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: August 2016
August 29
Today would have been my dad’s 80th birthday…a milestone event, at least in my opinion, although he probably wouldn’t have wanted much of a fuss. Just his favorite things…being on the boat with my mom on Yellowstone Lake, raising a … Continue reading
It’s Been Three Years
Three years ago yesterday, I began my life in Bordeaux. Determination helped me through the initial hurdles and setbacks of becoming an expat citizen and now, I can’t imagine enjoying any other lifestyle as much as I do here. My … Continue reading
A Château Hunt
A while back, friends and I spent the day visiting two châteaux. The first was in Cadillac and I’d been there before. The fireplaces are still beautifully impressive and this time, I could read more of the the exhibit about … Continue reading
Two Things for Certain
Death and the French system screwing up my taxes. Once again, I must go to the tax office and explain that there is a direct and equal tax credit in France for any taxes I’ve paid in the US. Following … Continue reading
Defeating the Purpose
We French (I can include myself in this particular group) grocery shop all the time. There is no weekly trip to Carrefour or monthly visit to the super Auchan. Bread is purchased daily and fruits and veggies every couple days. … Continue reading
Another Day Out
Sometimes you have to go to a place to know that you didn’t need to go there. Such was a recent day out exploring the southern and eastern shore of the Bassin d’Arcachon. I dutifully ordered brochures from the tourist … Continue reading
Look What I Found
…on a US shelf of a bio store in the suburbs. Made it today and ate the whole box! Also found and bought a bottle of ginger ale and Canadian maple syrup, which is getting easier to find although I … Continue reading
Cap Ferret
There is a pinky finger of land pointing south which borders the Atlantic ocean and helps to contain the Bassin d’Arcachon. When the tide is in, this bay is a sparkling blue jewel. But when the tide recedes, the bay … Continue reading
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