tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39814081972176483692024-03-14T01:43:25.605-07:00Paris Resto and Culinaryyusuf81http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147496194944388072noreply@blogger.comBlogger4993125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981408197217648369.post-48148401427149699042012-12-30T05:54:00.000-08:002012-12-30T05:54:00.565-08:00Photo du Jour - The Sounds of Summer in the South of France<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3152/2697304531_82a85e05e5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3152/2697304531_82a85e05e5.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />This noisy little creature, a cicada - <span style="font-style: italic;">une cigale</span> - arrived at our house clinging to the side of a box delivered by <span style="font-style: italic;">la Poste</span> yesterday. <br />It was set free after posing for a few photos. Its wing was damaged so it was very subdued.<br /><br />The cicadas appear every summer, on or around June 21, to fill the summer days with their endless chirping and buzzing. It is a sound I will always associate with the south of France.yusuf81http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147496194944388072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981408197217648369.post-3949999748412054162012-12-29T05:23:00.000-08:002012-12-29T05:23:01.091-08:00"Nomad Chef" contagious!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJAoxq4xHyAGSYhmrBKoAcvzsvPUl32dvyw0PjrcdKmAMZUsHjqduHfvhlJGzTJts-vjOG2f1zvL0RD-tpeFren14ycp0wQaslYH00SC65JBCkgdEY8VhBoHxZilu7e9NmJWHj5UVRdjN/s1600-h/P7240422.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5098746065944722034" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="160" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJAoxq4xHyAGSYhmrBKoAcvzsvPUl32dvyw0PjrcdKmAMZUsHjqduHfvhlJGzTJts-vjOG2f1zvL0RD-tpeFren14ycp0wQaslYH00SC65JBCkgdEY8VhBoHxZilu7e9NmJWHj5UVRdjN/s200/P7240422.jpg" width="208" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwoboKqO-exCD8lfAz4gwxUFgkk2k9Sd_fTDT7pTuYLAdNIcivkMr1tXz1MaVB5i9oTZeFnDRZRI9QrDLcINh5_n44GObnxOAWzONAS2g6gYsC-kwJ0idLEKnlP192W067YQbGUe8Ond9/s1600-h/P7230404.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5098746065944722050" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwoboKqO-exCD8lfAz4gwxUFgkk2k9Sd_fTDT7pTuYLAdNIcivkMr1tXz1MaVB5i9oTZeFnDRZRI9QrDLcINh5_n44GObnxOAWzONAS2g6gYsC-kwJ0idLEKnlP192W067YQbGUe8Ond9/s200/P7230404.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0t2G0aphAfofoGNr5ZeOuVMFT2yjfb_TkuE2e7MZ63BP-Qgj87oiYOelsM5VNLrbA0yFpHFCZQedyd-uLmC3ZOH55W1Danwl0DN-6LTCiQUKPhDBqBylVdJqUHmqZwPCv_GL_WZsoS1b/s1600-h/market+mexican.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5098746065944722066" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0t2G0aphAfofoGNr5ZeOuVMFT2yjfb_TkuE2e7MZ63BP-Qgj87oiYOelsM5VNLrbA0yFpHFCZQedyd-uLmC3ZOH55W1Danwl0DN-6LTCiQUKPhDBqBylVdJqUHmqZwPCv_GL_WZsoS1b/s200/market+mexican.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:verdana;">I am proud to annouce Cecilia D'Imperio's successful trip to Mexico. It seems being a "Nomad Chef" is contagious!<br />Last April I gave two cooking classes in Buenos Aires, at Cecicila d'Imperio's Sabiduria Culinaria cooking school. Cecilia and I discovered we both were curious and creative Home Chefs, and we shared the idea that cooking must be fun and that recipes must be simple.<br />She had mentioned she had an invitation to train the staff of a restaurant in Mexico, and I encouraged her to accept!<br />Well, here she is! The training was a complete success and she's looking forward to more trips, discoveries, and experiences. Bravo Cecilia!</span></div>yusuf81http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147496194944388072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981408197217648369.post-47886696808454323392012-12-28T11:51:00.000-08:002012-12-28T11:51:00.902-08:00Photo du Jour - Château<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3158/2838688383_832b8e1453.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3158/2838688383_832b8e1453.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />One of the small <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">châteaux</span> that dot the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Languedoc</span> countryside.yusuf81http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147496194944388072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981408197217648369.post-91893946511162633262012-12-28T10:31:00.000-08:002012-12-28T10:31:00.945-08:00Paella Under the Full MoonFriday night we were invited to our friend's garden to taste their family specialty, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Paella Valenciana</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">.</span><br /><br />The giant pan, the <span style="font-style: italic;">paellera</span>, was balanced on a homemade "stand" made from flower pots and metal stakes.<br />José brought the homemade broth to a boil then started adding the ingredients.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3038/2766538172_f9b86c6ab3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3038/2766538172_f9b86c6ab3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />The first layer was chunks of cuttlefish and small pieces of cut up chicken. Then the rice was tossed in, followed by chicken legs and thighs, mussels, giant prawns and finally roasted red peppers.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/2766541556_71902525ee.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/2766541556_71902525ee.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">tossing in the rice</span><br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3075/2765704213_392150bb35.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3075/2765704213_392150bb35.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">mussels going in</span><br /><br />It was a smoothly orchestrated event. José's wife, Jocelyn, was standing by, ready to hand over each ingredient as they were needed.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3124/2766554036_c032f1f341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3124/2766554036_c032f1f341.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-style: italic;">giant prawns, called gambas, ready to be added</span><br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3247/2765714855_2fc3c0ff06.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3247/2765714855_2fc3c0ff06.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">the final addition - a scattering of roasted red peppers</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3112/2766570896_7c23d6e9b4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3112/2766570896_7c23d6e9b4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">keeping an eye on the flames</span><br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3051/2765719665_d22f1f6b84.