Paris - Part I

We made it to Paris after a very long red-eye flight and once checked in to our hotel, we were welcomed to a magnificent garden view:

After a quick nap, we awoke to the sun shining through our window and went off to explore Paris.  The first sight we saw was the Arch de Triomphe and then walked down the Champs de Elysee.  Our initial meal in Paris was at a sidewalk cafe where I got to show off some of the French that I had learned.  This will be the last time for an entire week that I feel comfortable speaking any French at all.  My roasted duck leg with mashed potato was excellent and I have no words for what it was like to eat the butter laden escargot in that moment.

The next day we boarded le rouge bus (the big ass, red, double decker bus full of tourists) and proceeded to make our way through the magical city of lights.  We saw Notre Dame (every city in France has one), the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and all the other "things to see in Paris".  The reason that Chef and I like to take these tours is that you get an insight to the city in its entirety, and its history, for a set price.  When the urge strikes to use the restroom, have a drink or a bite of food, just hop off the bus, explore a neighborhood and then get back on.  Voila.

We really were taken back by the beauty of the Eiffel Tower. Neither of us thought we would give a crap but it was truly breath-taking from every view.  We decided to go back to the area at night to see the light show and have dinner. 

Once we got off the Metra that evening (we knew exactly where we were, thanks to the big red bus) and wandered the neighborhood.  We found a place that looked classic french and must have looked at the menu five times.  Chef and I have been picky in the past and wondered for hours looking for the perfect restaurant, only to be disappointed, and decided that on this trip we were not going to go that route.  Neither of us wanted to go in but neither of us wanted to be the picky one. 

We agreed to walk the block one more time and ended up at Les Cocottes.  We didn't even know how good of a meal we were in for. It ended up to be a very casual restaurant with top notch food where everything is served in Le Creuset pots. Chef ordered the pigs feet in potatoes and I ordered the cod with vegetables in an aioli sauce.  I swear, this was the first time I have ever eaten a carrot and I have never tasted fennel so sweet.  Truly, this was a wonderful meal that I will never forget.

After dinner, we headed back to the Eiffel Tower, where others waiting to see the sparkling light show popped open champagne and picnicked with cheese and bread that they picked up along the way.  What an alluring sight.

European Vacation: Staring the Chef as Clark Griswold

The Chef and I recently took a trip to France and Spain for 15 days and I have some amazing food stories to share.  We not only had some of the best meals of our lives but some of the worst!  We almost literally broke our backs carrying around souvenirs of wine, olive oil, escargot, mustard, spices and honey, and it was so worth it.  The bread was as good as you have heard as well as the coffee.  The Chef and I used to enjoy a pot of drip Intelligentsia coffee every morning at home but now we find ourselves sitting outside at the neighborhood coffee shops with our dog, drinking a cappuccino - out of a cup - because the homemade stuff just isn't as good.  I hope this lasts because I really enjoy it.  It's not about the caffeine.  It's about taking pleasure in a really good cup of coffee with a beautiful foam cloud and basking in the excitement of the city.

With that, I will leave you a shot of espresso that I enjoyed at a sidewalk cafe on Rue Cler in Paris.

Staying in the season

This morning while the chef and I were at our local coffee shop and bakery, we looked over the sandwich menu while waiting for our cappuccinos.  I though out loud how good the Caprese one sounded and he looked at me with that sarcastic look and said "Yum.  Tomatoes are really in season".  His remark clearly matched his expression.

As lunch approached, I thought about how I could fulfill my craving while still not having to eat a tomato that is white on the inside.  I headed to one of my favorite stores in Chicago, Pastoral, for some ideas.  First let me start by referencing Wikapedia for their take on a Caprese salad:

Insalata Caprese (salad in the style of Capri) is a simple salad from the Italian region of Campania, made of sliced fresh buffalo mozzarella, plum tomatoes and basil. It is seasoned with salt, black pepper, and olive oil. [1] This dish is also known as a Tricolore salad due to its three colors, which mimic the Italian flag. However, a Tricolore salad typically includes avocado in addition to the ingredients found in a Caprese Salad.

Here is a picture of what I ended up with:

I bought a fresh demi baguette which Pastoral gets from Bennison's Bakery as well as a basil pesto from Provence France, fresh Buffalo Mozzarella from Italy and some lovely oven roasted tomatoes.  For those of you who cannot buy roasted tomatoes, they are easy to make and really give a great deep flavor to tomatoes that aren't necessarily in season.  All you have to do is take a paring knife and cut a little x at the bottom of the tomato.  Throw them in boiling water until the skins begin to peel off.  Next you peel them and take the seeds and juice out (I like to reserve the seeds and juice and use it to make vinaigrettes).  Next you place them on a sheet tray lined with parchment, drizzle with olive oil and herbs and toss them in a 350 degree oven until your house smells delightful.

I also had some pea tendrils in the fridge which scream spring and tossed them in a quick vinaigrette made with whole grain mustard, good olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

I have to say my sandwich was delicious and with the salad, I really got a taste of the season.  Thanks for the challenge, Chef.