In Southern France (Provence), many of the roads are lined with beautiful sycamore trees (sometimes called plane trees). Ginger and Nutmeg noticed, that the Christmas light installation in Aix en Provence, on the Cours Mirabeau started the third week in October. It was a lengthy process, as it took about 10 days for the light installation (there are a lot of trees). However, the lights are not illuminated at that stage, instead they hang in anticipation, for the upcoming festivities at the end of November.
Tags: Christmas in Provence, Festival of Lights in Lyon, Provence Travel, Things to do in Lyon, Travel in France
France is known for many things; art, music, food, wine, cafés, diverse scenery etc… As a population, they are very proud of all things French, and if there is one thing that is clearly a huge part of the national culture it is the bread. This country does not easily cater to those who might require a gluten-free regime, unless you can survive on French fries. The bread is made fresh several times daily; every small town and village has at least one, or in some cases a few boulangeries.
Ginger of course is in heaven, since every meal promises a basket of fresh baguette or other equally good options. Nutmeg has found you need to look a bit harder, but there are some options for “7-cereals” and multi-grain. The Artisanal Boulangeries (fancier variety) tend to have some really decent quiche and/or tarts. So far Nutmeg has tried quiche with tomatoes and Dijon (yum), quiche with salmon and capers, tarte aux aubergine et chevre and the best yet a tomato and chevre tart. Every good road trip should start with a stop at the local favourite purveyor.
Tags: Easy Appetizer Recipes, French Food, Provencal Food, Recipes for Savoury Tarts, Recipes for Tomatoes, Travel in France
Ginger and Nutmeg have been overwhelmed by their generous welcome to Provence and Southern France. They feel very privileged to have been invited into peoples’ homes for some terrific meals during the last few weeks. The lovely lunches and dinners have included; sausage stuffed peppers and tomatoes, curry chicken, soupe de poisson, shrimp and scallop risotto, roast beef, chili, summer salads and a traditional pot-au-feu. These have all been very special occasions, highlighted by terrific company, lovely wine and great food.
The pot-au-feu and soupe de poisson are very traditional Provençal dishes. Pot-au-Feu is literally translated to “pot on the fire”, which is essentially a French stew. Typically, it is made with beef although can easily be made with pork as well. Many countries have a variation on pot-au-feu, as it is typically a way to use low cost (less desirable) cuts of meat.
Tags: Easy Casseroles, French Food, Provence Travel, Recipes for Pot au Feu, Stew Recipes, Travel in France
Expresso used to love Caffe Beano on 9th Street and 17th Avenue SW in Calgary, for the coffee and the scene. Times have changed a bit and rumor has it that he now loves his Nespresso machine more.
Caffe Beano has been in existence and in the same location since 1988. The owners might have been slightly concerned when Starbucks first opened its doors in Calgary, in the late 1990’s a few blocks away. Any concerns were washed away by a very loyal following of coffee lovers, who were not swayed by the big shiny Seattle based brand. The loyal crowd continues to support this local coffee establishment. So a couple years back the when the barber in the adjacent retail space moved on, Caffe Beano expanded. Before Nutmeg left for France, she had the pleasure of several good-bye “coffee meetings” with good friends at Caffe Beano.
Tags: Cafe Beano, Calgary Restaurants, Coffee Shops in Calgary, Food in Calgary, Restaurant Reviews