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3051/2765719665_d22f1f6b84.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">we all watched it bubble away</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">but José was in charge of making sure that the paella cooked evenly </span><br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/2765723201_0325d50e21.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/2765723201_0325d50e21.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">love the heat resistant gloves!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3256/2766577230_ba5facfee1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3256/2766577230_ba5facfee1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />Finally, a dazzling, saffron enriched <span style="font-weight: bold;">Paella Valenciana</span>. The flavor is almost indescribable. There is nothing to compare to paella when it is done right.<br />I've tasted some pretty awful versions, both in Spain and here, so to have the chance to enjoy a gutsy, rich, smoky homemade paella under the full August moon with good friends...well, it just doesn't get much better than that.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />¡Gracias José y Jocelyn!</span>yusuf81http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147496194944388072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981408197217648369.post-18314308292366204932012-12-27T09:47:00.000-08:002012-12-27T09:47:01.172-08:00Photo du Jour<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3122/2723714322_7652be8a01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3122/2723714322_7652be8a01.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Shade<br />So necessary during the height of summer.yusuf81http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147496194944388072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981408197217648369.post-19289099393332005262012-12-27T02:27:00.000-08:002012-12-27T02:27:01.270-08:00La Journée Nationale du FromageToday is <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.fromages-de-terroirs.com/journee-nationale-fromage.php3?id_rubrique=27">la Journée National du Fromage</a>.<br /> <br />I expected a grand tasting event at <span style="font-style: italic;">les Halles</span> in Narbonne, maybe a little parade or perhaps even a young woman crowned <span style="font-style: italic;">la Reine du Fromage</span>. (hey, why not?)<br />Imagine my disappointment when I discovered that the closest <span style="font-style: italic;">fromager</span> celebrating the event is in Toulouse, an hour and a half away!<br />Nothing in Narbonne, Béziers, Perpignan or even Montpellier!<br /><br />So, we're celebrating on our own. <br /><br />What did you do to <span style="font-style: italic;">fête le fromage</span>?yusuf81http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147496194944388072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981408197217648369.post-32398394189324057642012-12-26T00:20:00.000-08:002012-12-26T00:20:01.113-08:00Things in Venice, California (1)I am spending a few days in beautiful Venice, California. It's so plenty of color, flowers, scents, fresh food, and more. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339059825129988530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJvu1SU_z9gdeyUbvWezfRPU2j8qn8rqIpZcRmcGEjoywQ0polR_86bkJH4ApyjIrJ2q4j9bAq_mlOjDC2Qr7Svkqin1bu24boU92qCNStSnfzm1mHg0qMtgBtyCyfTs-Rj73zr-5htU/s400/DSCF6834.JPG" border="0" />The front gardens of the houses on 6th st boast flowers, trees, plants full of vigor, colors, strong scents, and exuberance.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339059816475370466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDOVnvpsg8pO0LIp1v5z3SegWyIqpuPuAy-StfaMZ6Wd0-_GGj5fUVatSEu4VkOHliCEpXySP37i7eTJeHZLT7MkJpV-LuBsq_OjxkX857blGTDwon1e6Wp28m7iUes3p4tJMjpdl6fo/s400/DSCF6842.JPG" border="0" />As I walk along I see artichokes growing on the side! Lemon trees, dill, rosemary ... I have the impression that ANYTHING can grow here!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339059826894266162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8H2UinPLbQa7N81X_9Jec4aIyBb4e_ORqG5wyVN3_OMKaLQ7Zhp7f6vRMADdc6oC7x_E_wxsA7Q46HYSIAD_O2I9BQuiegycx2W7amxcCZKCSnreZXMaEmePhrs-yFsNjicYUukr6EqI/s400/DSCF6851.JPG" border="0" /> <div>The Venice Farmer Market, at the intersection of Venice Blvd and Ocean Blvd, is small but offers an array of fresh fruit and vegetable, bread, seafood, dry fruit, most organic., under colorful square shades. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339059820242918946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Z2qjoJ2n15g14e7-ZSBkLblQaPtq-yGJCT9sT9ORZ0JzbjiptMaDlI0N0Bb3KKXncV-fG-02vP1fiVZq87SqsjexpTDFLPj3_m6zkQfnt1bVNrQOOPVnqzbpsHelrxf6nxgvK18H5uY/s400/DSCF6839.JPG" border="0" />Going to local restaurants can be a real treat! Look at this crab and shrimp salad! I ordered it with no other dressing that olive oil and salt and it was delicious.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339059833121566226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyTQCl40ka3GjwpaHYIScOMO8ky3CZuq7pYLgO153JfjS7FpN7fMliYq6BUG2a3QlmTmVvJ4lvZPsjF6l3YDb3brYbp5BFsRwcTGnXLqNuJlZI80BoSVP-IhquA_imh04apLaeJ7DsMI/s400/DSCF6838.JPG" border="0" />The current crisis has badly affected construction here and everywhere you see signs like this one ... people in the coffee shops gather for a morning latte and share their disappointment with the job market right now. Sad. </div>yusuf81http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147496194944388072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981408197217648369.post-17933792309899881692012-12-24T10:45:00.000-08:002012-12-24T10:45:00.237-08:00Photos du Jour - la Neige<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4416739540_c42c12765a.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4416739540_c42c12765a.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2708/4415992369_f81aaa698a.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2708/4415992369_f81aaa698a.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />It's inconvenient - losing power, no telephone, can't drive to town to run errands, canceled market - but boy is it <span style="font-style: italic;">gorgeous</span>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4041/4415981531_5a4a50b369.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4041/4415981531_5a4a50b369.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>yusuf81http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147496194944388072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981408197217648369.post-44281830301446188202012-12-23T16:10:00.000-08:002012-12-23T16:10:00.570-08:00Photo du Jour - Krisprolls et Fromage Fouetté<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3555/3372443198_5cd6664433.