Eijsden, The Netherlands

 Why did I wait so long? 

So many awesome classmates I never knew until 5 years ago. Chris is one of them. 

His youngest daughter was a track star near Hayward Field, so I was able to say hi many times out there. That is, when she wasn’t dialed in like a prize fighter. 

Chris is a university professor who took an offer to teach in Maastricht, so he and his lovely wife Mary Martha packed up and moved east. Not far from Paris, so a side trip was in order. 

Their peaceful home is as far south as you can go in the Netherlands, just a quiet and picturesque place. 

Chris likes his oats and cereal in the morning. I need to get me a dog dish like his! Seriously, this is what he uses….plenty of volume, quick cleanup, nothing better!

Mary Martha’s spice drawer has got it going on. 

In 1992, the Maastricht Treaty was signed in this plaza, signifying the start of the European Union. 

Lovely, walkable city of 100,000. 

Chris used to teach in this spectacular building with an interior courtyard used by plenty of students and faculty. 

A store that sells only peanut butter?!? Yes, please. 

Street food rarely disappoints. 

Kibberling?!? Cod cheeks…..I need an Amazon subscription for this stuff.

The American Cemetery just outside of town. The Dutch donated the land to honor 8,000 Americans who died in the region during WWII….This map is a history lesson in the war’s battles. 

The Meuse River at night…

Dinner was…..wow. 

A play on carbonara minus the pasta….and some chopped mushrooms hidden. 

Beef carpaccio with thai basil and egg yolk

Scallops with jerusalem artichoke and poulty jus. 

Chris and Mary Martha had sous vide duck breast with chanterelles and pumpkin

Mine was North Sea Ling Cod with tomato and parmesan

We were glad the portions were reasonably small, but nothing could prepare us for deconstructed carrot cake with citrus and caramel. 

My hosts received some lovely sardines from a friend….not being connosseurs themselves, they graciously offered the three pack to me!!! My man Ken has the right recipe: toasted bread with EVOO, salt, pepper, garlic, tomato, and the sardines on top. Excellent stuff!

What a great visit. Many thanks to my hosts for a perfect two days!