Ever since I read Jane Christmas’ What the Psychic Told the Pilgrim and watched Martin Sheen (celebrity crush!) in The Way, I’ve become immensely curious about the Camino pilgrimage. So I delived into Lindy Mechefske’s Walk, Eat, Repeat: Culinary Adventure on the Camino de Santiago, a delightful fusion of travelogue and cookbook, chronicling her gastronomic journey along the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in Spain. With her vivid storytelling and mouthwatering recipes, Mechefske takes readers on an immersive culinary adventure through the stunning landscapes and diverse flavors of the Camino. https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/lindymechefske/
Before delving into the review, it’s worth highlighting Mechefske’s impressive background in food writing. As one of the most recognized names in Canadian food literature, Mechefske has garnered a large media following. Her accolades include two Gold Medals in the Taste Canada Awards for her books Out of Old Ontario Kitchens and Sir John’s Table, as well as the authorship of A Taste of Wintergreen. See our review of Lindy’s book Ontario Picnics giving us a nostalgic glimpse into the past. https://canadiancookbooks.ca/ontario-picnics-2/
In Walk, Eat, Repeat, Mechefske seamlessly weaves together her personal experiences along the Camino with mouthwatering recipes inspired by the local cuisine she encounters. Each chapter recounts a different stage of her journey, from the rugged Pyrenees to the picturesque vineyards of Rioja, all while celebrating the diverse culinary traditions of Spain.
What sets Mechefske’s book apart is her ability to evoke the sensory experience of each destination through her writing. Whether she’s describing the earthy aroma of freshly baked bread in a rustic village bakery or the tangy sweetness of a perfectly ripe tomato plucked from a roadside garden, her prose transports readers to the heart of the Camino.
The recipes featured in Walk, Eat, Repeat are equally enticing, ranging from traditional Spanish dishes like tapas and paella to inventive creations inspired by local ingredients and flavors. Mechefske’s instructions are clear and accessible, making it easy for readers to recreate the magic of the Camino in their own kitchens. We’ve featured some of the dishes explored in this book…try these:
Porchas https://canadiancookbooks.ca/porchas/
Salad Olivier https://canadiancookbooks.ca/salad-olivier-recipe/
Tarta De Santiago https://canadiancookbooks.ca/tarta-de-santiago/
To try Lindy’s Spanish Style Chorizo with Beans and Eggs a la Ages, check our Recipe section. A riff on a shakshuka (minus the tomatoes!), I changed it up by adding Spanish rice to the dinner with a slab of Italian bread and butter – a huge hit around our table!
One of the book’s highlights is Mechefske’s emphasis on the importance of food in fostering connections and camaraderie along the Camino. From sharing meals with fellow pilgrims to learning traditional cooking techniques from locals, food becomes a catalyst for meaningful interactions and cultural exchange.
Additionally, Mechefske’s reflections on the spiritual and emotional aspects of her journey add depth to the narrative, offering readers a glimpse into the transformative power of travel and food. To order this book, go to https://gooselane.com/products/walk-eat-repeat or win a copy in our Giveaway section.
Walk, Eat, Repeat is a delightful read for anyone with a passion for food, travel, and adventure. Lindy Mechefske’s evocative writing and delectable recipes make this book a must-have for armchair travelers and culinary enthusiasts alike. So, grab a copy, embark on a virtual pilgrimage, and savor the flavors of the Camino from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Contents and images used with permission by Goose Lane Editions. https://gooselane.com/products/walk-eat-repeat
