Friday, November 28, 2014

Dejeuner


Thursday, November 27, 2014

Salade Complete

Lunch today in Paris at Chez Gladines consisted of a Salade Complete: Mixed greens nestled underneath potatoes, tomatoes, cheese, thinly sliced ham, topped with a fried egg and fine herbs. Bon Appetit! 

Heaven...


Champagne kiosk at the Christmas Market


Sunday, November 23, 2014

The incredible Christmas Market in Paris.

Fresh Oysters right in the middle of the outdoor market, shucked and paired with Champagne right there! Dreamy. 


Friday, November 21, 2014

Chinon Les Barnabes


Such a yummy wine, made right here in the Loire region of France. Simply gorgeous when paired with our meal of steak and mushroom risotto. Heaven. 


Chanterelle Mushroom Risotto

Not a masterpiece photo, but my goodness...this risotto was melt in your mouth creamy goodness. Paired with a beautiful bottle of Chinon wine made right here in the Loire area. Divine. 


Butternut Squash Soup with Caramelized Onions Creme...


Selection of aperitifs (Cognacs) by the fireplace.

Michelin Star Restaurant, Loire Valley, France,


Pan Fried Skirt Steak with a balsamic reduction sauce and the most perfectly done roast potatoes. Accompanied with a Chinon Rouge wine from the area....heaven. 

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Cheeses of the Loire Valley, France


Wandering the river...


Magical trails...


Our row boat!


Row Boating into town! Joie de vivre.


Our walk to our little boat house...


Plat Du Jour a Bar du Ville, France


I know this doesn't look like anything, but we devoured this delicious hash after a very fun row boat excursion. It may have been the elation of the adventure, but we came upon this little pub where they were almost closing at 2pm so all they had to offer was the plate of the day. Without knowing what it was we said yes please, with a glass of wine...and we were not sorry. A hot toasty melange of ham, potato, veggie and cheeses....just lovely, with a few bites of tangy greens. We spoiled our dinner but it was worth it :) 

Monday, November 17, 2014

Le Petit Dejeuner

The best breakfast of my life. Ever. Yogurts with Vanilla from Madagascar. Charcuterie. Cheese. Farm fresh eggs. Fresh Baguettes. Coffee from heaven....


Room Service! :)


Where on earth can you get such lovely salads via room service for very little euro? Tours, France it seems! Wonderfully spoiled in the countryside...
 

Domaine de la Tortiniere, Tours, France


Loire Valley Aperitif

This was a lovely surprise. Ever so barely bitter, with a slight grassy aftertaste. Not too sweet, just a gentle beginning to dinner. Such a treat. 


Sunday, November 16, 2014

Ma Petite Kitchenette en Paris


It's such a treat to travel where there's glorious fresh produce and well- made food with the best restaurants. Sundays in Paris are quiet and most things are closed. Tonight it has been pouring rain and quite chilly. We wandered to the tiny corner store by our "gite" in search of something we could whip up for dinner in our kitchenette. C'est magnifique! When on a rainy chilly night, instead of venturing out to a restaurant, I can still cook! We had very little left in our refrigerator, and the store was tiny, but I pulled together a lovely Potato Broccoli Leek Soup. Butter, olive oil, diced leeks, diced potatoes, and a lovely pre-made broccoli purée. And guess what? In Paris you can find prepared Croques Monsieurs! Just toss into a skillet e voila! A cozy rainy night meal. With great red wine to boot. Bon Appetit! 



Saturday, November 15, 2014

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Lucien La Chance


Champagne fete!


We were invited to a Champagne tasting party one day after arriving in France. With the jet lag, I wasn't sure what to bring the hostess, and I definitely wasn't sure about my French speaking skills :) But all went well, and here was our hostess gift:


Paris, France


Tuesday, November 11, 2014

French bounty!!

Everyone is so friendly here! Look at this bounty I got at our glorious neighborhood market - all for 12 Euros. This is joie de vivre! :) 

Our friendly neighborhood Parisian Market


Buttes Au Cailles, Paris, France

I could not contain my enthusiasm when I found that just around the corner from where we are staying in Paris there is not only a beautiful market but this darling and extremely popular boulangerie...and ohhhh the delicious baguettes. To die for.