What do you Mean Carbs Aren't a Primary Food Group?

Okay, the CA Scotch Couple admit it. They have the palates of seven year olds - albeit well pampered seven year olds who get to eat foie gras and go to outstanding restaurants. They live on salads and lean meats at home in defense of svelt bodies, but when on vacation, they will freely indulge in a diet that would normally destine one for diabetes and heart disease. 

In particular, the CA Scotch Couple see absolutely nothing untoward about living on junk food and substituting desert for a meal, provided that the junk food is of a high caliber and the deserts are outstanding. Amsterdam is a mecca for high caliber junk food and outstanding deserts. It was also a frequent stop during their year in Belgium, so the CA Scotch Couple have a long list of must-go-to places a seven year old would love.

One thinks one knows one's friends well until everybody travels together. Now, DC Scotch Chick is an avowed Internet food gawker. She will send the CA Scotch Couple links to the most amazing, evil food out there – pure food porn. These will range from deep fried chocolate covered bacon, to candy corn bark, to Taiwanese street food. Consequently, the CA Scotch Couple just assumed DC Scotch Chick had the same predilection toward junk food that they did. Sure, the Scotch Couples always eat balanced meals when they are playing together at DC Scotch Chick's house, but the CA Scotch Couple always attributed this to common sense rather than preferences. Consequently, they were prepared to lead the DC Scotch Couple on a romp through their favorite junk food places in Amsterdam.

Their first indication that they had misjudged their friends' palates was when they took the DC Scotch Couple to a Belgian frite stand for dinner the first night in Amsterdam. Now, the Belgians may have invented the twice fried frite, but it is the Dutch who took it to a new level by offering satay sauce. The combination of the crispy salty amazing fry with peanut sauce is to die for, and the CA Scotch Couple have been known to live on nothing more than frites during an entire weekend in Amsterdam. 

Mmmm, Frites with Peanut Sauce

The first inkling the the CA Scotch Couple were in trouble was when they went to order the frites, and DC Scotch Chick said, "It is awfully close to dinner. I think I'll hold off for something real." Oh dear, this was supposed to be dinner. 

The CA Scotch Couple went into quick conference. They had traveled to that part of the city specifically to try out this frite stand, and they didn't know any "real" restaurants in the area. They finally decided that Turkish pizza might qualify as "real," but the closest one they knew of on this trolley line was down at Central Station. They boarded a trolley and trooped a very hungry DC Scotch Chick down for quite yummy Turkish pizza. Everybody was happy, and the CA Scotch Couple learned a bit about their friend.

For the remainder of the three days in Amsterdam, the Scotch Couples balanced their palates. At the market, while DC Scotch Gent hit the herring stands, the CA Scotch Couple managed to get frites three times, sucre waffles, and stroopwaffles. While the DC Scotch couple ordered savory pancakes at the Pancake Bakery (Prinsengracht 191), the CA Scotch Couple split one savory pancake and the most amazing creation of mocha/caramel ice cream with ethereal whip cream they have ever had. The CA Scotch Couple didn't know that many "real" restaurants, so they hit a lot of Turkish pizza places. DC Scotch Chick was a trooper, and CA Scotch Couple are pretty sure that she tucked into a good salad the minute she hit home (they, on the other hand, mourned the fact that they were having to go back to salad).

"Mocca/Caramel" Ice Cream Pancake at the Pancake Bakery

Still, friends do influence other friends' choices. It is true that the CA Scotch Couple eat better when they are visiting DC Scotch Chick at her home than they do normally. And, influence can go both ways. On the final day, DC Scotch Chick stumbled upon a sucre waffle dipped in chocolate that she adored. As she waxed enthusiastically about her find, she said, "You know, I think I'll just substitute another one for lunch!" 

The CA Scotch Couple exchanged knowing glances. A seed had been planted. Their job here was done!