Archive for February, 2013

Beer and Chocolate Tasting with Elisabeth Pierre

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013
Facebook Twitter Linkedin

Elisabeth Pierre (whom I’ve blogged about before) held a beer and chocolate tasting on Valentine’s Day and we were there!

Elisabeth Pierre Talks about Beer and Chocolate

Elisabeth Pierre Talks about Beer and Chocolate
Photograph by www.DiscoverParis.net

The tasting was held at a beer shop called La Moustache Blanche. In case you don’t know what a moustache blanche is, here is a picture of the owner, Guillaume, proudly displaying his:

Guillaume

Guillaume
Photograph by www.DiscoverParis.net

We tasted many different beers paired with white, milk, and dark chocolates. Below is a photograph of the beers that we tasted.

The Beers That We Tasted

The Beers That We Tasted
Photograph by www.DiscoverParis.net

And below is a photograph of an Italian beer called 32 Tre+Due that you have to open first with a bottle opener, then with a corkscrew.

Opening Beer with Corkscrew

Jean-Pierre Opening a Bottle of Beer with Corkscrew
Photograph by www.DiscoverParis.net

Here is a picture of the table set for the tasting. Note that the mustache emblem of the beer shop is prominently displayed in the background. It almost looks as if the Esquire Magazine man is benevolently watching over the event.

Table Set for Tasting

Table Set for the Tasting
Photograph by www.DiscoverParis.net

We were supplied rating sheets for our tasting notes.

Beer-tasting Notes and Frothy Head of Beer

Beer-tasting Notes and Frothy Head of Beer
Photograph by www.DiscoverParis.net

And we tasted…

Kate, Angelique, and Pascal

Kate, Angelique, and Pascal
Photograph by www.DiscoverParis.net

And tasted…

Carolyn

Carolyn
Photograph by www.DiscoverParis.net

And sniffed to capture the aromas of the brews…

Matthieu

Matthieu
Photograph by www.DiscoverParis.net

And the verdict? I enjoyed most of the beers, including one that Matthieu identified as having an aroma of crème de rose. He named that right away while I was struggling to describe it.

For the most part, I didn’t care for the taste of chocolate with beer. I prefer beer as a refreshing beverage by itself or served with African, Indian, or other spicy food. I did, however, find that 32 Atra, a brown beer made with roasted barley, went well with dark chocolate.

For Monique, the beer-chocolate pairing event got her sit down and taste a variety of beers for the first time in her life. And we’ll drink (in moderation) to that!

* * * * * * *

We participate in Wanderfood Wednesdays. Head over there to explore food from around the world!

* * * * * * *

Like our blog? Join us on Facebook!

We’re on CNN!

Tuesday, February 26th, 2013
Facebook Twitter Linkedin
Monique Y. Wells Presenting Our New Josephine Baker Walk

Monique Y. Wells Presenting
Our New Josephine Baker Walk

Photograph by www.DiscoverParis.net

We’re super excited about the CNN article that came out yesterday about African Americans in Paris. Entrée to Black Paris is featured in the third—and longest—section! In the article, you’ll find links to Southern Passion Lounge in Paris, Black Paris Profiles, and our newest Josephine Baker walk. Click on the embedded link above to “read all about it!”

* * * * * * *

Like our blog? Join us on Facebook!

Sunday Morning at the Paris Cookbook Fair

Sunday, February 24th, 2013
Facebook Twitter Linkedin
Paris Cookbook Fair

Paris Cookbook Fair

Today was the final day of the Paris Cookbook Fair, and I was determined not to miss the last day of this special event.

Guillaume Le Roux and Olivia Snaije

Guillaume Le Roux and Olivia Snaije
Photograph by www.DiscoverParis.net

I got there early to attend a conference on ethnic cuisine in Paris, held by Olivia Snaije, co-author of The Ethnic Paris Cookbook, and Guillaume Le Roux, who writes a food blog called 716. Both are passionate about ethnic cooking.

Samantha Lunam at Gula Magazine Stand

Samantha Lunam at the Gula Magazine Stand
Photograph by www.DiscoverParis.net

I sampled Mexican wine at the Gula Magazine stand, which was ably represented by Samantha Lunam. The magazine has recently published a guide to Mexican wines, which was featured at the stand.

Two Women Performing at the Astrel Book Stand

Two Women Performing at the Astrel Book Stand
Photograph by www.DiscoverParis.net

Passing by the Astral stand, a Russian publishing company, I heard two young women playing what was for me some very exotic music!

Pascal Aussignac Cooking Foie Gras

Pascal Aussignac Cooking Foie Gras
Photograph by www.DiscoverParis.net

I watched award-winning Chef Pascal Aussignac cook up a batch of foie gras.

Elin Agorelius at the Husmansbord Stand

Elin Agorelius at the Husmansbord Stand
Photograph by www.DiscoverParis.net

I sampled some delicious cheese, meats, and fruit juices at the Husmansbord stand, where I met Elin Agorelius. I raved about their Swedish fare last year!