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3555/3372443198_5cd6664433.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Petit déjeuner: Coffee and whole wheat Krisprolls slathered with <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.paysanbreton.com/en/gamme/fiche.php?id=208">fromage fouetté</a>.yusuf81http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147496194944388072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981408197217648369.post-3939252148581574852012-12-22T13:43:00.000-08:002012-12-22T13:43:00.244-08:00A weekend in Amsterdam (1) : CULTURE<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tBSQWjnOKRqTr4b9MM6RuFsC1Zen-sPTh1vLlogde2xHSYen7FR5dHU-GfmtOiOifjA0KA1mgU_0qnuzMh02TpsXBg4AqkJHVjXXfDfSE72fAlKJlIbN0d4eBYenvOjSprGdrNd0wxOP/s1600-h/DSCF5634.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262073231426121010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tBSQWjnOKRqTr4b9MM6RuFsC1Zen-sPTh1vLlogde2xHSYen7FR5dHU-GfmtOiOifjA0KA1mgU_0qnuzMh02TpsXBg4AqkJHVjXXfDfSE72fAlKJlIbN0d4eBYenvOjSprGdrNd0wxOP/s400/DSCF5634.JPG" border="0" /></a> A long weekend in Amsterdam is always a treat! The canals, the bikes, the size of the city are quite a change from the pace of a larger city like Paris, where I live. It's only a little over 4 hours from Paris with Thalys, the fast train.<br />I made a long tour in the city last Friday - in spite of the rain. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262074352873765826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 296px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5DPx2Z3BDtajn7m_qurpyy-ZmDklCVBbqatICEEkojFAZfCBTj2FZvUE1wi44OILPBndE_exrdO3Kr6g3TcI4yTRI6A_fhYpQem2oX3QRnCOtfMxdRpV4GZ16RUeX5yukgmSCOyVhXBL/s400/DSCF5628.JPG" border="0" />I started by taking a tram to go to the Concertgebouw, to get the season's program - because yes, I am planning to come back. Trams are an alternative means of transportation to the bike, the real "classic". The Dutch do not mind the rain and do not use "bike capes" to cover themselves when it rains! Trams are also definitely better if you plan to spend the day touring.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262074371248240930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1WE2-Sda9Na58tKwKfCDgEfCJJLQhQU0UYNlsfiKYVvlxmhTdhVXehC2O3ldC2GytwnzOI1ZytkyypLRm3kmuwJ1pgAjvV9Rw-4wnIBGkOzsHTjgivP5kf8cfHjKGe7UjM5X7r14PDl-/s400/DSCF5625.JPG" border="0" />From there, across the street, I had a view of the Museum Plein and its impressive modern building that houses the <a href="http://www3.vangoghmuseum.nl/vgm/index.jsp">Van Gogh Museum</a>, the largest collection of paintings by this artist. If you plan your trip ahead, book your tickets on line, you'll avoid a loooong waiting line. Entrance ticket with the audio tour is 16.50 Euros.<br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262074350486330162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 313px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlY4s0065Ts1D0au8eMvL6OpInzJQt9-90THjdxW4N4sNe1J51Z9-mtDGHpTp_OfTzRdu8eHD4EeE5dqCvS7sL7zx-5r-NSs5-1JOX9Rl98YgZkGv9jT4MII7dTkyb1Jir2HDczyBe-ubU/s400/DSCF5632.JPG" border="0" />It's a short walk to the <a href="http://www.rijksmuseum.nl/">Rijksmuseum</a>, the museum of art and history, partly closed for restoration works, but still displaying an impressive collection of paintings. Here again, you can buy and print your e-ticket on line.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262074378772253186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02lmsa-A-ZXclsR5I3Lc7SJvnF7PNXums-jtbpO8K6-g1WDMnPXPi8Ba1gLM4-PLK6eSUBWJIEQPnqGaCfmFb7m-wLPZKlyilSdwKm9Io3yy8Ghh9AtcGLNhc0JhROViNrytKaKmuyac7/s400/DSCF5646.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>I had a quick lunch before continuing, nicely presented: a piece of brown bread, and an individual pan with a slice of ham, a slice of melted cheese, an egg, and two slices of tomato. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262073254630671394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8-2v-s4VZfufinsH6Ilf77o3Py-zGdTDrYUq-YiUsaTYgVzMXOTbf31OPC5UP4CtMP_lfMnS2GlkAixEpl4OwsEwvKYF05PZE2NwmvDcRKqvjci_3sYvypA7Xhu-sK9jmpwiSjDdS-Rm/s400/DSCF5636.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>Across another canal, I walked on to the street of antique shops. My eye was instantly caught by the collections of Asian antiques, a favorite having lived so long in Asia myself. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262073250050311394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 276px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYe2USNj4aml9ZXzkhuYeAAioedytOoQ6XXwgn0OP3RQecUysF0bYhNwiz6vdqrPc1XjqrhzT7Bs7ZM8vKnScRe1tMT0Z283XrMYQrOQXJr9qqX0Ve5skQLXnG-GdxkUv3uFXFlZV-chH/s400/DSCF5637.JPG" border="0" />But I also love cows, and found this 17 C pair at a specialist in antique Delft porcelain simply delightful. Though the price tag was a shock: 13,500 Euros! I'll pass - but aren't they beautiful.<br />From there it is a short walk to the flower market where tulips are everywhere. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262073243576229602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzIj-bjjD5Y-L_dSoV0i24XzddRocItO0MoSUQawOzS2ux3UbfoqDDHk2j3TTlkPQe8RGQM8BJIezzcgzv8XSEauEGrmB0eurnJOWAr0FYQP2j1O3RjjXR6vHKnkDJQx1RKZpj5fq4hTj9/s400/DSCF5639.JPG" border="0" />50 tulips for 10 Euros ... I couldn't resist and bought a bunch of white ones, plus plenty of bulbs for my Parisian deck. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262084198231309346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpmSohxnRYaDYU6v-mJ0T0Tp1gkLbp5IZ9dAzGeqSufoW0_RoygOQMxrhQhchyphenhyphenc4AA0LnYyxN9HZosdmKIeGqc43Q-YYzjHmzoCX4Z0d9Kmeck4DcA0Af9QX-RE8RcY-Pluxnl8bA5NLa/s400/DSCF4728.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>By then it was time to head back home ... I was pretty tired I must say!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262084202157280946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MNcbUOjhPdT361oQSUBGomK24vslBn8OLoMe_wa7sgRFSflRxdFYIgNVmeTkritkI22qYzxVrpoIjhoODJ3NLYNh8s1ADo__lRgwNt3U9eh3adUDqzhHy2c4t91p1gltoUXPHXSyGl9D/s400/DSCF5673.JPG" border="0" />On my way home I bought mussels for our evening meal! Miam! I fried a shallot in olive oil, added 1/4 cup of chopped parsley, a glass of dry white wine, and the mussels. Cover and let open over low heat. Toss them now and then. When they are open, serve immediately. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262084512013138498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmszaiY7sMKG-J9AOt2wgLKWFEucD5hOV50c3UqEXuqOwQx-83g-gOAh8SHTtKhOkdRcwV4JTLXsb8KES7eycEOBqiI3l_8ftSzkq9bqgWl3604kzKKeDtS54mV_Apy5JjyLqbEiunmpN/s400/DSCF5672.JPG" border="0" /></div>yusuf81http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147496194944388072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981408197217648369.post-75308839290439328082012-12-22T10:27:00.000-08:002012-12-22T10:27:01.029-08:00Photo du Jour - The Creole Creamery<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3349/3293083329_c7b19aff0b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3349/3293083329_c7b19aff0b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The myriad of flavors on offer at <a href="http://www.creolecreamery.com/">The Creole Creamery</a> on Magazine Street. Their motto - <span style="font-weight: bold;">Eat Ice Cream. Be Happy</span>. <br />That works for me!