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: April 2017
Senior Citizen
Logically, AARP is not in France. And the age for normal retirement keeps drifting depending on which political party is in power. So, the definition of a senior citizen appears to be when you are eligible for discount cards at … Continue reading
Gaudi was Here
Gaudi made a mark on Palma. His buildings are iconic and you can’t help but wonder what hallucinogen he was taking. Art nouveau design is also prevalent among the colored stucco and tile roofs. There are some fountains and statues … Continue reading
Courtyards
All the old palacios in Palma centered around a courtyard. Historically, they served as main gateways for horses and carriages. Today, they are considered high rent properties because of the peace and quiet that exists behind the arched and old … Continue reading
Palacio Ca Sa Galesa
When in Palma, stay at the Palacio! A 13th century building with 16th century stained glass and tile, medieval paneling and floors, a subterranean pool in what used to be a Roman bath, a delightful rooftop terrace with a view … Continue reading
Religious and Spiritual
I am a spiritual person, tending to embrace more eastern philosophies and believe in universal flows. While I do not follow or support any organized religion, I certainly enjoy and appreciate the art, music, architecture, and ceremonies of many…which is … Continue reading
Castell de Bellver
Bellver Castle sits atop a forested hill overlooking Palma. Built in the early 1300’s, it is one of the only European castles to be built “in the round” and includes four towers at each of the compass points. Originally a … Continue reading
Joan Miro
For me, arriving in an unknown place is intimidating. I do a LOT of homework in advance and usually know how to get myself to the first hotel and whether I need a citycard or transport pass. Typically, I usually … Continue reading
Interesting?
Thought you might enjoy a comparison between the top 20’s for girl’s and boy’s names chosen for babies this year in France and the US. Saw the french list in today’s headlines. The US list is from the internet. For … Continue reading
Bits and Pieces
If you don’t mind, I’ll share bits and pieces of my Palma vacay over the next several days. Quick posts with a photo montage here and there, ok? Arrival: The airport is on the small, mountainous island of Mallorca off … Continue reading
Russian Visitor Visa
An American citizen wanting a Russian visa while living in France poses some obstacles. Basically, the recommended visa service centers don’t seem to know the best jurisdiction to handle my request and that’s primarily because I want to accomplish everything … Continue reading
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