morganwong's Profile
Question about soup in Spain
It is not so much about the hours you eat, if the restaurant re-heat the whole pot, they will have to re-season. They just couldn't be bothered so they served you lukewarm soup. Happened to me too every now and then. I think it is a cultural thing. Just my humble opinion.
Secret to good eating in Spain - Chinese!
I would never dream of going to a Chinese restaurant in San Sebastian, not in my wildest hallucination, and I am Chinese American. Just my humble opinion.
Proposal trip (!!!)
Congrats!! Not sure if Sacre Coeur is the safe place to go at night. Some guys might wrap something around your fingers and hold you for ransom. Haven't you heard?
How about a night cruise on the river??
uhockey's thoughts on Paris Restaurants - Part 1 - La Bigarrade, Le Chateaubriand, Le Cinq, Chez L'Ami Jean, Pierre Gagnaire
Excellent report and awesome pics from your blog. Thanks!
Aquitaine !! Wheeeeee !! Arcachon food suggestions.
Hi Frazier:
Ten days in Arcachon would be a bit much, unless you are a marine biologist doing research on oyster farming. Just kidding.... Oysters from Arcachon has its share of problems the past few years, sometimes it does not pass the 'mice test' and then there is a ban and the local farmers would get very angry. It is my impression that in SW France (Bordeaux, Arcachon, Biarritz...), decent restaurants will serve oysters from Gillardeau, which are actually from La Rochelle.
As far as restaurant recommendations, I have eaten at Diego Plage and Chez Yvette and they are good. Just curious, are you bypassing Bordeaux altogether? You'll be missing a lot if you are.
When I had my last sip of coffee, the waiter handed me the bill....
Thanks for all the reassurance everyone. Really appreciate!
When I had my last sip of coffee, the waiter handed me the bill....
We stuck around a little while, then it started to rain. SInce we did not bring an umbrella, we bought one from the souvenir store next door for 45 Euro. Ouch!! When we opened it, we saw this tagline on the umbrella - 'and you thought it never rained in Monte Carlo'!!
When I had my last sip of coffee, the waiter handed me the bill....
It was a Saturday and the place was swamped with tourists. I seriously doubt if there was a shift change. They just wanted to have a quick table turnover, and non-French customers like us got the bills without asking. I have traveled widely in France for over 20 years and this is the first time that happened. Really not a big deal, since we're on vacation, I did not let this ruin my vacation mood. But next time, I will convince my wife to go to Huit et demi instead! ;0)
When I had my last sip of coffee, the waiter handed me the bill....
That was in Cafe de Paris, Monte Carlo, three weeks ago. We were there for lunch. I know, I know, it is such a tourist trap, but my wife wanted to be there to people watch. The quality of food was decent. Just as I finished my coffee, the waiter handed me the bill. I was mildly irritated. Just wondering, is it a growing trend here in France (or Europe)?? Finally, something they learn from us... ;o))
Bayonne
On the right bank, you can try the 1* Cheval Blanc. I went there twice, once before the economic downturn, and once after. The valet is long gone, and the prix fixe menu is even more affordable. If you are adventurous, you can pay 90 euro and let the chef 'surprise' you. Francois Miura is also on the right bank, close to the river, I had a fabulous lunch there. The up and coming has to be La Feuillantine on the left bank. I had a good meal there last year also. I was impressed.
Madrid for New Year's
Some restaurants will open for business New Year's day, but the night before you will have to make reservation ahead of time. Most tapas bars close early New Year's Eve, like 3PM. Ask me how I knew!
Great Bakery/Casual Cafe in San Diego
Sage French Cake on Convoy St. in Kearny Mesa. Owner is Korean but trained in Japan. Tiramisu, Raspberry Ganache, Napoleon,....etc, they are all good. This is not your usual bakery that sells layer cakes. I am a bit surprised nobody had mentioned.
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Sage French Cake
3860 Convoy St, San Diego, CA
Beaujolais Nouveau 2009
During my visit to Lyon last year, I took a winery tour to the Beaujolais region. I was surprised to hear from the tour guide that the good Beaujolais wines stay in France whereas the not-so-good ones get shipped to America!
paris restaurant suggestions--need HELP
For plateau de fruits de mer, Congres Maillot is just a few blocks away from Le Meridien Etoile, across the street is Auberge Dab. I enjoy both but I prefer Congres Maillot because the tables at Auberge Dab are too close to each other and the ventilation is not so good when it is crowded. Enjoy!
3 days in Lisbon, looking for recommendations
Gambrinus would be my #1 choice too. I walked up and down the street, checking out the restaurants for a good 20 minutes and I concluded that Gambrinus was the most "decent" looking and I was right. I had a good lunch there. Enjoy!
Bordeaux
The 'don't miss' restaurant is not going to be Chapon Fin, I can tell you that, because they overcooked my veal chop. For the price I paid, that's unforgivable. I did not have a good meal at La Tupina either, my duck breast was tough and not juicy. If you go there, I suggest a table outside because they have a huge fire grill inside and it is much too hot. Jean Remet, I like, been there twice, last time when I had the squab, I was too polite at the table, so Madame Ramet brought out a bowl of water and gestured me to use my bare hands! There is this brasserie called Le Noailles, it is just a stone throw away from the Grand Theatre, on Tourny (if you see the merry-go-round, you are there). I tried their tournedos rossini and it was very good! Overall, you can eat very well in Bordeaux - there are so many restaurant within 10-15 min. walk from the Grand Theatre. Oh, another good one is La Belle Epoque along the river. I am going to Bordeaux next month too, one restaurant I like to try is '7e peche' (or 7th sin), a few blocks north from Jardin Public, let's hope the food is not too inventive! Cheers.
Cap Ferret and Arachon
You are right, erly, seafood in Arcachon, after a few days in Bordeaux, is just the ticket. I ate at Diego Plage L'Ecailler twice (right behind the Casino, facing the beach). Can't go wrong with 1/2 dozen of Gillardeau #2 oysters. For something more refined, try Chez Yvette, it is located right across from the tourism office. I went there for lunch and the monkfish was delicious. There is a good one a few doors down from Chez Yvette, it was closed those few days when I was in Arcachon but it looks decent from the outside. There are also a few restaurants in one of the the main streets Ave. Gambetta, I remember there was an Indian restaurant and a pizzeria.
Vietnamese Coffee - where to buy
In Canada, buy it online at handocoffee.com. Enjoy!
Deauville, Normandy
Been to Deauville twice, so I think I have some ideas. For a family reunion, the safest choice has to be the restaurant in Normandy Barriere, jackets required and 60 euro or more per person. The second choice, less expensive, is the restaurant affiliated with the casino (forgot the name), it is on the ground floor, not the one inside the casino, there is a huge difference in quality. The third choice would be Le Flambee, just 2 blocks from the beach. Hope you have nice weather but bring your umbrella just in case.
