— Melissa Bryant

So my grandparents are from an area of Italy called Bai, which is in the pool year region. And there is a 400 year old masia. A Masia is a formal fancy farm. So they, the buildings look like mini castles. Uh, that's the best way to describe it. And, uh, two years ago I went for the first time because I was really interested in capturing with, uh, with better guidance, many of the recipes that my grandparents made. So it is called Cina and Maia, it is in Moola, Dari, uh, in a, it's in a seaside town and it is about four miles from the heart of this little city, which I absolutely love. And they know that I am plant-based and the meals that they make for me are totally plant-based and delicious. And I will tell you that my new favorite thing right now are skinned, have fava beans, and when they cook up, they look like mashed potatoes. And the traditional dish that it is, is, uh, served with chicory, the fava beans that look like mushrooms and pan de altura. Altura is a town that's very famous for its Italian bread and um, just learned a lot of cooking techniques. And when I come back, I take the recipes and I convert them so that there's no oil or no salt, uh, because the farm is actually on an olive farm. And, uh, olive oil is part of the culture. And even though I personally don't use olive oil, uh, I think that when you are a traveler anywhere, that it's really important to embrace the culture, which is easy to do. But, um, I have a wonderful time there and it's very relaxing and I, uh, have a fondness for all of the people. And interestingly, I am finishing my master's degree and I'm starting to really put the nuts and bolts into my thesis. And I'm hoping to stay in Moola for about two weeks so that I can complete my thesis in an environment that I love, excuse me, and one that was so dear and special to my grandparents. So Moola, DeBari, Cina and Maia.