New this week

January 26, 2014

Spain – Valencia, Amore a Primera Vista

Here is a city that took me by surprise. I knew it was the third largest city in Spain and expected it to be beautiful, but did not anticipate the incredible charm that Valencia has to offer. We are in Valencia, walking downtown among orange trees. I have never seen anything quite like it. Where else would you have orange trees laden with oranges line the city’s large avenues and narrow ancient side streets? Only in... View Article

January 23, 2014

Paris Wine Bars – Vin Naturel

Wine bars are the latest development in the food scene in Paris. Instead of going to dinner to taste wines you can go to a wine bar and socialize over a glass of wine (or a bottle) with small plates of food. It’s an opportunity to sample different wines by the glass in a comfortable, low key yet hip atmosphere. Wine bars have sprung up all over the city (many in the 11th arrondissement on... View Article

January 22, 2014

Paris – Leeks in Vinaigrette

What can be more French than leeks in vinaigrette? We went on a wine bar tour with Paris by Mouth and tasted wines along with a few hors d’oeuvres in a couple of wine bars. The first stop was at Septime La Cave in the 11th arrendissement. It’s a small wine shop/bar opened by chef Bertrand Grebaut across the street from his restaurant Septime. You can stop by the wine bar and have a glass... View Article

January 21, 2014

Celery, Fennel and Apple Winter Salad

Since this is a food blog first, I thought i’d start posting a few recipes between the travel posts. Here is a salad I made when I was still at home and plan to make again in the next few days but this time I will add peeled orange segments to it. After all, we are in Valencia, the land of Valencia oranges. I thought I’d share it now, and add the version with oranges... View Article

January 20, 2014

Spain – Altea, Costa Blanca, the Spanish Mediterranean

This mediterranean coast of Spain is a charming stretch of beaches and resort towns that seemingly cater mainly to European vacationers. We are staying in a villa near the town of Altea, a slow paced small town built around an old city on a hill. A beautiful blue domed church dominates the scene at the top of the hill and whitewashed houses cascade down towards the sea. Altea was saved from the large hotels invasion... View Article

January 17, 2014

Spain – Valencia Oranges in Moscatel and Orange Marmalade

Valencia oranges on the tree Valencia is the easternmost province of Spain, hugging the Mediterranean coast between Catalonia in the north and Murcia in the south. We drove down the coast of Valencia along highway N-322 en route to the Costa Blanca, a region lined with resort towns nestled between the mountains and the Mediterranean. The resorts are interspersed with sleepy fishing villages that once used to dominate this coastline. The name Costa Blanca was... View Article

January 14, 2014

Spain – Viva La España

Spain. There is something about it that makes you fall in love. I don’t know if it’s the people, the language, the music, the food or the vibrancy that’s in the air or all of these things combined but it definitely swept me off my feet. We arrived in Barcelona by TGV train from Paris and had a short stay en route to our destination on the Costa Blanca along the western Mediterranean (east coast... View Article

January 4, 2014

Christmas in Paris – Champagne at Le Bar du Bristol

Since it’s Christmas and we are in Paris, I wanted to make sure we had a memorable experience to take away. For me memorable has to include good food. Many of the restaurants are closed for the holiday and I didn’t want to spend much time on the phone or online trying to find a place that was open. The next best solution was of course the hotels. I love hotels, especially the 5 star... View Article

January 1, 2014

Paris – New Year’s Eve (No) Light Show at the Eiffel Tower

Paris is known as one of the top tourist destination for New Year’s celebrations and out of all the beautiful places to be around town the Tour Eiffel tops the list (whose list, that’s another question). For years they had an impressive light show at the tower, that included music, fireworks and a count down to midnight. You can go to the tower together with thousands of people and watch the light show from a... View Article

January 1, 2014

Paris – French Pastry Class with Les Secrets Gourmands de Noémie

I happened upon Noemi’s cooking school by chance. After mentioning to a Parisian acquaintance that I am interested in food she recommended Noemie’s cooking school in the 17th arrendissement. When I checked Noemi’s website, Les Secrets Gourmands de Noemie , I got quite excited.  Noemie is the real thing. I registered for a French Pastry class to be held in the morning, after the Christmas holiday. Noémie is a trained pastry chef, having completed her training... View Article

December 26, 2013

Paris – A Class at Le Cordon Bleu

As soon as I knew we were going to Paris I knew I had to take a class at Le Cordon Bleu. This iconic institution has a long and prestigious culinary history and even going to a one evening class was a must, almost regardless of what was being taught. Founded over 100 years ago, the school attracts aspiring culinarians from all over the world and produces some of the best chefs in the world.... View Article

December 24, 2013

Val d’Europe – Largest Outlet Mall in Europe

If you are a shopper you may have heard of this gigantic indoor and outdoor mall about 35 km east of Paris in Marne la Vallee. Promoted as the largest mall in Europe, Val d’Europe attracts travellers from all over the continent and is a shopping destination for Parisians who can reach it by a quick train ride from central Paris. Val d’Europe is close to EuroDisney and represents the Disney concept of creating “idealized”... View Article