wallygirly's Profile
Ledoyen
Unfortunately they tend to stick Americans together in this type of restaurant because some don't know how to behave. First time at Ledoyen 4 yrs ago, the American "gentleman" at the next table announced as he was being seated that he had a flight to catch and wanted all courses served at once. He then proceeded to enjoy his speed meal while ignoring his companion while fixated on his Blackberry. This time, when we had stellar service and thoroughly enjoyed the food and wine, we were near a loud, self absorbed American woman who required a staff person at her table most of the meal so that she could impress him, and 1/2 the dining room, with her knowledge of food and wine. Please people - fine dining is about ambiance, service, food, wine and quiet conversation!
Problems with homemade membrillo
no need to add pectin. What you most likely have is ornamental quince which produces nearly the same membrillo, but does not turn a true pink. Cook down the paste, then spread thinly - maybe 1/2 inch - in a pan on top of a buttered parchment paper and put in the lowest temp - around 125 - for 1 hr. The bottom of mine was not totally set, so I flipped it onto a new parchment and put it in the oven for another hour - just finished cutting into squares for storage and it tastes wonderful?!
France Foodie Destinationa
Haut Cagnes Sur Mer - ancient village on top of the hill as opposed to Cagnes Sur Mer the new town - has 3 one stars and a bunch of good cafes. Josey-Jo is a nice, low key one star. If you are into fussy dining the Carnard at the Chateau Relais is the place- one star also. Good wood-fired pizza at Jimmy's outside on the square. Across the square is the Grimaldi which was always good, but has gotten much better. On the road down the hill to the new town, there is a little cafe, Mesculan, which is a 1 man show. Chef/owner is from Lyon so that adds some complexity to his south of France menu - nothing fancy, just good, fresh food that is very reasonable - 12 euro for a 3 course lunch w/wine .
Le Louis XV in Monte Carlo
Had lunch on the terrace at Le Louis XV this summer - best part was watching the world of Monte Carlo go by. Food was disappointing. The gambas tasted muddy and the duck which was recommended by our waiter as a specialty of the chef was incredibly overcooked - dry and gray! We should have sent it back, but were too stunned. Funny thing was that we were served duck the next day for lunch at a friend's home and she prepared it perfectly - rosy pink - with a shallot sauce. Go to Louis XV for the show, service, ilttle touches and endless parade of treats at the end of meal. Sadly, this was not even close to our most memorable meals in terms of the food.
Walla Walla
As said before, not much after The Dalles, except a great taco truck at the east bound exit in Boardman. That said, leave PDX a little later next time and stop at the 6th St. Bistro or Celio in Hood River.
