have a cocktail in the Lounge than pay to visit the Observatory, plus it is much more relaxing.)
While we didn't have any more room for food, I had plenty of space for a cocktail (Day Drinking is the best!). I really had a hard time deciding what to enjoy, but I finally settled on the Peach Cobbler Martini - peach cobbler vodka, cinnamon Bailey's, peach schnapps, half and half, a a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. Definitely warned the bones and got me ready for the trek back home. 

All in all, it was a great afternoon and I got to spend some kid-free time with my husband.
Now, as I sit at my desk thinking about all of the beautiful food I enjoyed today, I also think about my reasons for writing this blog in the first place.When I decided to attempt to journal my eating habits for the year, I didn't anticipate beginning with such a bang. The blog/food journal isn't about gorging on amazing food (although that was pretty awesome today) and it isn't about me logging every calorie I ingest in an attempt to lose twenty pounds (not that I would mind losing a little junk from my trunk).  I want to be more mindful about what I am eating, and I want to show my kids how to enjoy what they are eating in the moment. We rush through so much in life that I often feel overwhelmed. I guess the point of "A Year of Eating Well" isn't just about the quality of the food, but the quality of the time we spend enjoying the food we make and eat with each other.