It's Friday..Had a Hard Week with Difficult Clients...so....

 I am leaving the office early, but my mind  ( to calm me down) is thinking of sunset over the Seine.
The Pont des Arts , a pedestrian bridge that was built at the beginning of the 19th century.

Sunday In Paris for a Song! This Is What It's All About! NO? OUI!

Sundays in Paris are sacrosanct—slow motion mornings made for sleeping in or wandering empty Paris streets or lazily reading piles of newspapers, punctuated by coffee and croissants.
 For one band of merry Parisians (seemingly straight out of central casting), Sundays are a marathon of music … and a reminder of all that is good about France.
They start at the Mouffetard market singing and dancing to Piaf and Trenet—the kind of songs that make old (and young) a bit nostalgic for yesterday. The timeless melodies and a “je ne regrette rien” credo take hold in a powerful way. Even if you don’t know the words or the tune (except perhaps osmotically from old French movies or scratchy Piaf recordings), you will find yourself humming … and smiling … and pretty soon dancing.
The group then flows uphill and takes over a Mouffetard restaurant to continue the party. They drink and eat and sing and dance some more. The accordion chords vibrate off the poster-rich wooden walls, and the dancers stretch the limits of the aisle-turned-dance floor. Everyone just plain has a good time. The group then adjourns to the quai Saint-Bernard (when the summer warmth comes) for … what else? … more singing and dancing. We should all have such a good life, n’est ce pas?

Choco Museum Now Open

Who does not like chocolate? The French consume several pounds each year. Now to the delight of everyone, The Musee Gourmand du Chocolat has opened in the 10e in Paris.
From the outside it looks small, but when you get inside, you'll change your mind.
The museum is organized in three parts.
First the history of Chocolate in the new world, then upstairs is the European history with Chocolate and then finally (the most exciting part) the tasting room. There is (for a small fee) a tasting option. Also there is a shop selling chocolate souvenirs and choco accessories.
Admission is Euro 9 for adults and Euro 6 for kids and students.

Not Far From The Maddening Crowd...............Versailles

Versailles high season has arrived and the place is very very crowded...
Several of my tour guides have warned me about the big crowds at the Chateau de Versailles.SO..................
If you want to ENJOY a visit at Versailles I recommend either an early morning or an early afternoon reservation to avoid the long lines to get into the chateau and this EVEN with a reservation. The big buses usually arrive around 10am.
My ideal scenarios are:
- Morning tours:
Have my guide pickup you up at the hotel at 8:30am for a 9:15/9:30am reservation or if you are not early risers is to start at 9:30am – visit the gardens first & then get a resavation for the Chateau after 11:30am.
- Afternoon tours:
Pickup from your hotel at 1:30pm for a 2:15pm resavation
ALSO, avoid visits on Tuesdays if possible. Versailles is closed on Mondays so Tuesdays are usually more crowded.

Paris Rain - It's Sweet!

"This is what you do on your very first day in Paris. You get yourself, not a drizzle, but some honest-to-goodness rain, and you find yourself someone really nice and drive her through the Bois de Boulogne in a taxi. The rain’s very important. That’s when Paris smells its sweetest."AUDREY HEPBURN - SABRINA -

Chantal Voisin-Simon is from the third generation of Simons to run the Parapluies Simon boutique on the boulevard Saint Michel, and she’s been doing so since 1958.
Her grandfather opened up shop in 1897. The boutique Simon sells “créateurs” umbrellas, some from Chantal Thomass, some from Jean Paul Gaultier, but 95% of their wares come from small altelier-workshops that have small productions. Chantal likes working with these small productions for the care and detailed attention they put into their work, trying to inovate in colors and designs every year. But there are a small amount of Simon-made umbrellas that are made by the house, stunning handmade pieces that are pure luxury.
http://www.parapluies-simon.com/

