Tuesday 22 September 2015

Two countries five cities... Lifestyle food and culture a tale of.

Hello and welcome back.

If you are a long term reader of my blog you'll know this time of the year is time for the south of France.

This year I took ten days and traveled via car and took in two countries and five cities.

After a very early start I got to France.
The doors to the ferry opened and there I was.
Sunshine heat and fresh French air.
I started my trip in Rouen.
I drastically underestimated Rouen with regret .
The city is full of character old charm and it has to be said antiques that frankly are in my dreams.
Shops upon shops of blissfully romantic of age old beauties.
Completely out of my reach never the less wonderfully inspiring.
Rows of tarts sweet sweet treats way to many to eat in one sitting.


This beautiful chair how I dream of such a chair.

This flower shop.

The above and below image from the finest store.
Again dreams are made of these things.

After some walking there was a large square.
Sol Moi 
122 Rue Martainville, 76000 Rouen, France
looked gentle enough for the first bit to eat.
Our apartment was something very different from the other places we have stayed in Biarritz.
We rented from airbnb the apartment sits around a park where the opera house is on the square.

See more of airbnb here 

The place was not just big is was spacious light and in a prime location.
The beach all was just a five minute walk or so the bars restaurants also the same.
As I laid in bed at night I could hear a lady singing at the opera house I'd never known such a thing could happen.
It was a pleasure to hear her sing from my bed doors open with a private bedroom balcony.Trees moving a cool French breeze made me feel like I was living something from a romantic novel.
It's not every day you have that kind of combination.


We first dinned at 
Le Bistrot des Halles 
                                                    1 rue du CentreBiarritz, France

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This is a tradition it makes me feel like I came home and mum cooked dinner.

The menu is sizeable and they offer and English menu I prefer not to take that though it does me good to learn more each time I visit.

The debate on Foie Gras is huge for me I think it's something to enjoy.
That was my starter dish light buttery melting like butter melts on a summers day.

Le Bistrot des Halles is like being in Paris like you walked through a door and you are there.
Tables close to each other,bustle and lots of different accents.
Heaven actually I arrived I am here and this is just right!
Last year we saw a huge plate of steak being served to a man,it looked like a t-bone looking at the menu there was a steak forty euros buys you perfection.
Rare,bloody,juicy charred outside and cooked gentle on the surface.
A delight.

We wrapped up dinner with drinks at 
Le Comptoir Du Foie Gras
                                                       1, Rue du centre Biarritz, France
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Tapas we had before my birthday dinner from
Le Comptoir Foie Gras.
A little unusual is there is no inside seating.
However it's a very very busy bar eatery.
Sitting in a prime location if you know Biarritz you'll know that statement is on point.
The inside is full of food and busy staff. 
Windows open ready for serve and people are arm to arm body to body at the windows tapas floating around meats hanging and wine flowing.

I always make a dinner or two when I go away the local fresh market for me is heaven.
You'll never imagine till you arrive and see for your self how fruitful the bounty.
The market had oodles of fresh crab soups.
I was happy to buy and taste the fresh soup to complete it I added greens that wilted and softened.
With a handmade market sold loaf along side a salted French butter.

With Cider...
Main of Cornfed chicken,Mutton & beef sausages with boulangere potato.


Lunch made by me,on the balcony whilst the ballet dancers dance on a stage in the park right outside the apartment.
Tomato sliced with olive oil, dried thyme vinegar and sea salt.
Cured meat,cheese & tomato on a walnut loaf.







More cheese more meats and a bounty of happiness on a plate.


Then to San Sebastian 
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This is meringue 
I was quite perplexed as to what this was and actually how an earth do they cut this?


The streets feel like you are in a mix or Barcelona the buildings give a feel of a less worn Cuba.
Never the less San Sebastian is a destinantion
it's vast the tapas is never ending.
The streets are full of food,markets and deli counters.

I was in ore what was and is a high end Patiserie selling more than reasonably priced tarts chocolates and fancies.








