French Cheese: le vacherin Mont d’Or, je t’aime

Clementine and Garlic

I love being in France this time of year when my favorite winter cheese is in season. (The Mont d’Or is best at room temperature served up with a spoon.) It’s also the time to celebrate Belon oysters and Tarte Tatin, clementines and chestnuts, marrons glacés and nougat glacé and salted caramel apples. Champagne, meslcun, ...

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Tuna Chic in Paris

Tuna Chic at La Grande Epicerie du Bon Marché

Even tuna, it seems, can be chic in Paris, especially if you are tuna turned into a Terrine with herbs and displayed at the equally chic La Grande Epicerie du Bon Marché. More tuna with tapenade and sauteed zucchini and green beans at Le Comptoir.

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First Bite from Paris…Le Comptoir du Relais

Toast de pain de mie grillé, foie gras: Le Comptoir, Paris

My favorite remedy for jet lag in Paris is to head straight to 9, carrefour de l’Odéon to LE COMPTOIR, a no reservations lunch spot. You can find past posts here It’s always good to hear that deep weathered voice of France as she smiles, kisses me hello with promises of a table toute de ...

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Just Steer Me Home: A letter on the closing of Cottage Living

A note from a friend of mine on the closing of Cottage Living. Dear Little Sweet Pea: I heard the bad news early on: The Old Girl fell over and died. Let me say that I was sorry to hear it…You were there from the start…so I can only guess that it is a watershed moment for ...

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The last days of Cottage Living

Cottage Living Staff

Someone sent me this link to Urban Grace Interiors. And I’ve received many emails about the closing of Cottage Living magazine. Yes, it’s sad. Yes, it seems to be true. We are closing our pages. It’s been a remarkable journey. I have been fortunate to work with a talented and passionate group of people who have continued ...

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San Francisco Treats, cont’d: Zeitgeist, Bi-Rite, Delfina, and the Berkeley Farmers’ Market

Fennel Berkeley Farmers' Market

It’s been 2 days of non-stop dining in San Francisco which included an ice cream tasting (salted caramel, lavender honey) at Bi-Rite Creamery by owner Sam (one of the most passionate and exuberant people I’ve met in a long time), pizza at Delfina, meeting the Tamale Lady at Zeitgeist, BBQ and Sake with Bob at ...

(Includes a recipe for Fennel Salad)

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San Francisco Treats: Bacon Donuts and Kyoto Iced Coffee

bacon donut

Day 1 continued: Julio, Thayer, and I are still tasting San Francisco, but took a break at Blue Bottle Cafe where Aaron showed us the art of the Kyoto Drip (photo below). It’s stunning to watch and even better to taste. The choice of single-origin Mexican beans enriched this coffee with deep undertones of chocolate. ...

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San Francisco: Breakfast at Boulette’s

citrus eggs

Eggs with Buddha’s Hand Zest at Boulette’s Larder, San Francisco I never have time for breakfast. For me, it’s one of those meals best taken on vacation when someone else can serve it to you, preferably on a terrace overlooking the sea, or in bed after a late-night romp. But, when I’m in San Francisco, one ...

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Happy Obama Day Jelly Beans

Happy Obama Day Jelly Beans

Something sweet to savor in San Francisco at Miette…

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Local Flavor: New Orleans: Recipe for Tres Leches Cake from Riomar

cake1

One of my favorite sweet treats is the tres leches cake at Riomar Restaurant in New Orleans. This pure indulgence is easy, decadent, and rich with coconut. Watch Chef Adolfo Garcia make tres leches. If you want to save time, use your favorite store-bought sponge cake.

(Includes a recipe for Adolfo Garcia's Tres Leches Cake)

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