Only In France - The Best Baguette Contest 2011

Today marked the 18th “Grand Prix de la Baguette de Tradition Française de la Ville de Paris”, the annual competition to select the best baguette in Paris. Every year a panel of judges—mostly bakers and a few food celebrities—gather on the Ile Saint Louis to deliberate over who makes the best baguette in Paris, not an easy feat considering there are roughly 1,200 boulangeries in Paris. The baguettes being judged are not just any baguettes, but baguettes de tradition, bread which according to a French law enacted in 1993 must be mixed, kneaded, leavened and baked on premises, without ever being frozen. They must be additive-free and can contain only four precious ingredients–wheat flour, water, salt and yeast. So, if you are going to buy a baguette, make sure it’s a baguette de tradition.
Unfortunately, asking for a “une tradition” doesn’t guarantee you’ll get good bread. It may seem hard to believe, but a lot of mediocre bread can be found in France. Walk into your average corner bakery and if you don’t know what to look for, or to ask for, you risk walking away with a very average, and at times inedible, baguette.That said, every neighborhood has a great boulangerie, you just need to know where to go and to be willing to walk a few blocks out of your way to find one.
A true baguette is thin, measures between 50 and 70 centimeters and weighs between 240-300 grams. According to Steven Kaplan, an American Professor considered to be the world’s authority on bread, there are several things to look for: appearance, aroma, a dense yet aerated cream-colored crumb, and of course the taste.
So without further ado, this year’s winners for the best baguette in Paris goes to:
1st Place: Pascal Barillon, Au Levain d’Antan” 6, rue des Abbesses, Paris 18th
And the runners up are:


2-Gaétan ROMP, 14 rue de la Michodière Paris 2nd

3-Pascal JAMIN « les saveurs du 20eme, 120 rue de Bagnolet Paris 20th

4-Gontran CHERRIER 22 rue Caulaincourt, Paris 18th

5-Le Fournil du village, M.RISSER 12 place J.B Clément Paris 18th

6-Les Gourmandises d’Eiffel, Gilles LEVASLOT, 187 rue de Grenelle Paris 7th

7-Jean-Noël JULIEN, 75 rue Saint-Honoré Paris 1st

8-Philippe MARACHE, 92 av de la République Paris 11th

9-Philippe BOGNER, 204 rue des Pyrénées Paris 20th

10-Le Grenier à pain Saint-Amand 33 bis rue Saint-Amand Paris 15th

L'Heure-Bleue

Musicians are found everywhere in Paris, in the Metro, on street corners and squares and on the bridges (Ponts). Everything from Classical, to folk, to rock; well you just name it. It has always been part of the city rhythm and one of the things that makes this city so magical.

L'Heure- Bleue" that beautiful soft evening light in Paris that seems to go on for hours. this group of "plus vieux parisien" are happily performing Blues music on the Pont-Ile-Saint-Louis.

It's Time To Picnic In Paris

Paris and Springtime and what better time than to indulge in a picnic. Now you could, browse the Paris markets gathering cheeses, wine, desserts, breads and spreads for our Sunday picnic on the quays, but sometimes, it’s nice to let someone else do all of the work.
Someone with good taste like Arnaud Delmontel, (39 rue des Martyrs in the 9th; 57 rue Damrémont in the 18th, or 25 rue de Lévis in the 17th). He offers a €59 gourmet picnic basket for 4-5 people stuffed with all the drinks and munchies But don’t forget to bring, a corkscrew, cutlery, cups, napkins, and a picnic blanket. Please Order the night before. Other traiteur/delis in Paris offer pre-made “panier pique-nique” (check at Hédiard, Fouchon, or BE Boulangepicier,)

"quand l'appétit va, tout va!"

There is a a famous saying in France that goes "quand l'appétit va, tout va!" ("when your appetite is fine, everything else is") and, well considering the huge "Gauffre" aux marrons (chestnuts waffle) one can get in Paris, How true that is!

Do you have a favorite metro in Paris? This Is one of mine..

It's on the Left Bank - Metro Saint-Michel
I love this busy Saint-Michel station with the art-nouveau entrance
lots of action on the streets around and usually you'll be greeted by
sounds of music wafting up from one of the many
groups of buskers that frequent this station.

Easter In France

                 ~ Special Easter Traditions in France ~
Easter Sunday and Easter Monday are national holidays in France. Government businesses and most shops are closed (though tourist attractions such as museums and monuments remain open for visiting).
• Best place for Easter Mass on April 24: Notre Dame Cathedral
Services at: 8.15 a.m., 10 a.m., 11.30 a.m., 12.45 p.m., 5.45 p.m., and 6.30 p.m.
NOTE: The Gregorian mass at 10 a.m. on Easter Sunday is very beautiful.
•TIP: Visitors should be sure to visit the charcuteries to sample the traditional Paté de Pacques (Easter paté), made only at this time of year.

( Sorry for putting Porc next to a Jewish suggestion for Passover )

•Best place for traditional Passover, or “Pesach” specialties in Paris are found in many restaurants in the beautiful Marais neighborhood.

Secret Corners Of Paris That I Adore

                                           Place Dauphine
At the very tip of Ile de la Cite, near the Pont Neuf in the 1st.
Place Dauphine is one of the prettiest squares in Paris, situated right in the center of the city. At the foot of Ile de la Cite (not nearest Ile St. Louis, but the other end) lies a lovely, quiet old square that is actually V-shaped. I like the Taverne Henri IV wine bar here.

