Bistros and Brasseries

A number of years ago, my Honey and I spent a romantic two weeks in France and naturally, a good portion of that was in Paris. I couldn't get enough of the art, the history and, of course the restaurants - especially the bistros. Naturally, I was very excited to receive a copy of Bistros and Brasseries so that I can relive some of those tasty meals.

I admit, most of the ones I bookmarked will grace my table once the colder weather hits . So many fantastic comfort dishes like coq au vin (rooster - or in my world chicken slowly simmered in wine), boeuf bourguignon (the perfect beef stew in red wine), blanquette de veau (white veal stew) and the very authentic looking pot-au-feu (which really means pot on the fire...slow simmering dish that differs depending on the region and the tough cut of meat on hand, but always ends up delicious). And I really can't wait to make the potee de campagne country-style lamb stew.

Don't get me started on the desserts...beignettes, profiteroles, clafouti and tarte tatin, just to name a few, which will have to wait until I've lost a few pounds.

Every page took me back and I know I'll be enjoying many a trip to Paris without ever leaving my kitchen.

Naturally, I can't wait until the weather turns consistently chilly, so I did whip up some Moules Mariniere (Mariner-style Mussels), after all, I can get truly fresh, right-from-the-ocean mussels every day here in Halifax...and this dish is so easy, so tasty, even if it's too hot to do much in the kitchen. I didn't make the "frites" of the Moules et Frites I ate almost daily when I was in France (and Amsterdam for that matter)...but I certainly can imagine them served with mayonnaise on the side.

Saucisse a l' Ail aux Lentilles Verts (Garlicky Sausages with Green Lentils) were exactly what the doctor ordered on a cold, drizzly day and they will grace my table often throughout the year. It's a perfectly simple and perfectly tasty meal regardless of the weather.

Oh...and did I mention I'll be trying the Tarte Flamiche - leek & cheese tart, the crepes aux epinards et fromage - spinach and cheese crepes, and the ragout de champignons - mushroom stew.... It's obvious I'll be visiting Paris often.