French Women Don't Get Fat

MIREILLE'S MUSINGS: Vacherin

Anna — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 19:40:11 +0000

Easy, delicious salad, cheese and dessert course in one

For a few winter months, the French splurge on eating Vacherin, the famous Swiss cheese one eats at room temperature with a spoon. It tastes like nothing else and is a delicacy for the end of year holidays on many French tables. I served one in early January for a Sunday lunch with galette des rois and had a bit leftover. Back down memory lane and my Alsatian grandmother's "leftover" gamut for an easy and yummy dish that could also be a lunch or brunch as it is complete and filling.

MIREILLE'S MUSINGS: The Liwa desert

Anna — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 22:04:19 +0000

After islands, deserts are another fascination of mine. So far, I had only done short visits in deserts while in Israel, Morocco and Jordan. I always wanted to go to the Liwa after reading about it and seeing photos of the largest uninterrupted sand desert in the world, but for years it would have meant sleeping in a tent and my better half would joke that he had passed the days of camping.

Duck

Anna — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:58:09 +0000

A France Favorite

In the latest survey on France's favorite dish, duck breast is the latest dish of choice for taste and variations on the same theme.

MIREILLE'S MUSINGS: Paris: The Collected Traveler

Anna — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:35:27 +0000

A love affairs with Paris

Short of flying to Paris for Valentine's, a must read is:

A new phenomenon in France:

Anna — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:53:42 +0000

Non smokers are becoming less tolerant especially when the seat is ze terrace. Arguments galore! Too bad as it will mean more laws. It already started last summer on the French beach of La Ciotat, where the mayor got pressured to reserve a section for non smokers. Vive la France wizout la cigarette as my French friends claim these days...

French women detox after the holidays

Anna — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:57:56 +0000

the timeless "bouillon" without moderation...leek soup works well too

Beware of the cubes filled with huge amount of sodium! The French love a clear homemade bouillon whether made with vegetables (water with carrots, leeks, celery, bouquet garni) or chicken and veggies, and lately chefs all over France have been offering variations on a theme with flavorful bouillons good for the body and the mind. Asian influences are trendy. I like them all and using a miso cube is as easy as it gets. Also, adding quinoa, bulgur or tapioca makes for a warm and full meal and feeling wonderful.

MIREILLE'S MUSINGS: L'Ébéniste du Vin

Anna — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:04:38 +0000

The very best wine bar in Paris in the Batignolles, a fun section of the 17eme: L'Ébéniste du Vin, 72 rue Boursault.

Head to the area, the wine bar, and meet my wonderful Parisian friend Laure. She is French but we met in NYC some 6 years ago. Her uncle, a friend who directed Château la Nerthe in Châteauneuf, gave her my name when she arrived in New York in case she needed help, and she did, and we became friends. I adore her enthusiasm and risk taking.

MIREILLE'S MUSINGS: More top chocolate stores in my Paris neighborhood

Anna — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:47:47 +0000

For a starter, my three favorite ones for 2012 so far are indeed Patrick Roger, Michel Cluizel and Henri Le Roux, all, alas, a short walk from home. Some temptations. Friends knowing my passion for chocolate welcomed me with a few I did not have a chance to try last year.

MIREILLE'S MUSINGS: Smoking in France

Anna — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:07:17 +0000

So far so good. The price increase last fall was considered not high enough to have an impact but coming after two previous ones it's adding up, and with the economy being what it is, some French people are decreasing consumption. So far 5.1% for the last 3 months of 2011. Not great but a good thing.

MIREILLE'S MUSINGS: Epiphany

Anna — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 14:08:41 +0000

Nice to be queen for a few hours! I had not been in France for January 6th in years but made it in 2012. Wow. What a treat. The tasting started early, now that one can buy the galette by the slice (small ones are also available but are easily enough for two), ideal for tasting purposes! I stick to the traditional one made with almond paste filling. Many were not really worth it either because the puff pastry was not great or the filling was too thin or not with the best ingredients, but two stood out and were selected for our party.