Tango In Paris Under The Stars

Quai St.-Bernard
Square Tino Rossi, in the 5th.
Every evening from May through September, from sunset to midnight, Parisians take advantage of the warming weather and free tango classes on the quai St.-Bernard. The quai is essentially a walkway that stretches between the Pont Sully and the Pont d’Austerlitz. It is flanked by the Seine on the north side and the scenic Jardin des Plantes on the south. Take advantage of these free classes to soak in the spring and summer sunsets.
The dancing begins at 7 p.m. each evening during the week and at 5 p.m. on week-ends. What’s really nice is that you get young and old alike dancing together. Everyone is welcome, and who knows, you just might meet your dance partner for life!

Who was the square named after?

Tino Rossi was a singer and film actor, he was a tenor of French cabaret and one of the great romantic idols of his time. Gifted with an operatic voice, a "Latin Lover" persona made him a movie star as well. Over his career, Rossi made hundreds of records and appeared in more than 25 films. His romantic ballads had women swooning.

Oysters - Everything You Wanted to Know, but Were Afraid To Ask or...... Eat!

I am sure; many of you have eaten oysters in your travels. If you have been to France, it’s a must, in order to taste the 'real' France . But eating is one thing, another is seeing how they are harvested and eating them right off the boat. Now,just outside Bordeaux, in the bay of Arcachon - home to famous oysters and scores of oyster growers and harvesters, you now have the chance to spend some time with an oyster grower; ah better than that, a beautiful oyster grower - Sylvie LATRILLE.
Sylvie has opened her business and profession to visits to see at first hand - the Oyster and how it is raised and harvested.
She offers many workshops (in between her growing and harvesting oysters)
~ The Shucking Workshop - Learn the skill (and it is a skill) of opening an oyster with the tasting of 6 different sizes and shapes

~ First Time Oyster Eaters Workshop - an introduction and conversation and tasting to people who don’t realize what they have been missing.- a glass of wine, bread and butter and a step by step class.

~ Going Out With The Tide - Experience a ride on an oyster barge to 'get the drift' of the oyster profession

........ Of course, just sitting outside her oyster shack, over looking the harbor and eating oysters, drinking local wine( from near by Bordeaux) and maybe enjoying some Pate? If you wish, you can even top that off with whelks, shrimps and clams.



Limeuil - One of the Most Beautiful Villages in France

Located just a bit off the beaten path in the Dorodgne , this lovely village where the Dordogne and Vezere rivers meet is worth a detour.

Francois, The Paella Man - In Paris

One of the great pleasures of being in France is to visit the weekly open air market. It's one of my musts whenever I visit. In the countryside besides the standard wonderful fare found at a French Market, are vendors who prepare food to go. Unlike the awful food to go in the United States, we are talking about a whole different thing in France. I love the Paella Man whom you see again and again at various country markets and now I am happy to report, there is one in Paris.
Twice a week at Place Baudoyer (The Marais) where a local Paris outdoor market is, Francois makes the freshest, most scrumptious, and authentic paella. He sets up his truck on Saturday mornings and Wednesday afternoons and makes the paella from scratch with spicy sausage, jumbo shrimp, fresh mussels, red & green peppers, bay leaves, rice, peas, and the most tender chicken parts. A huge portion for one, which is actually enough for two, costs only 7 euros. One salivates as he scoops the steaming hot paella into the container. Francois also prepares excellent beef Bourguignon, chicken fricassee, chicken stew with white beans, and big sausages with lentils, but for me his shining star is the paella.
Francois's Paella Truck
Baudoyer market
Place Baudoyer, between rue de Rivoli & rue Francois Miron, 4th arr.
Metro:Hotel de Ville, St. Paul
Open Saturday 7AM-3PM- Note: paella is not ready till about 11:30AM
Wednesday 3PM-8:30PM

Sumptious Festivites at Vaux Le Vicomte - Play King and Queen for an Evening

Every year, during the summer, Vaux le Vicomte ( my favorite to visit rather than Versailles, in fact, Versailles was modeled on Vaux) opens its estate for all the visitors looking for the beauty of nature, landscape, and exceptional architecture.
As evening falls on Saturdays between May 7th and October 8th, over 2,000 candles are lit throughout the château and gardens. Tour the chateau by candlelight!
This festival of light is complemented by classical music in a section of the gardens, designed by Le Nôtre. Stretched out in a deckchair, visitors can allow themselves to be transported back in time by this magical illumination to a memorable page of history, the only party given at Vaux le Vicomte by Nicolas Fouquet, on 17 August 1661, in response to a request from the young king Louis XIV.
Possibility to eat on the Estate in our restaurant L'Ecureuil or in the gardens at Les Charmilles

Fireworks will be shot on the first and 3rd Saturday of the month around 10:30 p.m.

