Blue Trout and Black Truffles – a journey through Europe in 300 pages
Blue Trout and Black Truffles by J. Wechsberg (Academy Chicago Publishers, Second printing 2001), but the book seems to have been published in German as well (Forelle blau und schwarze Trüffeln (1964)), as Wechsberg also wrote in French, German and Czech (although a majority of his works is in English).
When I was little, and even now, my mom would tell me about the regional specialties of provinces in Vietnam and even other countries. She’s not a traveller, those were places that she has never been to, but she read about them in books and she has the uncanny memory to remember every detail of what she reads and recite it with such enthusiasm and emotion that makes you feel like you’re reading the book yourself. So I never felt the need to travel. (The only thing you can’t really experience from reading is the smell – it’s often the hardest sense to put into words, and any word description is always an understatement of the actual smell.)
Good writers can make you want to travel to the place they describe, taste the food they praise, meet the people they talked to. And then there are the really good writers who pull you into the story. When you read their books, you’re already at that place, eating what they’re eating, listening into their conversation.
When I read “Blue Trout and Black Truffles” by Joseph Wechsberg, I was in Vienna eating Tafelspitz (you have to capitalize the word because it’s German, and did you know that there are 24 different varieties of boiled beef, only one of which is Tafelspitz? [I admire the precision but I’m not convinced of the taste…]), then I was in Prague stuffing down knedlíky (dumplings that contain small cubes of fried bread, dumplings filled with whole plums, cherries, sweet cabbage [?!] or nuts, dumplings made of butter, egg yolk, dry cottage cheese, salted and “almost as light as a soufflé” [!]). I was strolling through the woodlands of Périgord, following a little pig named Mignon in search for black truffles (and almost got convinced that truffle tasted good). Wechsberg, with his gentle, objective humor and a hidden whiff of discerning aloofness, took me from Ostrava before World War I to Budapest in 1946 (when Hungary was still inside the Iron Curtain), then south to Genoa, “where the skies were blue and the people still knew how to laugh” (and made supposedly phenomenal ravioli), then northwest to Paris and Bordeaux and Lyon. I don’t know French and could only silently mumble through the included menus as I read, I’m not even that much into European cuisines, but like an old Roman chapel near L’Oustau de Baumanière in Les Baux-de-Provence, where “even the unbelieving feel the urge to kneel down”, this book makes even the non-drinker feel the urge to hold a champagne flute by the base (and never at the stem!) [I actually can’t picture how that works (-_-‘)].
At 8 am, I finished the last page. I took a shower until 8:45, then went out to lunch with Cheryl at 11. We had soba at Ippuku. I felt like reciting the old Hungarian proverb, “We are poor, but we live well.”
–.–.–.–.–
A few favorite tidbits:
- “Prague’s women had great charm and vivacity, but they were rarely slim and long-stemmed. Dumplings were the national indoor amusement; to eat twenty or thirty dumplings at one sitting was considered a feat of virility.” (84)
- “… as they say in Bordeaux, people take on the color of the wine that they ‘work’ and drink. M. Landèche’s face had the reddish color of the grapes of Château Lafite-Rothschild. And M. Henriot’s hue reflected the golden glow of the wines of Château d’Yquem.” (190)
- “[La Tour d’Argent] was an immediate success and always jammed, but there was always a way of getting a table. A cavalier who had neglected to make his reservation would pull up his horse, walk in, challenge one of the guests to a duel, kill him with sword or lance, and take his place.” (227)
- Wild goose with plum sauce at La Tour d’Argent was Cardinal Richelieu’s favorite. (228) [To encourage me to eat, my mom would tell me “The Three Musketeers” story (by Alexandre Dumas) while spoon-feeding me. After that story finished, we continued to (and consequentially finished) its two sequel novels, also by Dumas. Ah the good old days…]
- “You can export all the ingredients, and even the cook, but you cannot seal in a can the shining of the Sun or the blue of the sky and the sea, and pour it into the saucepan.” (127) <– EXACTLY why I would only consider food made by Japanese in Japan truly authentic Japanese food, and likewise with other cuisines.
