Month: March 2016

FOOD | Let’s Manger!

Apologies if the title of this post is a little unclear, but I like to throw in the occasional French word to sound très chic. Did it work?

There are going to be many posts about Paris, because j’adore Paris, but because this restaurant received great reviews from everyone I sent there, I begin with La Cave Gourmande. This was one of my favourite meals in Paris. We were wandering our way up through Montmartre one evening, and starting to scope our restaurants, when we happened upon this cozy little restaurant. After chatting up the owner, he swore to us that he served the best bœuf bourguignon in Paris. Well, always a believer, we promised to return on our trek back down. We started with the foie gras, which as long as you don’t focus too much on where it comes from, is absolutely decadent. Followed by the hyped-up bœuf bourguignon, at which point I nearly fell to my knees to beg the owner to either hire me, marry me, or feed me for life. None of these happened.

I’ve sent multiple people back to this restaurant since I went in Spring 2014, and all have written to me afterwards to tell me how delicious it was. World, you are welcome. Now go forth and manger!20140504_221326

Address: 96 Rue des Martyrs, 75018 Paris, France

Phone: +33 (0)140400330

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FASHION | Where It All Began…

Fashion is the reason that I packed up my life in Vancouver, and moved to Italy in 2012. Was it a crazy decision? Somewhat. Do I regret it? Never.

When I look back at my childhood, I realize how important fashion was to me. I can clearly remember certain outfits that I was obsessed with, and some entertaining stories that go with them. Both outfits are pictured below, but please hold your judgement thankyouverymuch.

Outfit 1: The Pyjamas. In Grade 1, I received a new outfit at Christmas, and as any logical child would do, I couldn’t wait to wear it to school. Not only was it a whole outfit, but there was a stuffed bear that fit in the front pocket of the shirt! An outfit with a stuffed animal. I was going to win the Best Dressed award. Well, word on the street is that I returned home from school that day, very upset that I had worn what was clearly a pyjama set to school!

Outfit 2: The Petticoat. Clearly, clothing fascinated me at a young age, and I thought my new skirt was the cat’s pyjamas. No, I do not have an obsession with pyjamas. Whether I wanted my new ballerina-esque outfit to be documented with a photo, or whether I was made to take a photo to send to the kind soul that gifted me with this beautiful skirt, it’s clear from the look on my face that I was tickled pink at my new outfit option. Little did I know, I was supposed to wear a dress on top of it. Good news: I don’t recall being allowed to wear this one in public.

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FOOD | Lo Spritz.

I can see all of you rolling your eyes when you realize that my first FOOD post is about Lo Spritz, aka The Aperol Spritz, aka a cocktail. I can’t explain why, but saying Lo Spritz seems so much more respectful towards this drink. You can refer to this cocktail as a simple Spritz, but in North America you run the risk of someone bringing you a wine spritzer. No joke. Best to always request an Aperol Spritz when ordering on this side of the Atlantic.

What makes this cocktail so special? It’s one of those anytime drinks. Perfectly acceptable for the hours when the sun is shining, and nothing is quite as refreshing (in my opinion) as a Spritz. Best served in a large wine glass, with lots of ice and a slice of orange. If you’re ever unsure of your Spritz preparation or presentation, give me a call and I’ll be there in under two minutes to be the judge.IMG_20140412_184728

Recipe:

  • 3 parts prosecco
  • 2 parts Aperol
  • 1 part soda water

FLIGHTS | Churches, and Bones, and Milan, OH MY!

To no one’s surprise, many of my first posts will be about Milan. But, I want to break stereotypes today and talk about something other than the Duomo, or the Last Supper. Have you ever been to an ossuary? If you haven’t, then read on for a bone-chilling (you’ll get it later) description of a church in Milan. If you have, then please keep your comments to yourself until the end so you don’t ruin it for the others.

There is a church in the centre of Milan, San Bernardino alle Ossa, that comes complete with an ossuary. Let me save you the trouble of searching this word. An ossuary is defined as the room into which the bones of dead people are placed. Wait, why do we need to specify “dead people” here?

Back to the bone room ossuary. I’m honestly surprised that this place isn’t a bigger tourist attraction. Yes, I know it’s kind of morbid. But, it’s also pretty fascinating and different! It’s also very cool during the hot Milanese summer. I guess a Spritz would also cool you down, if bone rooms aren’t your thing.

I’ve included some of my very professional looking pictures below, because if I keep talking about a room full of bones, you’re going to start picturing me in an Indiana Jones movie or something. Spoiler alert: I kind of was.

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Address: via Verziere, 2, Milano, Italy

Disclaimer: This post about human bones, is not to be confused with my upcoming post about animal skulls in Marrakesh!

Welcome!

For those of you who started to follow me back in the days of LaCanadese, welcome back! For those of you who are new, I hope you enjoy my writing.

I started my LaCanadese blog in 2012, when I moved to Italy to pursue a dream. I enjoyed writing about my adventures overseas, especially because it was an easy way to let people know what I was up to. Fast-forward to 2016, and I am back in Canada with seemingly little to blog about. I kept being asked about my blog, and I started to feel like LaCanadese should have a FAQ section!

Q: Olivia! I miss your posts! When will you write something new?

A: Would you consider paying for me to travel around the world for one year? I think I could continue blogging for a bit on that.

Q: Olivia! We were talking about your blog the other day, and remembering what a great writer you were. Will you continue writing?

A: Should I get royalties for my blog posts that people keep talking about? Can I just keep riding on the limited number of posts I made? Am I the Fawlty Towers of blogging?

Q: Olivia, are you alive?

A: Yes, just because I have reduced my online presence, I promise you that I am still alive and well.

Q: Okay, Olivia, this is getting ridiculous. You had better blog immediately, or you’re out of the family.

A: But, how can I write for a blog that translates to “The Canadian in Milan” when I am clearly no longer living in Milan?

It took a while, but I have finally come up with a direction for my new blog. To start with, many posts will be a re-write of what you may have already read on LaCanadese, but these new posts will focus strictly on travel, style, and food. If you know me, you know that I am passionate about all of these!

My hope is that this blog can become a go-to for anyone looking for travel or dining recommendations around the world, and anyone who enjoys fashion and reading my musings on it.

PS – If you have ideas for a topic you’d like me to discuss, please let me know in the comments!

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