London Afternoon Tea with a Twist...............or an Olive

One of the major events for any visitor to London is a traditional full blown English tea and there are many wonderful ones to recommend throughout the city and I have been enjoying those teas since I was a child from the early 1950's, and those who know me well, also know that I have been drinking Martini's since I was 21, ah, some 40 years or so and so it is with great excitement, that I have discovered that at the cozy, boutique hotel - Flemings( located in Mayfair - my favorite area in all of London) not only like its neighborhood upscale hotels, offers a traditional English tea, but know also offers - a Martini Tea. It is, in the British argot, ................'Brilliant!'
I love London English teas and I also love Martini’s and so here I can experience both in one sitting. So on you next trip to London, have a afternoon Martini tea or even better yet, have one and then stay at this most wonderful boutique hotel in the city.
In the words of Lyricist Ira Gershwin…. “Who could ask for anything more?”

Here are just a few samples that I recommend:
THE MAYFAIR MARTINI £12.00
Martini’s made with Berry Bros. & Rudd No. 3 London Dry Gin, stirred
patiently with your preferred vermouth and finished with a selection of
citrus fruits/olives or even a hint of bitters.
THE FLEMINGS NEGRONI £12.00
Your choice of Gin stirred with your selection of Sweet Vermouth and
Campari, served over ice with a selection of citrus oils.
SIGNATURE MARTINI £12.00
Our signature Martini: aged Van Wee's Genever lovingly stirred through
with hints of ripe apricot, a whisper of aromatic wine and a touch of bitter orange. Finished with fresh orange oils.

A French Thought For The Day..........

"I don't speak French that well, although I do read French Menu's well!" - H.E. Lewis

The French Riviera - How To Arrive In Style

Although I love the sun and fun of the French Riviera, I am less sanguine about the cities of Nice and Cannes. To me, those areas are one gigantic stretch of miles and miles of ugly, condo’s running along the beach. Much more atmospheric and lovely is the area east of Nice – the villages from St Jean-Cap Ferrat – Villefranche-Beaulieu and Eze. This is the Beverly Hills of the French Rivera and home to wonderful hotels.
Of course, just east of all of this is the small country of Monaco and Monte Carlo. Here 365 days of beautiful, sunny weather, chic people, shops and restaurants and just one of my favorite areas in Southern France.
One of, NO! The best way to arrive here is by Heli Air Monaco. The flights depart from the Nice airport (almost every 30 minutes) and it takes all of 7 minutes, in a spectacular ride passing the beautiful villages mentioned above. Once you land in this dream city of Southern France, there is free transportation into town or your hotel.
Even if you are not staying here, why not consider taking the Helicopter flight over for a day. You won’t be disappointed. The prices are very reasonable too.

MOTORING TREATS FOR THE RACE DRIVER IN YOU IN THE LOIRE VALLEY

 

While staying as private guests of Comte and Comtesse de Vanssay experiencing 600 years of history in their elegant Loire Valley Château,
Automobile lovers can enjoy racing a Ferrari 430GT, a Lamborghini Gallardo a Porsche or a Pescarolo Prototype around the world famous racetrack in Le Mans.
This exclusive 3 night package, priced between 525 and 725 euros per person, includes:
- Three nights accommodation in one of the elegant rooms of the château, furnished with designer fabrics and precious antiques
- Champagne welcome, flowers and port wine in your room
- a memorable Grand Siècle candlelit dinner in the prestigeous XVIIth century dining room on one night
- a wine and cheese tasting supper in the XIVth century billiard room on another night
- Daily English breakfast and afternoon tea
Additional cost per motoring event : 250 euros for 4 laps to 1200 for an entire day
Specific dates : May 21&22, Wednesday 13th of July, Monday 25th of July, Monday 31st of October, Tuesday 1st of November and Sunday 6th of November

