We just got back from an amazing trip to Paris, Amsterdam, Antwerp and Barcelona. See photos here, and stay tuned for details on all the deliciousness!
Restaurant Review: El Califa de León in New York
4 hours ago
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
4.01.2011
3.19.2011
Le Bambou
If you know us, you know that we love pho. And though we can find great pho at home, we also had to explore the other side of the pho equation -- its French origins.
Our first stop was to Le Bambou in Paris' Chinatown. It was very strange how this restaurant felt both familiar and foreign at the same time...like Vietnamese spoken with a French accent.
Familiar -- the veggie plate / Foreign -- mint instead of basil, lemon instead of lime
Familiar -- hot pot of jasmine tea / Foreign -- champagne-lychee aperitif
Familiar -- noodles and beef / Foreign -- a murky, sweet broth and shaggy tangle of scallions
We're not sure if Le Bambou's pho was some variation that we're not aware of, but it didn't quite hit the spot. However, it was solid and warmed us up on a chilly night. If this was the worst we could do in Paris, it wasn't too shabby at all.
3.18.2011
Creme Caramel in a Jar | Gu Banoffee | Bonne Maman Yaourt
The grocery stores in Paris were insane. Every single aisle was packed with the most delicious-looking food...it was very difficult to resist buying one of everything.
Our favorite items to ogle were the refrigerated desserts usually be found near the yogurt/dairy products. Where you would normally find a meager selection of Jell-o and pudding cups in the U.S., we found an extensive selection of mousses, pot de creme, creme caramel, flan, creme brulee, etc. We couldn't resist trying:
Creme Caramel
We don't remember the brand, but this adorable glass jar held a much better pre-made grocery store creme caramel than many of the pricey restaurant versions we'd tried at home.
Gu Banoffee
We couldn't quite tell what this was just by looking at the package, but we could tell it would be delish. Inside were layers of buttery crust, chocolate ganache, creamy filling, banana and caramel. It was over-the-top rich and sweet.
Bonne Maman Yaourt
Amid all the indulgences, we made an attempt at being healthy. Little did we know, this yogurt is also delicious. It was smooth and silky with a chunky, not-too-sweet berry layer on the bottom...and only 2% milkfat!
Sometimes we wish we could find these delicious desserts more easily at home. But, actually, it's a good thing we can't...because it would be devastating for our waistlines.
Our favorite items to ogle were the refrigerated desserts usually be found near the yogurt/dairy products. Where you would normally find a meager selection of Jell-o and pudding cups in the U.S., we found an extensive selection of mousses, pot de creme, creme caramel, flan, creme brulee, etc. We couldn't resist trying:
Creme Caramel
We don't remember the brand, but this adorable glass jar held a much better pre-made grocery store creme caramel than many of the pricey restaurant versions we'd tried at home.
Gu Banoffee
We couldn't quite tell what this was just by looking at the package, but we could tell it would be delish. Inside were layers of buttery crust, chocolate ganache, creamy filling, banana and caramel. It was over-the-top rich and sweet.
Bonne Maman Yaourt
Amid all the indulgences, we made an attempt at being healthy. Little did we know, this yogurt is also delicious. It was smooth and silky with a chunky, not-too-sweet berry layer on the bottom...and only 2% milkfat!
Sometimes we wish we could find these delicious desserts more easily at home. But, actually, it's a good thing we can't...because it would be devastating for our waistlines.
La Galette des Moulins
Picnicking at Sacre-Coeur is one of those quintessential Paris experiences, so we relished every moment of touristy goodness.
It was a pleasant uphill walk from the subway to Sacre-Coeur, though we got a little sidetracked.
After refocusing, we stopped by La Galette des Moulins, which seems like a clever play on the nearby windmill. It was quite crowded with tourists, but had all the fixins for a picnic lunch.
This girl was complaining about the prices
After finding an open spot on the steps of Sacre-Coeur, we settled down with our loot.
There was nothing extraordinary about our picnic -- just simple sandwiches, cheap wine, droves of tourists and a hazy view of the city -- and yet it was still magical. A quintessential Paris experience indeed!
Laduree
We really didn't get what all the fuss over macarons is all about. Sure, they're cute and come in fun colors, but they also tend to be overly sweet and a bit dusty.
Thank goodness Laduree gave us a little context.
The patisserie is like a jewelry store -- elegant, with beautiful displays. Choosing macarons is like picking out little gems...and these babies practically cost as much, too!
But once you take a bite, you understand what the macaron is all about -- light yet chewy, and bursting with flavor.
Our faves were the cassis and salted caramel. The tartness and saltiness, respectively, tempered the sweetness of the macaron so well.
Tip: Even though it may be difficult to refrain from inhaling every single macaron as soon as the box lands in your hands, they only keep for a few days. So, if you want to bring some home, buy them on your last day (or at the airport - CDG will have them).
Thank goodness Laduree gave us a little context.
