worth a thousand words
Nope, it's not Disneyland!
food, glorious food
July 2020
Lunch at Lauza was a treat. A limited menu means the chef is dedicated to making something seasonal, fresh, and perfectly “accessorized” and balanced. My entrée was a frothy, room temperature zucchini soup topped with a langoustine…it worked as anticipation for my plat! Tender filets of sashimi tuna covered with a tomato/greens salsa and served over taboule paired very well with the Provence rosé in my glass. The dessert was full of flavor…three tiny creampuffs (choux) with vanilla bean crême and raspberries. I LOVE the restaurant scene here, particularly for lunch. TripAdvisor lists 1,493 restos in Bordeaux – there’s no end to choice, style, price, ambiance, and location!
June 2020
Le Regallion is the perfect place to go for a “gourmet” 3 course lunch priced at 19€ (about $22). The portions are perfect for enjoying every last small bite and the food is created rather than processed. My entrée was four spring rolls, filled delicately with foie gras and duck, and served with a soy/sesame dipping sauce. My plat was artistic with four grilled and juicy morsels of veal accompanied by grilled lettuce topped with parmesan shingles. Déssert of baked cherries and pineapple topped with vanilla chantilly cream was the finale. Combined with a nice wine list and a cozy ambiance, this restaurant deserves repeat visits! And the best part of all is it’s only a 10 minute walk from my home.
Bon appetit!the wine cellar
July 2020
The summer of rosé continues and not only am I liking them more, I find I am longing them with light lunches and afternoon conversations. My palate is a little more discerning now. I favor more expensive bottles, in lighter shades of salmon, with noses of stone fruits, little minerality, and so far, the terroir hasn’t mattered. But my main test is whether, on the very first sip, I experience joy, or a certain distaste that I get used to from the second sip on. For while I get used to the latter and end up liking the bottle, the formers are my favorites.
June 2020
Rosés are meant for lazy hot summer afternoons. I have a plethora of choice… sourced from Provence and Languedoc and Bordeaux… but I’m not a huge fan – yet! This summer, if it ever gets truly hot, I’m going to sample some recommended names and first up is Mirabeau. They have three in their lineup: Azure, Etoile, and La Folie (sparkling) and I aim to find and taste all of them. Three lazy afternoons coming up soon! Care to join me?
turning pages
July 2020
My problem with owning a Kindle is the ease of buying more and more books. Yes, they are titles I’d like to read, but without the visual stimulation of the book on a shelf, I forget I even have them in my electronic library. Reading more might be an answer but then I’d have to forego ironing my sheets :)
June 2020
George RR Martin has greatly influenced my reading habits. His character studies in the Fire and Ice series are incredible, and up until now, no other author in my present reading realm can compare. Until I recently read the first book in the First Law Trilogy written by Joe Abercrombie titled The Blade Itself. I dare you to put this book down. The character, Inquisitor Glokta, will come alive in your imagination – no movie version needed. The narrative flows even though each chapter takes you to a different part of the fantasy world. Human emotions are both overstated and understated in the dialogues and the use of italics to let us know what minds are thinking during the conversations is brilliant. I’m actually disappointed I can’t dive into book 2 – but a book club selection needs to be read by June 30. Thankfully, the Abercrombie characters are unforgettable.
Monthly Archives: September 2013
Le Creuset
The heavy stoneware cookery with the label Le Creuset always catches my eye when I shop in culinary stores. The company originated in France in 1925 and since I’m in the market for household goods, I figure it’s appropriate to … Continue reading
Baroque Sunday
Nestled in a petite cobblestoned square is l’eglise Notre Dame. Completed in 1707, on the site of an original Dominican abbey from the early 1600’s, it quietly exudes elegance and artistry, instead of the more common gothic immensity. The churches … Continue reading
Monument aux Girondins
For the first time since arriving in France, my camera accompanied me on my walk. My favorite photo of the day is from the monument which honors Girondins who were victims of “the terror” and celebrates the principality of Gironde. Here’s … Continue reading
Lillet and Clairet
No, these are not the names of my twin french poodles! Lillet is a refreshing, slightly sweet, chilled aperitif that fashionably comes in blanc or rouge with a citrus slice floating like a “lillet pad” – get it? Wikipedia says … Continue reading
The 26th
I arrived in Bordeaux on August 26th making today my one month anniversary. I’m patting myself on the back for accomplishing many things: buying and understanding access to public transportation opening bank accounts learning how to use my new smartphone … Continue reading
Charlotte et Clementine
This delightful shop for fruits and légumes is conveniently located (for me!) in secteur Fondaudège. The vegetables are vivid with color and the fruits incense the place with sweetness. There is a small selection of gourmet pastas, natural honey, and selected … Continue reading
Sittin On The Dock Of The Quai
Today I was surprised to see a medium-size cruise ship docked along the quai. I had decided to walk to the outlet mall in Chartrons and since the afternoon was sunny and warm, I thought walking by the river would … Continue reading
BWC…
…stands for Bordeaux Women’s Club. Established after WWII, it’s an english speaking group of primarily expatriate adult women who are looking for social, cultural, and french enrichment. I just joined and received my first newsletter. Here are the upcoming activities … Continue reading
Targét
Walked a short ways to Meriadeck, another “Commercial Centre” in Bordeaux. I discovered the equivalent of Best Buy (Darty), a super Target (Auchan), and the Brookfield Square Mall! Perused the aisles and price checked things like microwaves, ironing boards, and … Continue reading
Un or Une
At the street market I asked for un pomme (apple), un poire (pear), and un peche (peach). I was so pleased with myself that I held up my thumb rather than my index finger to indicate the number one. The … Continue reading
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