Reims, the city of kings and Champagne - An Easy Day Trip From Paris

A quick 45-minute ride from Paris' Gare de l'Est station via the superfast TGV train, Reims offers many attractions in a relatively compact area easily navigated by foot or, if you must, by taxi. There's the Gothic masterpiece that is the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the more subdued Romanesque Basilica of St. Remi (53, rue Simon), where lies the tomb of said saint, who baptized Clovis, king of Franks. You can visit the Musee de la Reddition (The Surrender Museum, 12, rue Franklin Roosevelt), where the Germans surrendered to Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, ending the European phase of World War II, or gaze on the Mars Gate (Place de la Republique), the only remaining gate to what was the Roman city of Durocortorum.
Dine in subtle but unmistakable luxury in the Michelin one-star restaurant Le Millenaire (4-6, rue Bertin — try the langoustines four ways to start) or jovially jostle elbows with locals and visitors (if you hear any English, they're likely British) at fast, affordable neighborhood boites such as Le Lion de Belfort (37, place Drouet d'Erlon — try the Gruyere cheese omelet: deliciously simple). Or Les Crayeres a 3 star Michelin restaurant and chateau in the center of town. I must admit, I always come here and have lunch when I am in Paris. Although very expensive, they now also have a lovely bistro and more affordable prices, either one is highly recommended. And don't forget the Champagne houses —— where you'll be able to tour ancient quarries-turned-wine-cellars and sip some of the bubbly that made Champagne world famous.
Dominating the city skyline is the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Reims (Our Lady of Reims). Construction began in 1211. Each succeeding century has left a mark for good or ill. The cathedral was nearly destroyed by German bombardment during World War I, and it remains a restoration work in progress.
The cathedral (1, rue Guillaume de Machault) strikes me as being far more imposing than Notre Dame in Paris. The scale seems grander, with the pillars soaring upward to the vaulted ceiling high above. Nor are there the crowds and the lines you have to endure at any of Paris' historic churches.
At the neighboring Palace of Tau (2, place du Cardinal-Lucon), the former home of the archbishops of Reims, you can get a close-up look at some of the statuary removed from cathedral facade because they were too fragile or damaged. The kings of France were crowned in the cathedral, the last being Charles X in 1825. So it's natural the palais would have an exhibition focusing on the kings and their coronations.
The action is centered on the Place Drouet d'Erlon, one of the major downtown streets just minutes from the Reims train station.
Reims is friendly, but remember: English can be sparse, so learn some rudimentary French phrases, practice your pantomime and meet smile with smile; you'll be all set.
Visiting the big names
No visit to Reims at any season would be complete without visiting a Champagne house., a number of big names remain open, such as Pommery, G.H. Mumm and Taittinger. Even if you don't drink Champagne, a visit can be instructive, as the houses themselves and their luxury products reflect the culture and history of France. Just remember to reserve a tour time.
Reims sits on a large deposit of easily carved limestone. Over the millennia, residents have cut tunnels through the rock, building subterranean galleries perfect for aging Champagne. Most tunnel tours offer a quick how-to in making Champagne, complete with display bottles at various stages in the production process.
Domaine Pommery (5, place du General Gouraud) is a short taxi ride from downtown Reims. If the castle-like chateau strikes you as a touch kitschy, you're not far off. Louise Pommery, the brains behind this bubbly operation in the 19th century, had the chateau built to suggest a English manor house to attract traveling Brits.
Tours are offered. Prices start about $16.40. The sprawling complex that is G.H. Mumm & Cie (34, rue du Champs de Mars) looks more like a Hollywood movie studio. The tour comes with movies that tell the Champagne story, and the cellars offer a mini-history of how Champagne making has evolved over the centuries. Cellars are open daily. Admission is about $11.
Taittinger (9, place Saint-Nicaise) has named its cellars for St. Nicaise, a 5th century bishop of Reims who, when he found his head cut off by barbarian invaders, simply went on saying his prayers. The tour leads to a huge Roman quarry. Tours are on weekdays. A tour ticket is about $13.7

D DAY tour with a Military General

Having journeyed often thousands of miles to visit Normandy, travelers' expectations are high. To meet these expectations and adequately describe and interpret the events of D-Day through to the end of the Battle of Normandy requires a Guide with both detailed historical knowledge and first hand experiences of the friction and intensity of operations.
There are many ways to tour the historical D Day sites in Normandy, France, but one that I reccommend is seeing it through the eyes of a Military expert : Major General Graham Hollands

Gen.Hollands now lives in Normandy and conducts personalised Battlefield Tours for us at Protravel. His military service, local knowledge and interest in military history offer our clients a memorable opportunity for him to bring to life the events of a pivotal campaign of World War II. Our Tours can be personalised to the extent that you wish. No fixed timetables govern the activities. If you have a particular theme,interest, family or unit connection you wish to pursue, these can normally be accommodated.
Graham Hollands army career included service in Germany, Northern Ireland, Africa and England. His last military appointment was as the Artillery and Combat Support Commander of the multi-national NATO Rapid Reaction Corps. After leaving the Army, he was head of a large academic institution and latterly has worked in the Balkans with the United Nations. Graham Hollands has appeared on the Discovery Channel as a guest lecturer on the Queen Mary II and the BBC as an expert commentator on the events of DDay. Major General Hollands is a founding Director of an institution that is
creating, in Normandy, an internationally reputable academic, archive,
education and research centre, covering the events that took place
between June and August 1944 .

