Just another delicious dinner

Met a new friend, Vegas


And had the pleasure of dining with my friend, Sophie at Julot's place... however, the food didn't last long enough for me to take any photos. ;)

It's CARBO-LOADING time

Chez Joe


Pasta with vodka sauce


Frog Hollow rustic plum tarte made by yours truly

Tartiflette

Had my last brunch today before heading back to the states. Nina made this seriously amazing Tartiflette (Reblochon cheese which comes from the Savoie region, potatoes, white wine, a LOT of lardons and onions.)

Tartiflette is from the Savoie region in the French Alps. It's traditionally served in the winter which makes sense because it is a very heavy, hearty, and soul-warming dish.



A brunch wouldn't be a brunch without the best pain au chocolat ever (made by an Arab couple in the 10eme. I love saying that.)


My belly is very warm and happy.

Les brownies (brew-ny)

Cookies

My French family can't get enough of good ole' American chocolate chip cookies.


Polvorones


I've also made several pans of brownies. =)

2 kilos of Côte de boeuf

From the local boucherie


Champignons de Paris from the local legumerie


Was thinking of doing something a little fancy but decided against it. Sometimes all you need is just salt and pepper. Oh and a side of fries.

Authentic Alsacien Choucroute

Made from a family recipe by a true Alsacienne, her version of choucroute was much "lighter" than what I have had before. I can eat choucroute though I don't normally go out of my way to order it. But THIS, my friends, was perfect. Delicious. Satisfying.





Today's meal was full of Alsacien favorites such as Riesling, munster and brie cheese. Ahhhh life is good.

Bonne Année 2010

L'Apéro

Raclette

I <3 La Vache qui Rit cheese ! There's paprika, blue, jambon flavors. How fun!


Les aperitifs


YES

I still don't like oysters

But I will prep and serve them to those who do; no problem!

Me with papy. He's 96 and definitely loves oysters. He kept eating some every few shucks.

Just a few things I love about France

You can't top French butter. Whatever I've had at the French Laundry or elsewhere, I don't care. Yum.


They eat more beets


And nothing beats a TUB of rillettes d'oie !!! (Made with goose)

Joyeux Noël !

Foie gras !(Sauternes/Champagne)






Magret de canard, red wine and shallot sauce


PDT




And of course, la Bûche !

Dégustation at Chez Amir

Was invited to Amir's today for a tasting. Amir and another fellow Ferrandi student, Matt cooked up a feast - of course, it was the best of the best.

Amir's bro Cameron and his bf Drew were in town.


We started with a nice white wine... then for the amuse bouche...

Foie gras custard à la toque infused with foie gras, and black Perigord truffles


Roasted pork belly, polenta and onion compote, boudin blanc, and of course, Perigord truffles ! (Matt's dish)


Amir at work with the lamb




Matt and Jin


Ris de veau with truffles, lardons, cauliflower purée, shaved raw cauliflower. Am I in heaven or what?


Selle d'agneau de lait, trio of root vegetable purées, ricotta ravioli with chestnut sauce.


Perfectly cooked magret de canard, Anjou pear, wild rice and golden raisins, noisette, and beurre noisette vinaigrette


Pierre Hermé macaroons for dessert


Amir being Amir


I believe it was 17h00 by the time we finish "lunch." ALL of us were SO sleepy. We all went home to nap.

Thanks guys for the wonderful meal! It was amazing.

Baking frenzy

Leaving for the weekend to Ireland. Made a punch bowl of Sangria, a pot of Ropa Vieja, and a few baked goods for Nina, Christophe, Sorel, and their friend Joel who is visiting while I am gone.

I have been baking quite a bit lately. J'en ai marre de choses sucrée. Which is a good thing...

Bon app !