Dear Eat Italian,

I need your advice.

My name is Michael Freid. I am graduating from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute this December with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and Physics. In honor of my graduation, my parents are giving me a chance to visit France and Italy before I set forth to graduate school for Physics. The vacation is during January and February. I want to make the most of this opportunity.

First, let me tell you a little bit about myself. I am the Founder and President of the Rensselaer Epicurean Club. I created the organization (which has gone from one solo member to 100 in less than a year) so that like-minded people who enjoy the whole dining experience, from the cooking, to the reading of a menu, to the light-hearted conversation (and the deeply felt variety), to music, to art, to wine, to food, and to dessert, and to the walk back home, absorbing all that the world has to offer, can meet together and share the enjoyment of life. I love to experience life.

My hobbies are varied. I cook. I cook in cast-iron skillet. I cook in a wok. I cook ribeye steak charred but left raw in the middle. I cook shrimp in a Puttanesca sauce. I cook farro. I cook fish. I cook Gung Bao chicken. I cook stews, soups, and sauces. I don’t bake, but I want to learn. I workout. I workout daily. I workout vigorously. I eat. I eat pan-seared chicken, sprinkled with town fresh parsley, and drizzled with cold Extra Virgin Olive Oil. I eat quinoa. I eat spleen Paninis with Romano cheese. I eat Jellyfish Salads. I eat Linguine in Squid Ink. I drink. I drink anything that forces you to sip. I don’t gulp. I write. I write research papers. I write essays. I write short stories. I write poetry. I read. I read history. I read fantasy. I read about love. I read about death. I listen. I listen to people talk. I listen to people sing. I listen to instruments strummed, beaten, thumbed, picked, and pounded upon. I watch. I watch art. I watch movies. I watch people. I think. I think a lot. I am a compulsive thinker.

Europe is a destination I wish to be enveloped by. To do that, I need small samples of outside help. I will plan out 50% of the trip, leaving the other half for surprise and spontaneity. I am interested in all the places to see, things to do, food to eat, and liquids to drink, that you can recommend me. This vacation will leave an imprint. Help make it as deep as possible.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Michael