gastronomie

we ate at a local restarant last night. our reservation was at 8pm, and we didn't get back to our hotel until 12:30. now i underdtand the reputatipon of french food, and i have to agree that the french chefs have earned their bragging rights.

it was seven course meal, which began with a chef's sampling of tonight's flavors: avacado on a cracher, a small bite of boiled carrots, chevre, and a cold tomatoe soup. everything was litterally bite sized. next came stewed tomato, anchovies in a creamy sauce with lemon, bread cracker with a salsa of eggplants, tomatoe, and parmesan served with a cocktail glass of cold pureed beets. then we had muchroom ravioli and foie gras. next was mussels with green apples and tomatoes, then lamb samosa with fig chutney. then came dessert...pistachio ice cream with dark chocolate, and a mango sorbet with a merengue and black current sauce, pureed rhubarb delight with macaroons and a wafer cookie. words cant do justice to this meal - it was a work of art!

all of it was paired with local wines, mostly sparkling whites and roses. our waiter was impeccably dressed and attentive, but had his hands full, as every table was taken. what a great experience! i never expected to like duck liver and ground beets, but there wasn't a single thing that wasn't absolutely impressive. we love french food! an explosion of flavor in every bite!

today we're off to Cognac and then bordeaux region. jason is excited to tour the Hennessey distillery.

a special bonjour to Colby today. i'm pretty sure you did see us on the eiffel tower with Dora. i was the one clinging to the wall in fear and trembling. and did you know that Dora is popular in France, too? we see her picture eveywhere! you should definitely come visit her in France someday!