<br /><br />The decision was a difficult one, and in the end a scoop of <span style="font-style: italic;">Peanut Butter Fudge Pie</span> proved to be the perfect choice. So deliciously rich and decadent. <br />Just like New Orleans.yusuf81http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147496194944388072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981408197217648369.post-79776190352702508532012-12-22T08:30:00.000-08:002012-12-22T08:30:02.704-08:00Amsterdam discovery: Good chocolate!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxMoKXIKn5jbjQnl_rYU_tS2j7MMLNhSvZCuayhB_GUJcV9ieJEkgxDcB50ytEMxfR2xvnGwTAgNfq2K8Mr-_b2cG896VN9UXvkI9D5ZkfnSOOZ61wbyAG3Mgno525lFtx7rtA5TdvB0V/s1600-h/DSCF6361.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307090387311567330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxMoKXIKn5jbjQnl_rYU_tS2j7MMLNhSvZCuayhB_GUJcV9ieJEkgxDcB50ytEMxfR2xvnGwTAgNfq2K8Mr-_b2cG896VN9UXvkI9D5ZkfnSOOZ61wbyAG3Mgno525lFtx7rtA5TdvB0V/s400/DSCF6361.JPG" border="0" /></a> When you bike in Amsterdam you may be surprised to bump into a draw bridge! Which is what happened to me this morning as I was exploring Amsterdam's not so well known neighborhoods.<br />As I biked the tempting smell of chocolate coming from a small shop called <a href="http://www.artichoc.eu/">Chocolaterie Arti Shop </a>compelled me to stop on the spot.<br />I walked into the shop with a careful eye, as I do not eat any chocolate not made with cocoa butter. Why? BEWARE, real "chocolate" is only chocolate made with cocoa butter, not with hydrogenated oils (berk!); however, European regulations allow now to call "chocolate" the paste made with these oils. In France and Belgium, most chocolate is still real chocolate ... . but I didn't know here. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307090380147380146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgM4awX68Vqc_W1v7Bhw2pvHVqGsvI-xp84bO_fBCuYIQmqJR-HK2Evxjzh7m3hJBVw11WrYuWnhVgcXiHfaFeyEEm-Nwy-xyQPppv-7GA1qUskh01Pm77P3I-S8l0B7S1r-4XuIBvVw1/s400/DSCF6368.JPG" border="0" /> <div><div>So I walked in to have a look. There were three tables with delightful imitation Louis XV chairs painted in silver color and covered in flashing colors. I sat down and orderd a macchiato. It was served in an oval metal plate with a chocolate in an individual plate and a glass of sparkling water. I tasted the chocolate, and to my surprise I felt in my mouth the real thing !</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307090377799296034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41a_sAuvaSz0KDqui7xwRJBSJUJuptYVPuVXGV-HxoxCYjkdq5B3FwcmZ-u4kfGJZ7HXoIJf6imOYXmv1KKDcXICUhUXOfWA5dr0Zx3V2frBIJFLJPYY8Qqgp_zfbLhN6CbqrCZY-soTr/s400/DSCF6372.JPG" border="0" />I moved then to the tempting counter searching for something that would translate the Dutchness of the chocolate made here and found these imitation Dutch tiles made in white chocolate (Euros 12.5 each) of which I bought two to give as gift back in Paris.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307090381474850722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir6Jg-tc1tV7uYt_VXAeLoq6FCOouMGr18XAxevF8MISxbl0lyVlMFYd6D1h1ViiIK26UjzGN3tQczQxccaNMtizpAzwES6KW_94iR5_Y50zuO4PokYJ0oVDjXY7CmapwhcAajCzrp7Srh/s400/DSCF6369.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>Among the many other treats, I spotted Orangettes (chocolate dipped candy orange rinds), nougat covered chocolate, chocolate truffles, and more.</div><div>If you come to Amsterdam and you're looking for an out of the beaten track experience, come to this shop! It is located at Koningginnweg 141.</div><div></div></div>yusuf81http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147496194944388072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981408197217648369.post-91638721602022587542012-12-20T11:21:00.000-08:002012-12-20T11:21:01.040-08:00HAPPY AND HEALTHY 2009!<div align="center"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span style="color:#cccccc;">I'll make sure I have grandfather Rafael's 18C Omega silver watch handy (I have had it fixed for the occasion!)...</span><br /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285846108520248770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvayhz5Jdd6ld6etRGg749DwkhAuiepzzaEMqejhI_Hb4iZywG6FqI3KYo_Qe1Jj6M_sJKwtS_nJ50veXoA5NRl_WWUfzJ0hVYamac5y_TYkpmyjbwg9PeOLg9_AiCBQFd70u0X8QjOtI/s400/omega1.JPG" border="0" /></span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#cccccc;">As it will strike</span> <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Midnight</strong> in GMT +1 </span></span><span style="color:#cccccc;">no magic spells will turn the world into a peaceful place, but each one of us can try to make his or her surrounding a better small world.<br /><br /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#000000;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285846126029388194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 290px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqE20l1jsqEdRBFMCqPY9q1wSM5SD6aozKcJnkwgXq4h0dEEYrW3W8G4Vp0C4RQ-MFXmTC4jSyMxZlpb8n-3M_fZTy4q3jIp_iBP29yyqErqDrjVTaOATtGE9hRRcghtyP1SRdzoWb15H5/s400/2009.JPG" border="0" /></span></span><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em>I wish you all a<br /><br />Happy and<br /><br />Peaceful and<br /><br />Healthy 2009!<br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span></em></span><div align="left"><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div></div><span style="color:#cccccc;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285846101763335154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 399px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwR6ZnAtegwHPlfhpEnNCuoeycvtj9TTstxKim9Mj5o0CIRR-SQshQzOjkl6RPmpFUn23ZWOP47s6qL0fyWxorpf_R5juhQvBwOYpVJhOq_XUtELOgp89uj93oHG9UaavW7F9a1dwoh7Z/s400/1+-+Grenade+%C3%A0+Carthage.JPG" border="0" /></span></span><span style="color:#cccccc;">This year we are welcoming the New Year in the Sarthe, 180 miles west of Paris, over at our dear friend and artist </span><a href="http://lasiestedesgrenades.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#cccccc;">Marie Verbois</span></a><span style="color:#cccccc;"> whose blog I invite you to visit for a delicious promenade in her paintings of pomegranates. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#cccccc;">Our menu will be posted .. next year!