The patisserie is like a jewelry store -- elegant, with beautiful displays. Choosing macarons is like picking out little gems...and these babies practically cost as much, too!
But once you take a bite, you understand what the macaron is all about -- light yet chewy, and bursting with flavor.
Our faves were the cassis and salted caramel. The tartness and saltiness, respectively, tempered the sweetness of the macaron so well.
Tip: Even though it may be difficult to refrain from inhaling every single macaron as soon as the box lands in your hands, they only keep for a few days. So, if you want to bring some home, buy them on your last day (or at the airport - CDG will have them).
3.17.2011
Le Relais L'Entrecote
We arrived in Paris a hungry and a little groggy. After getting our bearings, we set out to do a little exploring and find some dinner.
We wanted to kick off our trip with some traditional steak frites, and the institution that is Le Relais L'Entrecote didn't disappoint. Not only did we love the food, but the charming way in which it's served.
They don't take reservations, so don't be surprised if there's a long line outside.
The waitresses look adorable in their black-and-white uniforms. Once you're seated, they'll simply ask you, "Rare, medium, or well?" and then jot it down on your tablecloth.
A few moments later, bread and a lightly dressed salad appears...a meal in and of itself.
Then comes the piece de resistance...a heaping platter of steak covered in a buttery mustard sauce, accompanied by a mountain of the best fries ever.
Once you've finished your plate, you'll be stuffed...but it's not over yet. Because the other half of your steak, swimming in that savory sauce, has been keeping warm over some tealights at a nearby station.
Your waitress will promptly return with hot seconds of meat and another batch of fries fresh from the kitchen. You'll wonder how you could possibly finish it all...and yet it somehow disappears.
We wanted to kick off our trip with some traditional steak frites, and the institution that is Le Relais L'Entrecote didn't disappoint. Not only did we love the food, but the charming way in which it's served.
They don't take reservations, so don't be surprised if there's a long line outside.
The waitresses look adorable in their black-and-white uniforms. Once you're seated, they'll simply ask you, "Rare, medium, or well?" and then jot it down on your tablecloth.
A few moments later, bread and a lightly dressed salad appears...a meal in and of itself.
Then comes the piece de resistance...a heaping platter of steak covered in a buttery mustard sauce, accompanied by a mountain of the best fries ever.
Once you've finished your plate, you'll be stuffed...but it's not over yet. Because the other half of your steak, swimming in that savory sauce, has been keeping warm over some tealights at a nearby station.
Your waitress will promptly return with hot seconds of meat and another batch of fries fresh from the kitchen. You'll wonder how you could possibly finish it all...and yet it somehow disappears.
12.09.2010
Kinder Bueno White
Kinder Bueno must be the official candy bar of Europe — they're everywhere.
Our first encounter with the Kinder Bueno White variation at a little beach shack in Sorrento, Italy, where we stopped for a snack before a short hike up the cliff into the city center. They were sooooo delicious, and, luckily, also readily available, so we made sure to bring a pack home.
Our stash survived untouched in our fridge for 8 months, but, inevitably, the day came when we could no longer resist.
Crispy wafer on the outside and creamy goodness on the inside...just as delish as we remembered!
Our first encounter with the Kinder Bueno White variation at a little beach shack in Sorrento, Italy, where we stopped for a snack before a short hike up the cliff into the city center. They were sooooo delicious, and, luckily, also readily available, so we made sure to bring a pack home.
Our stash survived untouched in our fridge for 8 months, but, inevitably, the day came when we could no longer resist.
Crispy wafer on the outside and creamy goodness on the inside...just as delish as we remembered!
5.06.2010
Honeymoon Food
We had a great time in the Mediterranean, much of which was spent eating. Here are some highlights:
Italy
We remember Rome for its ham/artichoke heart/olive/mushroom/egg pizza, this crazy delicious condiment (just olive oil and red pepper flake, we think) and eating gelato twice in one day. Shamelessly.
The blood orange juice in Sorrento was just amazing – but not to be outdone by Pizzeria Aurora, the best pizza EVER.
Athens had an incredibly cold and refreshing Greek salad and really good souvlaki.
Our simple yet amazing meal in Rhodes was cooked by a woman who ran a coffee shop from her front porch. The local wild boar souvlaki and fried cheese balls were to die for.
Turkey
Greece was a tough act to follow, and we got suckered into trying a really nasty yogurt/salt/water beverage, but we made up for it by pigging out on baklava. YUM!
Egypt
We got sick from a Nile cruise lunch in Cairo. To this day, our stomachs turn whenever we look at these photos.
Alexandria more than made up for it, though, with a super fresh seafood feast. We selected our freshly caught seafood downstairs, then went upstairs, where our food was brought once prepared.
Ok, this recap became slightly depressing, because we’re starting to crave all of it (except Cairo – ugh) but can get none of it. Guess we should start planning our next trip!
Until next time...
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