The Baguette to Bistro: Culinary Traditions of Paris

Paul Bennett has started a walking seminar tours in the major capitols of Europe, called Context Tours.
http://www.contexttravel.com/
. The plus with his wonderful tours are:
~ small groups - ( or private if you wish) of no more than 6 people, with a hands-on conversational experience
~ No tour guides, but scholars or specialists with PH'D.s or terminal degrees in their field of study
~ theme tours to hidden parts of the city.
~ Priced very reasonsable
One of my favorite is the ..................Baguette to Bistro tour.
See me for details of other faninating tours offered.
Paris is synonymous for gastronomic refinement and elegance firmly built on its traditions. From les grands restaurants to the thousands of exquisite specialty shops to the neighborhood boulangerie, Parisians make food an art. On this 2.5-hour walk we will delve into the fascinating and delectable world of Parisian culinary traditions in the company of a true food expert.
Our walk takes place in the chic Left Bank of Paris, where we will visit some of the city's finest food shops. Our docent, a trained chef or food journalist, will introduce us to some of the basic concepts of French cuisine, from discerning the proper cheese to understanding what's on display at the butcher's. Our immersion begins with a staple in any French diet: la Baguette. Though found on every Parisian table, all baguettes—governed by a surprising melange of history and law—are far from the same. We will learn how to tell them apart at one of Paris' best bakeries.
Our walk takes place in the chic Left Bank of Paris, where we will visit some of the city's finest food shops. Our docent, a trained chef or food journalist, will introduce us to some of the basic concepts of French cuisine, from discerning the proper cheese to understanding what's on display at the butcher's. Our immersion begins with a staple in any French diet: la Baguette. Though found on every Parisian table, all baguettes—governed by a surprising melange of history and law—are far from the same. We will learn how to tell them apart at one of Paris' best bakeries.

From here we may visit a range of other culinary shops among them a 100-year old cheese shop where we will sample some of their regional cheeses carefully selected and aged in its on-site cellars. We could have a look at this season's wild game in the window of a real butcher shop or slip inside to taste some homemade rillettes. We might enjoy a cone of chocolate mousse made with Equatorial chocolate at the city's only mousse bar. We may also have a chat with a wine seller over a small glass of cognac or awe at the perfect culinary creations of the delicatessen Dallayau.

On our way, our conversation will range from the historic roots of French cuisine, the influence which the 1789 revolution and the bourgeoisie play in its evolution to the contributions early great chefs such as La Varenne, Carême or Escoffier had in revolutionizing menus. We may also discuss how this legacy has evolved in today's dining trends such as bistronomie and get clear on the differences between a brasserie, bistro, and restaurant.

We will end our walk at the Grand Epicerie of the Bon Marche department store, a veritable palace of gastronomy, where we will be able to put into practice some of the knowledge acquired with our docent.

The Best Terrace in Paris For Viewing The Eiffel Tower

Chez Francis, located in the 8e on Place Alma is a wonderfu brasserie that is a major mecca for the lunch business crowd and after theatre patrons. Beautiful interior (if the weather  is off) , good honest Brasserie food, great for people wathcing or just looking at the Eiffel Tower.

Les Entrées

Gaspacho de Tomates 12€
Avocat / Champignons de Paris / Tomates 12€

Tomates / Mozzarella di Buffala 14€

Salade Niçoise 14€

Melon Nature ou Serrano 14€ / 16€

Tomates oubliées / Artichauts / Parmesan 15€

Sardines grillées 13€

Saumon BIO d’Ecosse fumé 20€

Tartare de Dorade au Piment d’Espelette 17€

Terrine de Foie Gras / Pain au Levain grillé 21€

Salade de Homard frais / Pois gourmand 26€


Les Poissons
Langoustines de Loctudy cuites minutes à la vapeur / Riz BIO 28€
Filet de Saint Pierre / Wok de légumes 32€