I’ll be talking more about the cookbook fair in the days to come!

* * * * * * *

Like our blog? Join us on Facebook!

Tasting Fleur d’Huile from the Orchard of Chantal de Lander-Gaubens

Wednesday, February 20th, 2013
Facebook Twitter Linkedin
Fleur d'Huile by Chantal de Lander-Gaubens

Fleur d’Huile by
Chantal de Lander-Gaubens

Photograph by www.DiscoverParis.net

Last June I blogged about the olive oil produced by Chantal de Lander-Gaubens, whom I met at the Boutique Ephémère located in the 15th arrondissement of Paris.

There is no need to repeat the information that I gave in the blog of June 13, 2012 about how her oil is produced, but I do want to talk about a product of hers that I didn’t get a chance to taste at that time. It is called fleur d’huile and is one of the most sublime olive oils that I have ever tasted. I was fortunate to learn that she was returning to the Boutique Ephémère from her olive orchard in southern France during the first weekend of February, so I contacted her to order a bottle.

Madame de Lander-Gaubens explained to me that the oil comes from olives that have not yet been pressed. They have gone through the grinding process, but as the olive paste is placed in the scourtins (fiber mats) and mounted in the hydraulic press, oil drips out before the pressing begins. This oil—fleur d’huile—is captured and bottled separately from the oil that is squeezed from the paste by the action of the press.

Back at the kitchen table Monique and I tasted the oil, first by pouring it directly into small spoons, and later by dripping it on slices of fresh baguette. It has a brilliant, clear olive-green color and its aroma is slightly sweet. It tastes fruity—with a flavor similar to Juicy Fruit gum—and it has a peppery aftertaste. A discovery for us, this fleur d’huile is ambrosial!

Chantal and Olivier de Lander-Gaubens

Chantal and Olivier de Lander-Gaubens
Photograph by www.DiscoverParis.net

Madame de Lander-Gaubens’ husband Olivier was with her on that day and I took a picture of them together. It was a pleasure to meet them both!

Domaine de Vautubière
13111 Coudoux
France
Tel.: 04.42.52.12.23
Web site: www.huiledecoudoux.com

* * * * * * *

We participate in Wanderfood Wednesdays. Head over there to explore food from around the world!

* * * * * * *

Like our blog? Join us on Facebook!

There’s Still Time to Give Your Sweetheart a Valentine to Paris

Thursday, February 14th, 2013
Facebook Twitter Linkedin

Paris Insights - An Anthology

It’s not too late to give your sweetheart a valentine to Paris. The Kindle edition of Paris Insights – An Anthology is available for download immediately!

Travel writer Jim Calio has called our book “a wonderful valentine to Paris, unlike anything you’re likely to find in a standard guidebook.” Better than a box of chocolates, it is a gift that offers an insider’s view of the things to love about Paris.

Paris Insights – An Anthology was created with the Francophile reader in mind. Written in a lively, personal style that is both revealing and inspiring, this collection of informative newsletters explores various aspects of history, culture, and contemporary life in the City of Light. Published by Discover Paris!, it contains 33 articles that are grouped into chapters by theme: La Vie Parisienne (Life in Paris), Americans in Paris, Churches and Cathedrals, Tasty Treats, and Paris, Past and Present.

The Kindle edition of Paris Insights – An Anthology is now available to give as a gift with free wireless delivery via Amazon Whispernet. And better yet, a Kindle device is not required to enjoy Paris Insights – An Anthology. Amazon.com provides free Kindle reader apps that allow anyone to read Kindle books on any major computer, smartphone, or tablet. At $9.95, the Kindle edition is a fraction of the cost of our Premium edition, and your sweetheart can receive it instantly thanks to Amazon’s Whispernet technology.

To purchase, click on image below.

* * * * * * *

Like our blog? Join us on Facebook!

Tasting Ladurée Confections

Wednesday, February 13th, 2013
Facebook Twitter Linkedin

When we stepped into the Ladurée shop at the Carrousel du Louvre recently, we couldn’t resist buying a couple of their confections—they looked so appetizing! We took home a Corolle Feuilletée Caramel and a Tarte Citron.

Corolle Feuilletée Caramel

Corolle Feuilletée Caramel
Photograph by www.DiscoverParis.net

The Corolle Feuilletée Caramel consists of sticky-sweet caramel in a buttery pâte feuilleté (flaky pastry) shell covered with a caramel-flavored, whipped-egg-white confection. This is a treat for confirmed caramel fans only…as we are!

Tarte Citron

Tarte Citron
Photograph by www.DiscoverParis.net

The Tarte Citron is a smooth, lemon-pie filling in a crunchy pâte sablé (shortbread) crust. We both found that the filling lacked the zing that we hope for when we bite into in a lemon tart. Lemon tarts shouldn’t have mild flavor—they should have the pucker power of lemon zest!

