Classic Paris Bistro – Oh, la, la Blog
Posted on November 27, 2015 by Jackie DeKnock No comments
GOURMET LOVE
“Spreading love, one recipe at a time!”
The back-story that inspired the recipes that inspired the menu. Foodie stories with adventure and sometimes intrigue, co-mingling together! Let me take my paintbrush, paint the scene and the mood to take you to this wonderful, alluring country. With every bite comes a memory; it’s all about experiencing a captivating journey.
Inspired Quote to love by: “Nothing is impossible for a willing heart.” ~ French Love Proverb
Travelogue: Food = The Way To A Man’s Heart
Where: Everywhere
When: Every-time
Mood: Happy with my culinary adventures
Emotion: Joy
The Inspiration Behind the Menu
In deciding upon this menu in my role as ‘Gourmet Coach’ for you, I considered where is ‘the’ most romantic place in the whole entire world? So…here it is: Oh, la, la! Voila a sultry Classic Parisian Bistro Menu to keep the home fires burning! I once lived in the city of love, and experienced ‘many a bistro,’ falling in love with the cuisine and the romance of the city (so I know how deliciously effective it is for the heart). Start with “Something Old” Roasted Veggie & Gruyere Cheese Tart, follow along with“Something New” Sole Bonne Femme in Cream Sauce. Next up – “Something Borrowed” Potato Gratin Dauphinois, followed by “Something Blue” Roasted Vegetable Ratatouille. Last but not least,“Signed, Sealed, Delivered” Sumptuous Crêpes Suzette these crepes taste like love without the heartache!
Three short foodie stories that tell the tale of the menu – collect one, collect ‘em all (kidding)!
Sole Bonne Femme, George Brown College Toronto, Culinary Arts 2005(ish)
Being honest, I learnt how to make the Sole Bonne Femme dish at College in Toronto, that was long, long after living in Paris. No matter how romantic it sounds that the recipe hails from Paris – the truth is the truth – the recipe hails from down the street in Toronto (although I know that it’s origin is France)! I love the delicious, silky flavour of the fish, the cream sauce and especially the name – Good Wife! I had to include it with this menu, it was a no-brainer. I know you’ll love it as much as I do (and fish really is brain food and so good for you)! My demo video goes through each and every step for you to prepare this dish right in your own kitchen. Enjoy the experience and love your food!
Roasted Ratatouille, Paris, France, 1986
Ratatouille, this tasty often unappreciated vegetable stew hails from Provence, served either hot or cold, as a main course or side dish, it’s seriously good for you! The first time that I tasted this dish was back in 1986, when I worked as an au pair (nanny) in Paris, taking care of a French film actress’s daughter. One of my jobs was to cook with the Moroccan maid, Zhora. She was an amazing teacher, so it didn’t feel like work at all and it opened my eyes to cuisines of the world. This dish involved a lot of chopping…endless chopping (enough to make your eyes water, mine did), endless stirring but the end result was a delicious ‘n nutritious dish! I loved every single bite of it. When I make this dish today it always transports me back to Paris. I hope that your taste buds enjoy your trip to Paris as much as mine do!
Crepes Suzette, Loire Valley, France 2005
The first time I ever tasted Crêpes Suzette was well, OK, I’ll admit it, in France. I was sitting in a quaint little restaurant tucked away in the rolling hills of the Loire Valley, just south of Paris. It was a true foodie highlight pour moi to watch a professional waiter prep and serve up this sumptuous dessert. With the flame lit, the scent of orange wafted through the restaurant as the show began. Our waiter folded then swirled the crepes with such flair – ahhh the flair of the French – I loved to watch him doing what he loved to do! The taste of this most famous crepe dessert will always impress and is truly easy to make. Make this fabulous recipe and enjoy! And no, you don’t need to bring a French waiter home from France…no matter how much you might like to! Enjoy ‘your’ show…
Wish you were here!
XO
PS Love your food, what comes from the heart touches the heart!
Check out the complete Classic Paris Bistro – Oh, la, la menu