April Coffee Chat

Nearly a full month on the road, from Paris to Vegas.

preparing to chow down on an almond bretzel outside the Cologne Cathedral

Recent Travel

This April, I was gone for 23 of 28 days, sprinting between Paris, Amsterdam, Belgium, Germany, Nashville, and Vegas. (I got jetlagged writing that sentence.)

Paris

The impetus for the 12 days in Europe (as if I need one!) was an invite to a work trip with Zwilling and Demeyere, two kitchen brands I use and love. Zwilling is located in Germany and has been making knives since 1731. Demeyere makes stainless steel cookware in Belgium.

Neither brand has anything to do with Paris, I just happen to adore the city (I’ve been at least 12 times since I was 20, maybe more), so I reasoned that if I were taking a 10-hour flight, I might as well make a Parisian pitstop first.

As much as I love to travel (and don’t mind dining alone occasionally), I always have more fun with a buddy.

Ben, as a matter of personal morality, does not leave Park City during the ski season (and miss a week of snow? inconceivable!), so instead I went with his mom, Danielle.

Myself, my MIL, Danielle, and two tasty cocktails in Amsterdam

If traveling with your mother-in-law sounds like a task to be avoided versus a situation to be sought out intentionally, you’re on the same page as 78% of the people I polled about traveling with in-laws on Instagram.

Thus, it may seem semi-instutional that I asked Ben’s mom to come with me on a trip to Paris and Amsterdam, but she’s one of the most warm, flexible, and fun people you’ll ever meet. I’ve had a bit of a tough parental situation, so having her as another role model in my life is a blessing I try my hardest not to take for granted—even if she still refuses to eat steak tartare.

Croissant-making class at La Cuisine Paris

In Paris, we ate…A LOT—so much, that I assured myself that, that I’d slow down in Amsterdam…HA!

Turns out Paris was just a warm up.

A tale of two white asparagus appetizers. In France, vegetables often come with meat, cheese, and/or cream sauce.

We had the fortune to be there during white asparagus season, so I busied myself ordering it at every possible opportunity.

In typical French fashion, both times I ordered it, the white asparagus came covered with meat, cheese, and/or cream sauce. Perhaps the French don’t think a person could possibly want a vegetable on its own?

I’ve been fine-tuning my Paris restaurant recommendation list for the last 10 years, and I’m thrilled to say that it’s now relocated to this very Substack, available only to paid subscribers (which I hope you will consider becoming!). I spent the last month cleaning it up to make it as useful as possible, and honestly would re-eat every one of these meals again (unless it’s on the “don’t bother” list, in which case I give you those unfiltered details too).

Our favorite meal this trip was unquestionably Hugh & Co, a small hip-yet-cozy restaurant tucked away in the 5ème, a.k.a. the Latin Quarter.

A friend recently asked me what there is to do in the Latin Quarter, and my answer was nothing much except for sit, eat, drink, and watch the world go by, all while imagining being Parisian. It’s think it’s the very best thing to do in Paris of all.

Rosé and smoked salmon salad (salade Atlantique au saumon) at Café Varenne

one of the many canals that interweave in Amsterdam

Amsterdam

After Paris, we took the Eurostar train to Amsterdam, a 3.5 hour journey that made me fall in love with how easy going from country to country in Europe is all over again.

My favorite meal of this trip was an Indonesian dinner called a “rice table.” Indonesia was at one point a Dutch colony, and similar to how you can find fantastic Indian food in England, a visit to the Netherlands is a not-to-miss opportunity to experience Indonesian food. It’s all about warm spices, rich sauces, and dishes that are meant to be shared—comforting, flavorful, and decidedly unfussy yet undeniably complex.

Indonesian rice table for two at Blauw

This spread was just for two of us and cost 44 euro per person. Tofu! Tempeh! Veg of all kinds. Chicken thighs. Coconut beef. Three types of rice!

I could have happily set up a cot underneath the table, ate until I needed a nap, then woken back up to finish the rest.

Demeyere factory tour with fellow food bloggers

Zwilling & Demeyere Factory Tours

After Amsterdam, Danielle and I said adieu (I fear I never figured out how to pronounce “goodbye” in Dutch), then I joined the “work” portion of the trip.

I shared a behind-the-scenes look at the Zwilling factory over on Instagram. Both tours made me more deeply appreciate the thought and craftsmanship that goes into the tools I use every day.

I especially loved watching the Zwilling knife sharpening and honing, much of which is still done by hand.

This might sound odd, but it conjured the same feelings as when I walked into Notre Dame and saw it restored: a sense of optimism and satisfaction to see artists still employed at their craft.

Photo opp with the Haribo bear + my (modest) haul

Our final stop in Germany was at the Haribo factory. Picture a Costco shopping experience, but entirely gummy candies.

Spring was in full bloom in Nashville

Nashville ➡️ Vegas

As soon as I got back from France, it was off to Nashville for our annual Well Plated Team Retreat. There’s a team of five dedicated, talented women (plus Ben, a.k.a. “Not So Well Plated”) all working our hardest to create quality recipes and meal plans for you.

Team Well Plated at the Goo Goo Cluster factory in Nashville

Well Plated was a one-woman show for years, and I can’t believe how lucky I am to lead this amazing team!

Feeling v. proud of myself for making it to 1 a.m. in Vegas

Then, 24 hours after Nashville, it was VEGAS BABY for our new friend Kevin’s 40th birthday.

I say “new” because Ben and I just met Kevin and his wife Ali last year, after our move to Park City.