The seafront.


This jacket
Drinks,dinner and some late night dancing.



The lovely man who is Andre
His place Bonheur
                                                                             30 AVENUE VICTOR HUGO
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Bonheur is the premiere burger restaurant in Biarritz.
The interior is cool chic and modern.
A laid back vibe black floors,black walls and a black ceiling.
Wooden tables black napkins and wooden knifes and forks.

It's like you have stepped in a Vogue shoot.

I must add the feel is just one small reason I dine with Bonheur.
The owner is clearly dedicated to the food his love for everything is evident.
The touches of art including burgers to the hip music and the glow of love put in to the place is addictive.
My chicken burger was cooked tenderly
with a light spiced sauce.
Cheese fries which I ended up putting another sauce on once I'd got through the cheese sauce.
You'll never fail here the blonde beer made local to Biarritz was the most perfect match.
Dine with Bonheur make it a key destination.
Show them some love!

A Sunday morning staple
                                                Café Jean Biarritz

                                              13, rue des Halles
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After a late Saturday night partying till half four with a friend I was up early on the Sunday morning.
I toured the market bought some goodies then to Cafe Jean of course.
There is nothing finer than Cafe Jean on a Sunday morning.
Laid back at the side of the market next tot he little square and church.
Cafe Jean is a delight for a very strong coffee.
Taking in the busy cafes street and people drifting by for something to eat later in the day.
I have to say I have not eaten there but I hope to some time in the future,the staff are always nice the coffee never fails along with the comfort of just being there in France in Biarritz.

                                      

Cote Des Basque
How can you not?
                                             Le Surfing Biarritz

                                                             9, bd Prince de Galles
                                                                  Biarritz, France
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The place to be on the Cot De Basque first thing in the morning.
They offer the freshest croissants the loveliest light breakfast with eggs bacon fresh salad and morsels of crunchy then soft potato served hot.

There is a vintage market every Sunday behind the fresh market.
I have always admired this stall.
Lovely colours,bold patterns soft chic fabric.
One had to be mine and yes that is my pin up bedding from home.
Nothing wrong in taking a little of home with you when traveling.



I celebrated my thirty seventh birthday in style at
Miremont
                                         1 Bis Place Georges Clemenceau Biarritz, France
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Miremont sends you back in time.
Elegant a little ott why not,why?

The most classical of all French treats.
  1.                        Croque-monsieur
  2. The croque monsieur is a baked or fried boiled ham and cheese sandwich. Traditionally made with Brioche-like bread pieces, or with normal butter bread, but with a soft crust, topped with grated cheese of the same type, slightly salted and peppered
Eating at Miremont

The tea room

This got chocolate served in a jug served with freshly whipped cream.
I spooned it over the hot chocolate at first the taste was light as was the texture.
The deeper you work down the cup the LUX feeling grows.
Velvety creamy with what had to be the lightest cream.Sweet intense but one cup is enough you'll need to spare room for food.
Well something fancy at least.


Miremont has my heart well and truly behind the counter.
I can't help but imagine myself there as an old lady grasping the chair to sit down and enjoy the atmosphere.
Please go,see for yourself.
Miremont is not exclusive to the rich you'll not feel pushed out.
To me the French are outgoing loving and show affection I embrace that.

More birthday adventures.
The walk to Le Surfing.

Le Surfing


My birthday dinner set by sunset,love and some very good food.


My birthday French fruit tart.
On a true find a French vintage glass plate.

My feet on the sand.

To all the people I met to all the restaurants who welcomed me.
I thank you I think of Biarritz every day and I also miss it ever day.
Much love and see you soon X x x x

Dinner when I got home.

A base of greens with beetroot & ginger matchsticks.
With thinly sliced red/spring onion.
Pan cooked chicken in a chipotle/dried chilli flake soy sauce mix with beef stock.
Topped with black sesame seeds.
Inspiration for future cooking a mix or French and English cookery books.