- “A Balatoni Fogas to Start with” really resonated with me, perhaps because I’m from Vietnam and know first- (and second-) hand the detrimental effects of communism on Culture [yes, capitalized Culture].
- “One Moment in Heaven”, “Afternoon at Château d’Yquem” and “Provence without Garlic” are lovely pieces on wine and France [I think… as if I knew anything about wine…].
A little bit about the author:
Joseph Wechsberg worked as the European correspondent of The New Yorker from 1949 to 1983. He studied Law and Economics in Prague, Vienna and Paris, then he studied violin at the Wiener Konservatorium, played music in Parisian nightclubs and later on cruise ships to New York and the Far East. His well-travelled experience gave him great advantage in becoming a journalist and a writer. “Blue Trout and Black Truffles” is a collection of essays, some of which originally appeared in The Atlantic, Cosmopolitan, Gourmet, Holiday, and The New Yorker. [I feel incredibly inspired, but that means I need to start traveling and collecting some world(ly) experience soon. (-_-‘)]
I’d forever want to be update on new blog posts on this website , saved to bookmarks! .
1I was just searching for this information for some time. After six hours of continuous Googleing, finally I got it in your web site. I wonder what is the lack of Google strategy that don’t rank this type of informative websites in top of the list. Normally the top sites are full of garbage.
2Howdy, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam responses? If so how do you prevent it, any plugin or anything you can recommend? I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any assistance is very much appreciated.
3Hello there, You have performed a fantastic job. I will certainly digg it and in my view recommend to my friends. I’m confident they will be benefited from this web site.
4제주 노래방은 매장마다 이용 방식이 다를 수 있어 원하는 분위기와 비용 구성을 먼저 확인하는 게 좋겠습니다. 관련 내용은 제주노래방 안내에서 참고할 수 있습니다.
5But a smiling visitor here to share the love (:, btw great style. “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not one bit simpler.” by Albert Einstein.
6We’re a gaggle of volunteers and opening a brand new scheme in our community. Your site provided us with useful information to work on. You’ve performed an impressive process and our whole neighborhood will probably be thankful to you.
7An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little bit analysis on this. And he in actual fact bought me breakfast as a result of I discovered it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the deal with! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If possible, as you change into experience, would you thoughts updating your weblog with more details? It is highly helpful for me. Huge thumb up for this blog put up!
8Hey there this is kind of of off topic but I was wanting to know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding knowledge so I wanted to get guidance from someone with experience. Any help would be enormously appreciated!
9It is appropriate time to make some plans for the long run and it is time to be happy. I’ve read this submit and if I may I wish to recommend you some fascinating things or advice. Perhaps you could write subsequent articles relating to this article. I desire to read more issues about it!
10There are actually a number of particulars like that to take into consideration. That may be a nice point to carry up. I offer the ideas above as basic inspiration but clearly there are questions like the one you convey up the place an important thing will probably be working in honest good faith. I don?t know if greatest practices have emerged around things like that, however I’m positive that your job is clearly recognized as a good game. Both boys and girls feel the affect of just a second’s pleasure, for the rest of their lives.
11There are some fascinating cut-off dates in this article but I don’t know if I see all of them center to heart. There’s some validity however I will take hold opinion till I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we wish extra! Added to FeedBurner as nicely
12My brother suggested I might like this website. He was totally right. This post truly made my day. You can not imagine simply how much time I had spent for this info! Thanks!
13What’s Taking place i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It absolutely helpful and it has aided me out loads. I am hoping to give a contribution & aid other users like its helped me. Good job.
14I gotta bookmark this internet site it seems extremely helpful invaluable
15Really enjoyed this article, is there any way I can receive an email sent to me when there is a new post?
16I carry on listening to the newscast lecture about receiving free online grant applications so I have been looking around for the finest site to get one. Could you advise me please, where could i acquire some?
17This site is my inhalation, really fantastic design and style and perfect written content.
18Hi there, simply become aware of your weblog thru Google, and found that it is truly informative. I am gonna be careful for brussels. I’ll appreciate in case you continue this in future. Numerous other people might be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
19Today, while I was at work, my cousin stole my iphone and tested to see if it can survive a forty foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now destroyed and she has 83 views. I know this is totally off topic but I had to share it with someone!