</span><br /></div><a></a>yusuf81http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147496194944388072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981408197217648369.post-89300910683989622902012-12-20T03:07:00.000-08:002012-12-20T03:07:00.266-08:00Photo du Jour<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3120/3130527025_8b65039c09.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3120/3130527025_8b65039c09.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Interesting old tiles and I love that roofline!yusuf81http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147496194944388072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981408197217648369.post-51887773382487338662012-12-18T19:18:00.000-08:002012-12-18T19:18:00.918-08:00Photo du Jour - 1€<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDE_R_ee4ICS4QY0h4cosCe-kWWPKYrk6wQenhLPEZbco_Z-pkC_opUnt-G94sdvGiejsntsfzHoEp8szth382lGGRALOkaVJjjbL2v7zufr__Qk4g5fvZPsvVTiTexxiRe2kIJdPhYMT8/s1600-h/IMGP5154.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDE_R_ee4ICS4QY0h4cosCe-kWWPKYrk6wQenhLPEZbco_Z-pkC_opUnt-G94sdvGiejsntsfzHoEp8szth382lGGRALOkaVJjjbL2v7zufr__Qk4g5fvZPsvVTiTexxiRe2kIJdPhYMT8/s400/IMGP5154.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195303115894427650" border="0" /></a><br />Our food budget would be almost nothing if all we ate were tomatoes and radishes!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTRjFWfBbH1P-61G6Dn9LlN6csmwFEhfQggYaS341MIpnaeazRaMIgRGmko75wHhf8pqDPdOv8l-qAd2UpZCSMhL_IjRM8gKELdEat9iz1mXgxjIIzQicgqpw4MDHMFDcx9lZoN4SzoMs/s1600-h/IMGP5156.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTRjFWfBbH1P-61G6Dn9LlN6csmwFEhfQggYaS341MIpnaeazRaMIgRGmko75wHhf8pqDPdOv8l-qAd2UpZCSMhL_IjRM8gKELdEat9iz1mXgxjIIzQicgqpw4MDHMFDcx9lZoN4SzoMs/s400/IMGP5156.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195302712167501810" border="0" /></a><br />The local wine is still cheap, so we can't complain too much. Only 1,30€ a liter, which is cheaper than diesel fuel now. Too bad our cars can't run on wine.yusuf81http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147496194944388072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981408197217648369.post-7181596973008513142012-12-18T07:08:00.000-08:002012-12-18T07:08:01.037-08:00Summer's Final Curtain CallMy summer season as a sous-chef ends tonight. The feeling is bittersweet...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2646/3699289004_6026276e63.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 325px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2646/3699289004_6026276e63.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>yusuf81http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147496194944388072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981408197217648369.post-4007433034988067692012-12-17T20:16:00.000-08:002012-12-17T20:16:01.065-08:00Peace and Quiet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chez_loulou/5106470827/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="A quiet place to read by chez loulou, on Flickr"><img alt="A quiet place to read" height="375" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1256/5106470827_20b10bcc91.jpg" width="500" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Everyone needs a quiet place to curl up with a good book (<i>or a laptop, iPad, etc</i>). This window seat in our <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chez_loulou/5093913032/in/set-72157625066176905/">gîte</a> in the Loire was the perfect spot.yusuf81http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147496194944388072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981408197217648369.post-49316183394020839292012-12-17T06:20:00.000-08:002012-12-17T06:20:00.842-08:00La Fête du Fromage - January Round UpThis month offered a fantastic mélange of cheeses for <span style="font-weight: bold;">la Fête du Fromage</span> International Cheese Tasting Event. A huge <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">merci</span> to all of you who joined in!<br /><br /><br />Poor Nathalie had to forgo cheese during the entire month of December due to a diet her husband was on (<span style="font-style: italic;">which she said almost led to divorce)</span>. She's joined us again this month with this scrumptious <span style="font-weight: bold;">Caprino di Fattoria</span>, a fresh, Italian goat's cheese that she credits with saving her marriage! Have a look at her blog, <a href="http://spacedlaw.livejournal.com/306303.html">Spaced Out Rambling</a> for a few more mouth watering photos of this creamy, tangy little cheese.<br />Welcome back Nathalie!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHC0u3wnyCHi-VFljVSDh1riPlIc1x1xjK1JTTjvwloGk7AjvvHo7taB6QoGfLsquOk0SlfW3H4KiNuWCQub8klfNjzheYJji6Cir19I6rEG-WVenX1Ry6YX9B_Q3Zdqeh_Ic2gyejL8g/s1600-h/ItalianChevre.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHC0u3wnyCHi-VFljVSDh1riPlIc1x1xjK1JTTjvwloGk7AjvvHo7taB6QoGfLsquOk0SlfW3H4KiNuWCQub8klfNjzheYJji6Cir19I6rEG-WVenX1Ry6YX9B_Q3Zdqeh_Ic2gyejL8g/s400/ItalianChevre.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426937179854384866" border="0" /></a><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />La Couronne Lochoise</span>, a chèvre from the Loire, is this month's entry from <span style="font-style: italic;">la petitie parisienne</span> Camille of <a href="http://croquecamille.wordpress.com/2010/01/12/couronne-lochoise/">Croque-Camille</a>. She chose this particular cheese at her local Fromagerie because she liked its doughnut shape, which she later learned represented a crown, not a doughnut! Camille describes this cheese as "<span style="font-style: italic;">smooth and buttery</span>" on the inside and "<span style="font-style: italic;">sharp</span>" and "<span style="font-style: italic;">zippy</span>" on the outside. I <a href="http://chezlouloufrance.blogspot.com/2008/12/la-fte-du-fromage-la-courounne-lochoise.html">concur</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4kpse0TtCl-UfQZSB_ubXNo3sjODsLwXIeLyFaLLNmiNOlrK6sG9yPuNokHH3Oi-CqGTTndn1weJwIj3efvFltQEok04dW2kNNQQMnEtjD8t2Bm-gcB7waWKZbsSQuxfCI-IeZZtQzVij/s1600-h/cutcouronne-a.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4kpse0TtCl-UfQZSB_ubXNo3sjODsLwXIeLyFaLLNmiNOlrK6sG9yPuNokHH3Oi-CqGTTndn1weJwIj3efvFltQEok04dW2kNNQQMnEtjD8t2Bm-gcB7waWKZbsSQuxfCI-IeZZtQzVij/s400/cutcouronne-a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426940205950282450" border="0" /></a><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div><br />New to la Fête du Fromage is Susan of <a href="http://savoringtimeinthekitchen.blogspot.com/2010/01/la-fete-du-fromage-at-chez-loulou-with.html">Savoring Time in the Kitchen</a>. She tasted a wedge of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Pleasant Ridge Reserve</span> from Wisconsin which she describes as a "<span style="font-style: italic;">combination of an aged white cheddar and a fine French Gruyère</span>." Sounds wonderful! And don't those spicy chili crackers look delicious?