STIR THE POTS

Le Lisita - Summer Trip#11

After a tour of the arena in Nîmes, I felt like gladiator-hungry. How hungry is that? I won't show you the bill but trust me, it was a long delicious lunch. Anyway, just in front of the Roman ruins we found Le Lisita. Ah, how satisfying the meal. Wanting to savor the memory in the spirit of Nimes (and the language of love), indulge me to end this with a sentence in French; "Ce que nous avions pour le déjeuner!"

 

Salade de chair de crabe au fenouil

 

 

Lapin rôti à la purée de carottes et sauté

 

Brandade de Morue (Maison)

Effeuillé de Brandade de Morue, Jeunes Pousses, Légumes Croquants,
Vinaigrette Truffes Estivum

Taureau(AOP Camargue)

Pavé de Taureau de Camargue rôti, purée de pommes de terre à la tapenade,
Jus de braisage aux Épices Cajuns

 

 

Assiette de Fromages affinés
(3 portions)

 

Abricots
Confit d'Abricots  avec du riz au lait,
sorbet à l'abricot et crumble  de sablé Breton

 

 

Via Domitia - Summer Trip Post #10

There are some who say
that all roads lead to Rome- Luis Eduardo Aute

 

Well, in fact the roads were built by Romans, therefore the world was Rome...

While in France we saw some of the best remains of Roman Arenas and amphitheaters still standing in the world. Here are some towns where we saw them, Arles, Oranges, Nîmes and Lyon.

 

La Trinquette- Summer Trip Post #9

Tucked into the village of Gordes  is a wonderful restaurant La Trinquette. Run by a young couple, its terrace overlooks a spectacular view. Besides the luscious food and setting, there's a super-amiable crew. Only another year to wait till I can return but for now I share my memories. 

 

Le´Essential- Summer Trip Post #8

Our final night in Avignon, we managed a table at L'Essentiel, a restaurant which outside looked much too fancy for an American couple wearing shorts and flip-flops. In fact, it turned out to be quite casual. Seated in the courtyard under the fading sunlight, we had a delicious meal and delicious wines. Hats off to Chef Evan Neumann, who's rich CV showed up in every delectable dish.

Direct from the farmer- Summer Trip Post #7

While in Avignon, I rented a car to get around. It's an ancient walled city that's going through re-zoning and construction so we used a free parking lot on the outskirts of the walls. One day we just happened to notice a covered shed with this inside. Ingenuity and marketing of local farmers, a vending machine with local farmed products...

L'aubergine et Eygalières - Summer Trip Post #5

After visiting Castelas for amazing olive oil, we asked about Egalyiéres. The most beautiful and quaint  town in the  Alpilles, the heart of Provence. We just made the market before closing for some amazing local saucisson to take back home! And  a table at L'aubergine, fantastic food and superb service.

 

Moulin d’huile - Summer Trip Post #4

I first met Jean-Benoit Hugues back in New York City at an event featuring his olive oils. I can't remember where the actual location. I do remember the oils. They were unforgettable. Luscious, unctuous, the type of oil that touches your lips and you feel kissed in the most lovely way. Now traveling to his home in Provence, I met his wife Catherine and was introduced to his estate that looked like something somewhere off Route 66 in the high desert of Arizona. We enjoyed a tasting of his oils, especially the tapenade flavored  Noir d'olive AOP. Oh to be in Provence!

Un Table au Sud - Summer Trip Post #3

We found Marseille's Un Table au Sud on a recommendation from the host of Relais 50, who could not offer us a table at lunch. But then the other restaurant was also packed, so we returned for dinner. With a beautiful view of the sunset over Marseille's ancient port, the meal was equally radiant. Chef Ludovic Turac is a rising star, and his menu Marseille was really fabulous. Here is what we had.