The quest for the best.

So some people say, the best way to experience a country is to make your own quest. Look for the photo op, the craziest tour guide or the best gelato. Whatever you choose, that makes your travel that much more meaningful. For me and Romania, that quest began in Sibiu. Our first night we ate at a wonderful Transylvanian restaurant that was just far enough from the main square to be hidden from most tourists. The restaurant was basement level with small windows near the top of the brick wall. It was there I discovered papanasi. The menu said: fried cheese dough with cream and jam. It did not disappoint.


Possibly the best thing on earth.

Of course this meant that in every town I had to try the papanasi (okay, in every restaurant, I'll admit it). Unfortunately none could compare to that first one, though all were delicious.


This is a better photo, though not a better papanasi.

Sweet cottage cheese doughnut with cream and sour cherry jam how I miss you.