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjib0nelnGsIuyCPKqKXsXNB41EgT11OYbeqgmqCWudj6Zf-Ex1Vea6wWzK8t5WTtGOEi4jr0Sq54_J4wwl9ad1ytb5xzxHbXu5LO4TYSA2Y7eYWgbnrz69B_b78O_Ws-K2pAE8DkMJaNCU/s1600-h/chesse.fetedefromage.DSC_0037+%2810%29.1280.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjib0nelnGsIuyCPKqKXsXNB41EgT11OYbeqgmqCWudj6Zf-Ex1Vea6wWzK8t5WTtGOEi4jr0Sq54_J4wwl9ad1ytb5xzxHbXu5LO4TYSA2Y7eYWgbnrz69B_b78O_Ws-K2pAE8DkMJaNCU/s400/chesse.fetedefromage.DSC_0037+%2810%29.1280.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426922541391138946" border="0" /></a><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div><br />Shira of <a href="http://lespetitpois.blogspot.com/2010/01/fourme-dambert.html">Petit Pois</a> started the new year off in the right direction with a resolution to taste more cheese. I love that! Almost immediately however, she found herself being lured back to one of her favorite French cheeses, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Fourme d'Ambert</span>. Its flavor, "<span style="font-style: italic;" lang="EN-US"><span style="">round and nutty...neither insipid nor one-dimensional</span></span>" and its reasonable price were too enticing to pass up.<br />"<span style="font-style: italic;">Resolution be damned,</span>" she says. And I agree. She plans on trying some new cheeses this year, but Fourme d'Ambert will always be on her short list!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvapXVlIkw5SNcFeP9bNp_mAP8XjeAR2d0wM3mbc85Xv20u4EtU0ORDMJjO6kKhFcFI-A748TELHc77JW-llVoDC92rvfqm1HOm7cdYHylzv1ZZs38PMRHJK1i3705wau55TrK9wFnFPll/s1600-h/Fourme+d%27Ambert.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 358px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvapXVlIkw5SNcFeP9bNp_mAP8XjeAR2d0wM3mbc85Xv20u4EtU0ORDMJjO6kKhFcFI-A748TELHc77JW-llVoDC92rvfqm1HOm7cdYHylzv1ZZs38PMRHJK1i3705wau55TrK9wFnFPll/s400/Fourme+d%27Ambert.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426621872431340434" border="0" /></a><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /><br /></div>A trio of Normandy's best known cheeses were written up by Maggie of <a href="http://normandylife.blogspot.com/2010/01/les-troi-normand.html">Normandy Life</a>.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Pont l'Evêque</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Camembert</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Livarot</span> are three French cheeses that she says make up the perfect Normandy cheese board. I have to agree! I also like Maggie's suggestion of tasting them with a glass of Calvados, the famous apple brandy from the region.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLua6RdazC86wd36eqrQgav-BXvRat8BS4lRcL3mNMMJjpo9y_qps0oJ-M0bP_5KV70cF98o4g_Dt7MkT4yJ_rU5-ILn6p30_DdwFnlne1mB1zRys3yU9O4US_TJfVBgHTN-7gaxRLynj/s1600-h/Fromage.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLua6RdazC86wd36eqrQgav-BXvRat8BS4lRcL3mNMMJjpo9y_qps0oJ-M0bP_5KV70cF98o4g_Dt7MkT4yJ_rU5-ILn6p30_DdwFnlne1mB1zRys3yU9O4US_TJfVBgHTN-7gaxRLynj/s400/Fromage.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426968466958454338" border="0" /></a><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">My entry of this month's Fête is <span style="font-weight: bold;">Etorki</span>, an unassuming ewe's milk cheese from the Basque region of southwest France. It is velvety and rich with hazelnut and caramel-like flavors that are a <a href="http://chezlouloufrance.blogspot.com/2008/08/la-fte-du-fromage-etorki.html">true delight</a>! <br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3106/2748529837_e4b294b14a.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 467px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3106/2748529837_e4b294b14a.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div><br />That's a wrap! <span style="font-weight: bold;">Thanks for making January's round up a great one!</span><br /><br /><br />The next <span style="font-weight: bold;">Fête du Fromage</span> International Cheese Tasting will take place in March as I'll be in New Orleans joining in the Mardi Gras festivities in February.<br />Please have your entries to me by <span style="font-weight: bold;">March 13</span>. The entire round-up will be posted on <span style="font-weight: bold;">March 15</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">There is an amazing world of cheese out there to discover and there are many small farmers and artisan cheese makers who appreciate our support. </span> I look forward to reading about your tastings in March!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Tell us why you chose this particular cheese. Tell us how it tasted. Tell us about its texture and aroma. Did you eat it on its own? Or with something? Did you drink anything special with your cheese? Would you recommend it or not? Is there something unusual or interesting about it?</span><br /><ul><li>Photos are wonderful, but not necessary</li><li><span class="fullpost">Entries must contain the words </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">La Fête du Fromage </span><span>and contain a link to</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> <a href="http://chezlouloufrance.blogspot.com/">Chez Loulou</a></span></li><li><span class="fullpost">Posts should be written specifically for <span style="font-weight: bold;">La Fête du Fromage</span> and not entered in any other food blog event</span></li><li><span>Please send the link to your post to <span style="font-style: italic;">louloufrance (at) gmail (dot) com</span></span> with the words <span style="font-style: italic;">Fête du Fromage</span> in the subject line</li></ul>yusuf81http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147496194944388072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981408197217648369.post-91685541480886682262012-12-16T14:05:00.000-08:002012-12-16T14:05:00.853-08:00Blog Notes and Links<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2428/3849460556_19ffe7967b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2428/3849460556_19ffe7967b.jpg" /></a></div><br />My guest post for Andi's <i>French Friday</i> series on her blog, <b>Misadventures With Andi,</b> was posted the other day: <a href="http://www.misadventureswithandi.com/2010/07/french-friday-beyond-paris-my-south-of-france.html">Beyond Paris: My South of France</a>.<br />A huge merci to Andi for including me in the series!<br /><br />If you are a cheese lover or a francophile and have the photos to prove it, then please come and join one or more of the <b>Flickr</b> groups that I administer.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/frenchcheese/">French Cheese</a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/fromage/">La Fête du Fromage </a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/1384375@N24/">French Markets</a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/frenchwindows/">French Windows</a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/1291673@N22/">Colors of the Languedoc</a> - of which I am the only member! How sad is that?