Gina wanders the Vucciria market in Palermo and falls hard for a crispy, saffron-gold ball of rice that turns out to be a whole history lesson in disguise.
Europe
Batumi Handed Me a Boat of Cheese and I Never Recovered
Gina chases a midnight photo all the way to the Black Sea coast and falls hard for a boat-shaped bread full of molten cheese and butter.
Sarajevo Wrapped Me in Pastry and Refused to Apologize
Gina lands in Sarajevo expecting cobblestones and history — and gets ambushed by the most perfect börek she’s ever eaten before she’s even put her luggage down.
Burgundy Broke Me Open With a Spoon
Gina heads to the rolling vineyards of Burgundy, France, and finds a pot of boeuf bourguignon that makes her question every stew she’s ever made. Spoiler: she’s not mad — she’s inspired.
Rome Humbled Me With a Bowl of Pasta and Two Ingredients
Gina thought she knew pasta. Then she sat down in a tiny Roman trattoria, ordered something made with exactly two ingredients, and got the cooking lesson of her life.