Belle Sole petit bateau grillée ou meunière / Pomme purée 36€

Saumon BIO vapeur / Ecrasé de Pomme de Terre au Basilic 30€

Dorade grise de ligne des côtes bretonnes grillée / Riz BIO 30€

Merlan de Saint-Gilles façon Colbert / Pomme purée 26€


Les Viandes

Carpaccio de Bœuf / Roquette / Parmesan 20€

Tartare de Bœuf aux herbes cru ou aller-retour / Frites / Salade 21€

Poulet BIO rôti / Jus de Thym / Pomme Grenaille 25€

Rosbif de Normandie / Pomme Purée 28€

Foie de Veau poêlé / Roquette et Oignons frits des Cévennes 29€

Entrecôte de Normandie / Béarnaise / Frites 29€

Côte de Bœuf de Normandie grillée pour 2 personnes / Canon d’os à moelle 64€

Selle d’Agneau grillée / Haricots verts frais 29€

Côte de Veau de Corrèze / Wok de légumes 30€


Les Desserts
Saint−Marcellin de la mère Richard 10€
Café Gourmand 12€

Faisselle nature, Miel ou Coulis de Fruits rouge 9€

Glaces et Sorbets maison 9€

Salade de Fruits frais sans sucre 9€
Clafoutis aux Cerises 11€
Crème brûlée à la Vanille Bourbon 12€

Soupe de Fraises 13€

Assiette de Fruits Rouge 13€

Mi-cuit Chocolat coeur de Guanaja 13€


Les Huîtres
Les Marennes Oléron
Fines de Claires N°2 Les 6 : 20€
Fines de Claires N°3 Les 6 : 17€

Spéciales N°2 Les 6 : 29€
Spéciales N°5 Les 6 : 17€

 Les Plates

Belon N°0 Les 6 : 34€

Belon N°2 Les 6 : 24€

Belon N°4 Les 6 : 16€

Creuses de Normandie

Huîtres d’Isigny « Spéciales » Les 6 : 17€

Les Coquillage et Crustacés

Moules d’Espagne (Les 6) 7€

Clam (La pièce) 5€
Palourdes (Les 6) 17€
Bulots 9€

Oursins Prix selon arrivage

Tourteau entier 19€

Langoustines tièdes 26€

Bouquet de Crevettes rose 19€

Praires (Les 6) 19€

Les Plateaux
Le Plateau Dégustation 28€
3 Belons N°4 , 3 Fines de Fines de Claires N°3 , 3 Creuses N°3

Le Plateau du Mareyeur 54€

3 Belons N°4 , 7 Creuses , 3 Moules d’Espagne , 1 Clam , 4 Palourdes

Bulots , 2 Langoustines , 3 Crevettes rose , 1 Tourteau

Le Plateau Royal (2 personnes) 105€

6 Belons N°4 , 14 Creuses , 6 Moules d’Espagne , 2 Clam , 8 Palourdes

Bulots , 4 Langoustines , 6 Crevettes rose , 2 Tourteau

Some Of London's restaurants still blaze with the EDWARDIAN SPIRIT

After my most recent gastronomic excursion to London in October, I can still reliably report that you can still dine out like Royalty in the most Royal of cities. Although many of my favorites of past years are now long gone (such as The Savoy Grill, Café Royal Grill Room, Overtons’ and L’Aperitif at Browns Hotel ) or have changed to the new type of modern cuisine ( that bores me stiff) a few still remain and still thrill.The places I visit and relish are the great Edwardian restaurants, places that recall an era of polished mahogany, heavy silver, sparkling crystal, swallow-tailed dress and personalized service, where French and English chefs provide the sumptuous dishes that I savor and enjoy.The Edwardian era, associated with Edward VII was also the era of Epicureanism, lasting from the late 19th-century to the early 1920’s. It was an era of enormous wealth and prosperity, unequaled creature comforts, magnificent personal attire and an opulent elegance of setting. Two of my favorites of this era and are still around are Rules and Wiltons. Rules (established in 1798), the ultra-classic English restaurant in Covent Garden, remains as crowed today as ever. Here still, is served roast grouse (in season) and woodcock, meat puddings and chicken pies, ribs of Scottish beef, jugged hare, rich and Sherry trifle with thick Devonshire cream. Tradition and continuity are what Rules is all about and as you perch comfortable on a red banquette ( # 22 is my favorite) , surrounded by hundreds of caricatures, engravings and old programs from the Queens theatre, mounted antlers, glossy wood paneling and antique stained glass, its easy to imagine Edward VII and his mistress, Lily Langtry dining casually at their favorite table by a lattice window on the first floor (portraits signed by each still grace the walls). This restaurant is what I come to London for, when I am hungry and the kitchen proves that there is more to classic English Cooking than a joint of meat with two veggies.
http://www.rules.co.uk/
Check back for my review of Wilton’s.