Making friends as an adult is HARD, so when Ali asked us if we’d like to join them in Vegas to celebrate, my first and only question was “when do we book?”

For Vegas fans, we stayed at the Cosmo and ate at Jaleo (HIGHLY recommend!).

Beers with my furry buddy Teddy at Offset Brewery in Park City. I went here on my own to try to meet people, and Teddy and I made a friend!

Erin’s Random Musings

• The older I get, the more convinced I am that 90% of adult friendship is showing up. Was it crazy to fly to Vegas for 24 hours for a birthday party for someone we just met last summer? I do not think it was. Becoming and staying friends means being present, and we’re one step closer as a result of it.

• As I was wandering around the most majestic, awe-inspiring cathedral in Cologne (where the Three Wise Men, among other celebrities, are buried), I found myself feeling very small and insignificant, in that “I’m a speck amongst specks in a speck of time” sort of way. It’s a good and humbling reminder. Look at the stars makes me feel that way too.

• The French teacher of our croissant class had incredible English. She said she learned by watching Friends, so now I’m watching it dubbed in French. Effectiveness TBA, but I’m proud of myself for continuing to work at it.

• My Old Ass. This was a Sundance movie last year that sold out, so I was delighted to see it as an option on my plan to Paris. I’m not usually a fan of “finding yourself” movies (think Garden State and Almost Famous), but this was legitimately enjoyable. I plan to watch it again with Ben.

• After seeing my friend Kimber in these incredibly chic pants, I was delighted when she shared they are secretly sweatpants, complete with soft fleece lining. They look so polished — perfect for when you want to look put together but be comfy (and were 47% off when this published!)

Confessional

After four consecutive weeks of nonstop eating and drinking in Paris/Amsterdam/Nashville/Vegas, I’m feeling less light on my feet and looking at the scale like — hmmmm, I was hoping this wouldn’t happen….but also, girl you drank three glasses of wine ate a serving of pastries and truffles every day, what did you think would happen???

I got home and my initial attitude was “ONLY COTTAGE CHEESE THREE MEALS A DAY BYE” but TBH, diets, even short-term ones, have never worked for me. I spend too much mental energy obsessing over what I’m eating. I’ve been down that path before and have no interest in going back.

Plus, I brought home way too many incredible Belgian chocolates to set myself up for denial and disappointment.

I’m a work in progress, but this time coming home, what I’m saying to myself is, WOW, what a special, DELISH, month I’ve had. Pretty sure no one but me cares how my jeans fit right now. I’ll get back into a routine. There is no timeline.

What I’m Cooking Off the Blog

Viral Ground Beef Cottage Cheese Sweet Potato Bowl

I didn’t get the hype of this social media sensation until I made three key changes: 1) Add onion and tomato paste when sauting the beef, 2) Add red pepper flakes, hot honey alone will not do, and 3) Use way more cottage cheese than you think makes sense.

Yield: ~3 bowls

For the Sweet Potatoes

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Beef:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• 1 red onion, diced

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

For Serving

• Cottage cheese

• Hot Honey

• Avocado

• Red pepper flakes

1. Toss the sweet potatoes with the oil and seasonings. Air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes, shaking the basket a few times throughout (or bake at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes).

2. Brown the beef with the oil, onion, tomato paste, and seasonings over medium high, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook through.

3. Make a bed of sweet potatoes on your plate. Top with the beef, a generous scoop of cottage cheese, sliced avocado, a drizzle of hot honey, and sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Things I’ve Tried and Liked

• Maeley’s B-Tight Cellulite Cream. When they offered to send me a sample, I said yes but rolled my eyes because 1) cellulite is normal, and 2) it sounded like a gimmick. Um…it works if you use it 2x per day as directed. Who knew?!

• AG1. I’ve tried a rainbow of green powders over the years, and this is the first where I’ve felt a difference.

• Ultra Light Waterbottle. The 18-ounce fits in my purse and doesn’t leak, even with the straw.

• Coziest Crewneck. Lots of pretty colors and nice neutrals. I have the Trillium color and it’s gorgeous in person.

• OxiClean White Revive. If you like your whites WHITE, add a scoop to your washer before putting in the clothes. Unlike bleach, it’s color safe.

In one of my Rent the Runway dresses. I rented just about everything I wore in Europe, even my trench coat!

Discount Codes & Resources

Mother’s Day Gift Guide. Unique, affordable gift ideas for every kind of mom.

Clean Simple Eats. Get 10% off with code WELLPLATED at checkout. They make my favorite protein powder. I also bring these greens packets with me when traveling.

Caraway. 10% off with code WELLPLATED, on top of lots of Mother’s Day promos going on right now. These pretty pans are a breeze to clean, non-toxic, and would make a lovely gift.

My Amazon Storefront. Ever wonder what products I use in my own kitchen? You can find them all in my easy-to-shop storefront.

Nutrafol. I’ve taken this daily for 2 years and see a noticeable difference in my hair volume. Get $20 your first shipment with this link.

Rent the Runway. I am a HUGE fan of monthly clothing rentals. I spend less overall, try fun trends risk-free, and always have something fun and new in my closet. I rented my entire wardrobe for my Europe trip from RTR. I’m super impressed by their selection and customer service. Get 40% off your first month with this link.

Nuuly. Another clothing rental service I’ve used. It’s a little less expensive than RTR and the selection is less formal/premium. It’s worth testing out if you have a more casual style or want fun, more casual pieces to wear out. Get $30 off with this link.