<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/839373@N22/">Minervois</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3249/2828279382_63fed94234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3249/2828279382_63fed94234.jpg" /></a></div><br />I still sometimes get questions about how many French cheeses I've tasted for <b>La Fête du Fromage</b>. I've put a link to the <b><a href="http://chezlouloufrance.blogspot.com/p/list-of-french-cheese.html">entire list</a></b> - all 177 and counting - under the "Pages" category. <br /><br />Our <a href="http://sunnyfrance.blogspot.com/">house</a> is still available if you're looking for a place in the south of France, and I've added another <a href="http://www.maisondevillagesale.webs.com/">house for sale</a> to the sidebar. Sadly our friends are moving away and need to sell their charming home with a garden and terrace in Saint-Thibéry, located about 15 minutes from the beaches near <a href="http://www.capdagde.com/">Cap d'Agde</a>.<br /><br />If you've ever asked yourself (<i>or someone already living in France - you wouldn't believe how many emails I get on this subject</i>) the question, <b>Should I Move to France?</b>, then David Lebovitz's <a href="http://www.davidlebovitz.com/archives/2010/06/should_i_move_to_france_25_quest.html">post</a> might help you come up with a definitive answer. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4584494123_94412ff777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4584494123_94412ff777.jpg" /></a></div><br />.yusuf81http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147496194944388072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981408197217648369.post-35989221531996665292012-12-16T11:20:00.000-08:002012-12-16T11:20:00.664-08:00Brunch at Fig in Santa MonicaHad received an email from daughter Celine, who lives in Amsterdam, telling me she had prepared a sumptuous brunch with hash browns, pancakes, and more! So when I walked into FIG, in Santa Monica, to meet friends fro brunch, I knew exactly what I was going to order!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373548379534135106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 287px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWK_EaBog454t_lJsndOgBkbXUAWUsf1l_56uYW-N2hVoreEDUo_uMb_teKMArqyIRwbe0WNxsGCOaPAT3c906vzJ61idkOlfpg9a98Md7YUvPru01mQsUUmCFeAAu6Pd3LhYW88xWkEs/s400/fig-2.jpg" border="0" />The restaurant, which has excellent reviews in the LA press and travel forums, is in the Miramar Hotel (the exact address is 101 Wilshire) and it is worth a visit for any meal you may want to have!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373544956194496578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOF7gIAdSmUKIGFIGK_X8yRhsmZ2mtpPp7hFfDNdbw9e9TLpGxCHI6xI__5Khyphenhyphendlg-dqVZzz7W5YpxsbefzLCfA4Vd1cG5dC_Jv1IDsvgJT0dYRhlX6V7A6o-ieo-wS-8CmYGBW724f_c/s400/fig-1.jpg" border="0" />The setting is casual, and there are big sliding doors that open over the hotel swimming pool, adding a light note to the atmosphere. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373544987399291778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6jwpiM1plIfOMXN01L7zZlJpukMrI8iz6x47NFSnyfwQ2Q7h3P7H0r9nLsGk9nzI5ZRatu9sxT_01abCl-nwzv1AtCJU-XIwEcZlGxNhOCp8rWJ3Bk2S5g2MbFAXs1aUmugXW0LCPSKA/s400/fig-3.jpg" border="0" />The breakfast menu is tempting with a choice of set breakfast, bakery items, and more. We went straight to the "specialities" section. My friends ordered Hash browns, and "Pain perdu", and I ordered .. well, you know, pancakes. <div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgq3gKg21Sqw9mcdgrP6rpnNQ_1n8T0Xo7p6k0NIbtdPUL8REAhlFINeqjYaGOYCf_WeMX2-RRn8ljepvBQk7MAjCPLtSdmobWcvmOBLkanL5IYEKcRHkyCGOwOuT4IXRUsTybsubuAo/s1600-h/fig-4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373544980345609298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 288px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgq3gKg21Sqw9mcdgrP6rpnNQ_1n8T0Xo7p6k0NIbtdPUL8REAhlFINeqjYaGOYCf_WeMX2-RRn8ljepvBQk7MAjCPLtSdmobWcvmOBLkanL5IYEKcRHkyCGOwOuT4IXRUsTybsubuAo/s400/fig-4.jpg" border="0" /></a> When the hash browns arrived I almost regretted my choice! Small potatoes with theirs skins, mushrooms, tomatoes, diced chorizo, all sauteed, and two poached eggs on top! Oh, my, breakfast, lunch, and dinner all at once!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKyelc2YwUFhfFJ1OaJRPu7fB89Qr-LlSzdkuMMzNXX6w82JiSlb-PMWmpOayutgVidSil9cbjK4lBIlxd0ylAv2borbvE321uqbujuVF4ddS5AyCUHjJJUpqeZHkNIv8PCc3ZyRcTTQ/s1600-h/fig-5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373544971697633922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKyelc2YwUFhfFJ1OaJRPu7fB89Qr-LlSzdkuMMzNXX6w82JiSlb-PMWmpOayutgVidSil9cbjK4lBIlxd0ylAv2borbvE321uqbujuVF4ddS5AyCUHjJJUpqeZHkNIv8PCc3ZyRcTTQ/s400/fig-5.jpg" border="0" /></a>My pancakes came with a coulis of fruit, sliced almonds, and maple syrup. They were perfect, a little bit moist and golden on both sides. There were four of them and I could not finish them!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrRIqGEhyphenhyphenc3_s76-zeUUseoU3-X0dgcpQEb4bQ5jfeSjuErryx91M6vYcBq7v3uLVU08k_godlPSJLObd64Dq-MsR_s41YLdxNg1oLgNvlep-s_lzzU4oZF5oIaTuaS_gE8NSrP1T_VU/s1600-h/fig-6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373544964499488306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrRIqGEhyphenhyphenc3_s76-zeUUseoU3-X0dgcpQEb4bQ5jfeSjuErryx91M6vYcBq7v3uLVU08k_godlPSJLObd64Dq-MsR_s41YLdxNg1oLgNvlep-s_lzzU4oZF5oIaTuaS_gE8NSrP1T_VU/s400/fig-6.jpg" border="0" /></a><em>Pain Perdu</em> means "lost bread" in French, and was made using old dry bread, and passing it in a beaten egg. The American version is called "French Toast" and I have seen it made with white sliced bread. <em>Pain perdu</em> has been revisited, and is now made with a slice of brioche, which was the option taken by Fig. The presentation was beautiful, with red and blue berries and maple syrup on the side.<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373548387355500210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 333px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWn4gq-HC4jFD8rVRox96RsFVzKGEOmcvWHClksA0n4gxoM8fn8ll1zZZHDlQ974ewKg_j46a7Yczq6tDSeWVBPxEfgh723uRhUaA61OSrLOA31XkqmPlS0OqgYfNJrB9YuSm3Im4N-Y/s400/fig-7-us.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div>As you can see, the three of us were very very happy!<br /><br /><strong>Traditional Pain perdu recipe</strong><br /><u>Ingredients</u><br />Bread left overs cut in thick 1/2 inch slices<br />2 cups of whole milk<br />1 vanilla bean cut in two alongside<br />1/2 cup sugar + 1 tsp<br />2 eggs, beaten<br />2 Tbsp unsalted butter<br /><u>Steps</u><br />Boil the milk with the sugar and the vanilla bean. Set aside until it is cool.<br />Add the dry bread and let soak 4 or 5 minutes, remove and drain.