You say Monet and I say Manet................

                 Exceptional Manet Exhibit Opening at the d'Orsay Museum

Une petite reminder... The extraordinary exhibition: “Manet: the Man who Invented Modern Art” opens at the d’Orsay Museum in Paris on April 5th. This will be a hugely popular museum event, so you'll likely want to reserve tickets online in advance or obtain tickets from your  hotel concierge.

Cannes - In The Know Experiences

Between Nice and Cannes, I prefer Cannes, not only is it the glamour capitol of the French Riviera, but also unlike the rocky pebble beaches at Nice, it has beautiful sandy beaches. It also has its share of glamorous hotels, like the 100 year Carlton InterContinental. Any guest of Provtravel gets a full Champagne buffet breakfast daily, upgrade subject to availability, in room FREE internet and the best of all, free access to the Carlton Beach club and lounges ( normally 60 Euros per day for hotel guests). One of my favorite excursions in Cannes is visiting the old market - Marche Forville. It's open every day until 12 noon, but its best ( if your dates work out) to visit on Sundays. Extra tables are set out and the market offers tapas to munch on during your visit.

                                          Marche Forville Cannes
Hidden away in Cannes la Bocca (the main quarter of Cannes) is the Marche Forville. This is the best Provencal market in Cannes. It is also be considered one of the best, if not the best, on the French Riviera.
This is very much a market for local people. It is virtually tourist free. The Sunday market is a rendezvous for many Cannois. From the local tradesman, restaurant owners and hoteliers to the mayor himself may be seen here mingling and buying fresh local produce. Guests are welcome to the local market for local people
Local merchants and producers pack the covered Forville Market once a week, on Sunday. The best of the newly arrived flowers, fruits, vegetables, cheeses, meats and fish are on display and sale here. Most have been caught, grown or produced locally and are of great quality.
This market is a true taste of local Cannes. There is a specific taste of provence and the Riviera here that you can taste and smell. If you want a real feel of the real town, this is the place to get it.

The only warning that should be given is "watch your elbows". The frenzy of local French people reaching for fresh market produce plays havoc on them.

Extra TIP! If you are in Cannes during July/August, the city has ( on weekends) fireworks in the bay and one must take a table at the beach club at the Carlton and watch the fireworks!

Art to Dine with..................

I love the French domestic arts and this spring I am excited to see and visit two new museums one ( in Alsace) devoted to Rene Lalique glass creations ( he is my favorite of all) and another museum devoted to 2000 silver pieces of Christofle ( located in Paris)
The Musée Lalique, the first museum solely dedicated to René Lalique's glass and crystal work, will open in the town of Wingen-sur-Moder in Alsace in spring 2011.
Situated in the 18th-century glassmaking site where Lalique first started his now celebrated work, the new museum will trace the history of glassmaking, as well as display nearly 600 pieces designed by René Lalique
The 900-square-meter Musée Lalique will welcome a permanent exhibition that will present the history of the glass, and showcase never-before seen vases and jewelry, much of which were created during the Art Nouveau period between 1890 and 1905. Many of Lalique's famous works will be exhibited, such as his jewelry, Art Deco glass designs, perfume bottles and statues. A separate temporary exhibit space will display a variety of other glass pieces, updated one to two times per year.
The items presented in the museum will include donations from the Lalique Company and from various Paris museums such as the Musée des Arts et Métiers and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. Also featured in the exhibits will be audiovisual and multimedia documents, which will help visitors gain a more comprehensive view of the historical, artistic and technical context behind Lalique’s work. A guided tour will also be available for visitors to explore the site and uncover the history of glassmaking in the area.

A New Food Fad – Snail Egg Caviar

The Champagne area of France , more specific The city of Reims, is host to many illustrious Champagne houses, but foodies in the know have also discovered that this city is also one of the gastronomic capitals of France, specializing in unique sweets and surprising local delicacies.
Locals, Dominique and Sylvie Pierru quit their day jobs to become snail farmers. The next three years they spent on perfecting a way to harvest the eggs of their 60,000 gasteropods, being specially fed on a diet of herbs and cereals to maximize their taste.The result is about 200kg of small, cream-colored pearls . They are sorted, salted (using Guerande salt – best quality refined salt), cleansed and perfumed with rosemary essence before being packed. The producers described the taste as “the subtle taste of nature, experiment the nature of a walk in the forest after the rain, mushrooms and undergrowth oak leaves hints.”
They are being sold under the name of De Jaeger-Caviar D’escargot and can be found at Hediard ( in Reims) and maybe nowadays also at their store in Paris.