In spite of the disappointment, we were pleased to learn that a Ladurée pastry shop is located so conveniently to the Louvre.

* * * * * * *

* * * * * * *

We participate in Wanderfood Wednesdays. Head over there to explore food from around the world!

Like our blog? Join us on Facebook!

It’s Not Too Late to Give Your Sweetheart a Valentine to Paris

Monday, February 11th, 2013
Facebook Twitter Linkedin

Paris Insights - An Anthology

Travel writer Jim Calio has called our book Paris Insights – An Anthology “a wonderful valentine to Paris, unlike anything you’re likely to find in a standard guidebook.” Better than a box of chocolates, it is a gift that offers an insider’s view of the things to love about Paris.

Paris Insights – An Anthology was created with the Francophile reader in mind. Written in a lively, personal style that is both revealing and inspiring, this collection of informative newsletters explores various aspects of history, culture, and contemporary life in the City of Light. Published by Discover Paris!, it contains 33 articles that are grouped into chapters by theme: La Vie Parisienne (Life in Paris), Americans in Paris, Churches and Cathedrals, Tasty Treats, and Paris, Past and Present.

Our book is available in three editions: Premium (full color), Travelers’ (black and white), and Kindle (electronic). Click here to learn more or to purchase now!

The Kindle edition of Paris Insights – An Anthology is now available to give as a gift with free wireless delivery via Amazon Whispernet! At $9.95, this version of the book is a fraction of the cost of our Premium edition, and your sweetheart can receive it instantly thanks to Amazon’s Whispernet technology.

When you give your love the Kindle edition, be sure to tell him or her that a Kindle device is not required to enjoy Paris Insights – An Anthology. Amazon.com provides free Kindle reader apps that allow anyone to read Paris Insights – An Anthology and other Kindle books on any major computer, smartphone, or tablet.

To purchase, click on image below.

Discover the beauty and passion of the world’s most romantic city in Paris Insights – An Anthology.

* * * * * * *

Give the Gift of Paris on Valentine’s Day

Thursday, February 7th, 2013
Facebook Twitter Linkedin

When your beloved whispers “Take me away,” do you dream of Paris?

Travel writer Jim Calio has called our book Paris Insights – An Anthology “a wonderful valentine to Paris, unlike anything you’re likely to find in a standard guidebook.”

Better than a box of chocolates, it is a gift that offers an insider’s view of the things to love about the City of Light.

Our book is available in three editions: Premium (full color), Travelers’ (black and white), and Kindle (electronic). Click here to learn more or to purchase now!

The Kindle edition of Paris Insights – An Anthology can be purchased and downloaded immediately. At $9.95, this version of the book is a fraction of the cost of our Premium edition, and you can receive it instantly thanks to Amazon’s Whispernet technology.

When you give your love the Kindle edition, be sure to tell him or her that a Kindle device is not required to enjoy Paris Insights – An Anthology. Amazon.com provides free Kindle reader apps that allow anyone to read Paris Insights – An Anthology and other Kindle books on any major computer, smartphone, or tablet.

To purchase, click on image below.

* * * * * * *

Like our blog? Join us on Facebook!

Meet Cyril Laï and Pascal Potin of Le Bistrot du Temple

Wednesday, February 6th, 2013
Facebook Twitter Linkedin
Cyril Laï (Chef) and Pascal Potin (Owner)

Cyril Laï, Chef, and Pascal Potin, Owner
Le Bistrot du Temple

Photograph by www.DiscoverParis.net

Following a delicious dinner at the recently-opened Le Bistrot du Temple, we returned to meet the owner, Pascal Potin and the chef, Cyril Laï. Learn why we rave about this restaurant in this month’s Paris Insights.

Paris Insights newsletter is published monthly as a downloadable PDF file. It is available only to paid subscribers for an annual subscription fee of $30.

If you are not a paid subscriber and would like to download the newsletter, please click here. Enter promotional code 11473309154 to receive a $5 discount off the price of an annual subscription.

Bonne Lecture…et Bon Appétit!

* * * * * * *

We participate in Wanderfood Wednesdays. Head over there to explore food from around the world!

Like our blog? Join us on Facebook!

Paris Insights Monthly Newsletter – Tasting Malagasy Chocolate from Five French Producers

Friday, February 1st, 2013
Facebook Twitter Linkedin
Five Malagasy Chocolates

Five Malagasy Chocolates

For our annual chocolate tasting, we assembled four tasters—three of whom are professionals in cooking or in chocolate—to taste and rate Malagasy chocolate made by five different French chocolate makers. Read our report to find out which of the five chocolates the panel preferred!

To view a preview of our newsletter, click here.

Paris Insights is published monthly as a downloadable PDF file. It is available only to paid subscribers for an annual subscription fee of $30.

If you are not a paid subscriber and would like to download the newsletter, please click here. Enter promotional code 11473309154 to receive a $5 discount off the price of an annual subscription.

Bonne lecture!

* * * * * * *

Like our blog? Join us on Facebook!