<br />Heat the butter in a pan.<br />Beat the eggs with 1 tsp of sugar<br />One by one, put the soften bread slices in the beaten egg and place carefully in the pan with the butter. Leave until golden, then turn and let cook on the other side.<br />Traditionally <em>pain perdu</em> was served plain or with powdered sugar.yusuf81http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147496194944388072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981408197217648369.post-14112440121442645692012-12-16T04:57:00.000-08:002012-12-16T04:57:00.616-08:00Photo du Jour - The Vineyards<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3292/2955179472_304e61c266.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3292/2955179472_304e61c266.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The afternoon light in the vineyards. <br />Taken just outside our village.yusuf81http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147496194944388072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981408197217648369.post-51136813972993064122012-12-15T12:31:00.000-08:002012-12-15T12:31:01.054-08:00Sunday ReadingNever learned to appreciate Oreos, but <a href="http://www.sassyradish.com/archives/2009/03/homemade_oreos.html">these</a> just might cure me of that.<br /><br />You may have already read about the <span style="font-style: italic;">Deep Fried Poached Egg</span> in <a href="http://www.gourmet.com/">Gourmet</a> magazine. Since I am totally out of the loop living way out here in the country, you can imagine my delight when I read <a href="http://whenharrymetsalad.wordpress.com/2009/04/05/deep-fried-poached-egg-with-creamed-spinach/#more-718">this</a>. <span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Drool!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://bloom-grow-love.blogspot.com/">Beautiful</a>. <a href="http://www.creaturecomforts.typepad.com/">Inspirational</a>. <a href="http://lobsterandswan.blogspot.com/">Enchanting</a>.<br /><br />I admit that I was kind of freaking out when it looked like the <a href="http://www.joyofbaking.com/ganache.html">ganache</a> wasn't going to set up. The cake needed to be decorated before we left for party and I only had an hour left.<br />Well, I couldn't have been more wrong. It set up just fine and this will now (<span style="font-style: italic;">and probably forever</span>) be the only <a href="http://www.davidlebovitz.com/archives/2007/08/devils_food_cak.html">chocolate ganache frosting</a> recipe I will ever use. It is <span style="font-weight: bold;">perfection</span>.<br /><br />Love their <a href="http://oneblockdiet.sunset.com/">beekeeping</a> tales. Actually, I'm enjoying reading all about their adventures.<br /><br />Wishing I was as talented as <a href="http://www.garancedore.fr/en/">she</a> is.yusuf81http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147496194944388072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981408197217648369.post-3987008192916046732012-12-15T02:48:00.000-08:002012-12-15T02:48:00.245-08:00Martine's Birthday (4)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbasTUxaDcb3OPz7bg0RJQe6j_dO2i8boT74FFQHAY6yew3Ib592a47I2-Au-22UFAMIWaSrKdHNjYD-C88SyGXGQ0E5qON_BP4KH1CjwJN-wgA3ZjYQpyrLkqKEnq246eLwfOS89mtaLY/s1600-h/DSCF5443.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247296224870837106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbasTUxaDcb3OPz7bg0RJQe6j_dO2i8boT74FFQHAY6yew3Ib592a47I2-Au-22UFAMIWaSrKdHNjYD-C88SyGXGQ0E5qON_BP4KH1CjwJN-wgA3ZjYQpyrLkqKEnq246eLwfOS89mtaLY/s400/DSCF5443.JPG" border="0" /></a> What an incredible treat! A Château Haut Bergey 1989! That's how we savored our salad and cheese platter.<br />The salad was a simple "sucrine" with a vinaigrette made with red wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil, plus sea salt and fresh ground pepper. We tossed it 15 times, as it should be done!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-Mn5CEdrRS6VV8r87Vn7W6s6WQ3x4nyhNHRVAb2dZuYZ1Po65cug8B4pQ6BAhy8jPLSVZZwOconVodBgzPOceWwiDg1oVkANhyphenhyphen8Y9J2UpLY0QHKX8P8cKYE-prK7jIrJw7NmRp_vMqKU/s1600-h/DSCF5442.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247296234271911650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-Mn5CEdrRS6VV8r87Vn7W6s6WQ3x4nyhNHRVAb2dZuYZ1Po65cug8B4pQ6BAhy8jPLSVZZwOconVodBgzPOceWwiDg1oVkANhyphenhyphen8Y9J2UpLY0QHKX8P8cKYE-prK7jIrJw7NmRp_vMqKU/s400/DSCF5442.JPG" border="0" /></a> Knowing that I was going to have to pair food with very good Bordeaux wines, I had been to my favorite cheese shop <a href="http://www.lafromageriedauteuil.fr/">la Fromagerie d'Auteuil</a> and had told Monsieur Fouchereau: <div>- What cheese would you recommend for a very good bottle of Bordeaux?</div><div>He advised mild, fruity, cow milk cheeses. We settled for: a <a href="http://www.livarot-aoc.org/">Livarot</a> , from Normandy, a young <a href="http://www.comte.com/pages.php?idMenu=0&idSsMenu=0&idPage=0&langue=2&idSite=1">Comte </a>(fruity) from the Jura, a <a href="http://www.fromage-aoc-st-nectaire.fr/">St Nectaire</a> from Auvergne, and a <a href="http://www.camembert-france.com/">Camembert</a> from Normandy. All made with unpasteurized milk - of course. I invite all cheese lovers to visit the websites of these marvellous French cheeses.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247296231264867730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8NTdiJB3GCr-TUKOticXwjOBX8KQ1TvXc0sxpyboWN40wYAZBobzIozv8_IZI08ex_mTWomJCykj6yyehG6v8Ery4LMU9PcgCdOLxFP6lWdxb7g3q7cXHf-aTUUG9LthL2Ps02yGmF5nr/s400/DSCF5440.JPG" border="0" /></div><br />I presented them in a platter I bought in Indonesia: a large green banana leave made of light wood. One knife is for the soft cheeses, the other one for the hard ones (like the comte). Quite daring for the traditional French!yusuf81http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147496194944388072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981408197217648369.post-62866721082409969402012-12-14T23:14:00.000-08:002012-12-14T23:14:01.042-08:00Photo du Jour - Breathtaking<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3384/3268209995_060e2eef18.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3384/3268209995_060e2eef18.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The sunset was breathtaking last night. Glowing pink and amber against periwinkle blue.yusuf81http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147496194944388072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3981408197217648369.post-85187066756007750552012-12-14T21:21:00.000-08:002012-12-14T21:21:00.596-08:00Photo du Jour - Symmetry<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2793/4273557275_0ace454fc5.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2793/4273557275_0ace454fc5.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I think there is something quite special about an avenue of cypress trees.yusuf81http://www.blogger.com/profile/01147496194944388072noreply@blogger.com0