Whenever our travels take us to Europe, we continue to have this argument…er, debate…er, discussion.
Is the food better in Italy or in France?
At various times, either one of us can be on either side of the…discussion. Now, Windstar Cruises 
is tempting us to do some research. As part of its $18-million fleet renovation, now just hours from completion, Windstar is introducing Stella Bistro.
This is not a woman of substantial girth, in case you were wondering, it's a "contemporary dining room with a French twist." Did we say that we loved French twists? This one is available only to passengers on the Wind Surf, which is the cruise line's flagship.
Here is the tasty description from Windstar:
"Contemporary dishes with a French flair, as exemplified by entrees such as Coquille St. Jacques Provençale, a seared, skewered scallops dish served on pappardelle and tossed 
with artichoke hearts, spinach and capers in a light, white wine sauce; or the Roasted Magret of duck, a duck breast and duck confit on cherry sauce paired with Parisienne potatoes and French beans...seasonings and flavors include escargots bourguignon; cream of wild mushroom soup; and goat cheese soufflé. Dessert is a decadent affair with dishes such as apple aumoniere, a combination of apples, marzipan and honey baked into a filo pastry and served in vanilla custard; or chocolate Napoleon, the famous French pastry that consists of layers of soft, creamy chocolate and praline."
They had us at "Coquille."
Carnival Splendor
17 nights
February 3, 2013
Long Beach, Cabo San Lucas, Huatulco, Puerto Quetzal, Manta, Lima, Arica, Santiago
Inside: $949
Cost per day: $55
www.carnival.com