A Lovely Find to Dine on The Ile Saint-Louis

A friend of my family, Clarissa, a beautiful young lady ( who knows her restaurants because she is in the business in California and a multi-repeat visitor to Paris) suggests a lovely restaurant on the  Ile Saint-Louis , l'Îlot Vache, at the corner of rue Saint-Louis-en-l'Île and rue des Deux-Ponts. It is named after one of the two original islands which made up Île Saint-Louis, Île aux Vaches or Island of the Cows. For years satisfied customers have been sending stuffed cows, painted cows, wax cows, tin cows to restaurant owner Catherine Delrieu so she expand the collection. It makes for an absolutely charming décor both inside and out.
The other aspect of the décor that is appealing is the table settings. None of the tables are initially dressed the same. The service plates are different at each place, glasses vary from table to table, flower arrangements and candlesticks differ with each table. It creates a really interesting look.
The welcome is warm and friendly. The cuisine at l'Îlot Vache is classic French and excellent. The entrées include fish soup ( Clarissa says its the best in Paris and she has tried many places) , salmon crepes, pan sautéed foie gras or fresh foie gras The main courses are equally divided between meat and fish, although with a name like Îlot Vache, you should optedfor the meat dishes. the magret de canard (or sliced duck breast) is beautifully prepared with apricots and a red fruit sauce. The filet of beef served with a sautéed toast and slice of foie gras (Filet de boeuf façon Rossini) is perfect. Perfectly cooked tender beef accompanied by foie gras. . As for the desserts, they are as classic as the other dishes and as good. This is a wonderful place to come and have a very pleasant evening. She says you’ll find yourself coming back each visit to Paris.
http://restaurant-ilotvache.com/index.php?l=en&e=1&mod=0&inco=presentation

The Best Kept Secret In France....

Just a few hours east from Paris is Alsace, one of the loveliest and most picturesque regions in France. With its quaint towns and natural beauty one would think that it is always full of tourists, however it is one of France's most well kept secrets. Alsace, located in the extreme East of France, borders both Germany and Switzerland. This region has something to offer just about everyone: Great food – French and German, Wine, the area competes in the variety of wines with that of Burgundy, I am not a white wine fan, but the amount of amazing types of white wine – from simple to complex made me a white wine believer. For history buffs, the Alsace region has a rich and tumultuous history. The region has a strong German influence which can be seen by simply looking around at the architecture and tasting the food. Today there are more than 300 castles, many of which were destroyed during violent battles not uncommon in the region in the distant past. Luckily, more than 100 of these castles remain in good conditions and can be visited by the public. And for fans of picture perfect towns and scenery: driving through the so-called Route des Vins d'Alsace you will see and enjoy more than 100 different picture perfect towns: all of which seem to have come from the pages of Hansel and Gretel. Each one more beautiful than the other.
In short, I’ve been to most regions in France and this by far was one of the most beautiful. I can’t wait to go back.

Just Back From France and am I Wowed!

I have just returned from a long sojourn in France and thought in my many years, many, mind you, of traveling to each region that nothing could 'wow' me anymore, but I was wrong, I spent a few weeks in the Alsace and Jura regions and was amazed at the beauty of these two areas and areas that most American travelers do not visit. They should!!
Please look back in a few days for my observations of two of the most incredible areas in France.