20hello!,I like your writing very much! share we communicate more about your post on AOL? I need an expert on this area to solve my problem. Maybe that’s you! Looking forward to see you.
21I’ve been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this site. Thanks, I will try and check back more often. How frequently you update your site?
22I have recently started a website, the info you provide on this site has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work.
23I was suggested this blog via my cousin. I am not certain whether or not this put up is written by means of him as no one else recognize such precise approximately my problem. You’re wonderful! Thank you!
24Thank you for another informative site. Where else could I get that type of info written in such a perfect way? I’ve a project that I’m just now working on, and I have been on the look out for such info.
25I like this post, enjoyed this one appreciate it for posting.
26Great write-up, I am regular visitor of one’s blog, maintain up the nice operate, and It’s going to be a regular visitor for a lengthy time.
27I think other web-site proprietors should take this site as an model, very clean and great user friendly style and design, let alone the content. You are an expert in this topic!
28Some really nice and utilitarian information on this site, besides I think the design contains fantastic features.
29I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good. I don’t know who you are but certainly you’re going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!
30Thank you for another informative website. Where else could I get that type of info written in such an ideal way? I’ve a project that I’m just now working on, and I’ve been on the look out for such information.
31Thank you a lot for sharing this with all people you actually recognize what you are talking approximately! Bookmarked. Please also visit my site =). We will have a link trade agreement between us!
32F*ckin’ remarkable things here. I am very glad to see your article. Thanks a lot and i’m looking forward to contact you. Will you please drop me a e-mail?
33I’m impressed, I must say. Really not often do I encounter a blog that’s each educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you have got hit the nail on the head. Your idea is excellent; the difficulty is one thing that not enough people are talking intelligently about. I’m very completely happy that I stumbled throughout this in my search for something referring to this.
34Ini adalah topik yang sangat penting di hati saya, salam, tapi di manakah informasi kontak Anda?
35I am glad to be one of the visitors on this outstanding web site (:, appreciate it for putting up.
36Hello there, You have done a fantastic job. I will definitely digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I am confident they’ll be benefited from this site.
37Good info. Lucky me I reach on your website by accident, I bookmarked it.
38Just about all of whatever you claim is astonishingly appropriate and it makes me ponder the reason why I hadn’t looked at this in this light previously. This particular piece really did switch the light on for me as far as this issue goes. However there is just one point I am not really too comfy with and whilst I try to reconcile that with the central idea of the position, let me observe what the rest of the readers have to say.Nicely done.
39I have not checked in here for some time since I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are good quality so I guess I’ll add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
40I like what you guys are up also. Such smart work and reporting! Keep up the excellent works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it will improve the value of my site :).
41so much superb information on here, :D.
42I’ll immediately clutch your rss as I can not in finding your e-mail subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Please permit me recognize so that I may just subscribe. Thanks.
43Wonderful work! This is the type of info that should be shared around the web. Shame on the search engines for not positioning this post higher! Come on over and visit my site . Thanks =)
44You completed some fine points there. I did a search on the issue and found nearly all people will consent with your blog.
45I discovered your blog site on google and check a few of your early posts. Continue to keep up the very good operate. I just additional up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Seeking forward to reading more from you later on!…
46The other day, while I was at work, my sister stole my iPad and tested to see if it can survive a 25 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now destroyed and she has 83 views. I know this is totally off topic but I had to share it with someone!
47I am often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new information.
48I genuinely enjoy examining on this website , it holds good blog posts. “Beauty in things exist in the mind which contemplates them.” by David Hume.
49I wish to show appreciation to this writer for bailing me out of such a matter. Right after looking out throughout the search engines and coming across methods which were not beneficial, I thought my entire life was well over. Existing devoid of the solutions to the problems you’ve resolved through your good guide is a critical case, and the ones that might have negatively damaged my career if I had not come across your blog post. Your primary expertise and kindness in dealing with all areas was tremendous. I am not sure what I would have done if I hadn’t encountered such a subject like this. I can now look ahead to my future. Thank you so much for the skilled and sensible guide. I won’t be reluctant to recommend your site to any individual who needs to have direction about this matter.
50