Upstate, Downstate

barnview1

So there we were, fresh off the plane, enjoying a spectacular meal at 2am French time (8pm local time), tired but happy. It turned out that the very first meal of our 10-day New York trip was also one of the very best, shall we say easily in the top three ! We had been gently dragooned from our comfortable hotel room by our great New York friends, Matt and Yolanda, they had told us we were in for a true, as good as it gets, New York experience. They were right. Sitting with (some of) our children in one of the booths at Russ and Daughters, sipping Bloody Marys and Lower Eastsides and in case of the children, cream sodas (I don’t really know what a cream soda is but is tastes good and sounds fabulous). We had chopped chicken livers and pickled red onion, matzo ball soup, whitefish croquettes. We had potato latkes and kippered salmon, we had more cocktails, we had desserts. And by desserts I mean things like Challah bread pudding and Halvah ice cream. Gosh what I would do tonight to be at Russ and Daughters having that food all over again (I actually said that just now to my husband who is sitting opposite me in the kitchen editing photos, having a glass of wine and noshing on a piece of Parmesan cheese).

cranberries

pizzaslice

broccoli

Next day, a Sunday, we revisited, for old time’s sake, one of my favorite places in NY, the Spotted Pig. The haddock chowder and Cuban sandwich did not disappoint. That meal was Hudson’s favorite of the whole trip, a burger and a mountain of fries downed with ginger ale. He was perhaps buoyed by the fact that the Spotted Pig is just off Hudson street and there literally everything is named “after him”, Hudson flowers, Hudson bakery, Hudson wine, for an already over-confident young man having your own street can be a dangerous thing. Matt and Yolanda kidnapped us again that night for drinks at the legendary Bemelman’s bar at the Carlyle followed by a trip to Wolfgang’s steakhouse where we started with shrimp cocktails and enormous pieces of bacon before proceeding to the very big, very delicious, dry-aged steaks. All very “Mad Men”, the mood was American and so was the wine.

apples

hunting

pumpkins2

I know I am taking a risk of being a bore here, recounting all the food I had on my trip, but I have to admit I am enjoying revisiting all these glorious meals. On Monday I finally got to try out the lamb burger at the Breslin, oh yes and their version of Scotch eggs. That evening was our big party, A Condé Nast Traveler celebration of “A Taste of the Médoc” due to their recent coverage of our beloved region. The talk of the evening was, I think, the wine. Who does not love to have a few glasses of 2004 Chateau-Lynch Bages on a cold Monday night in November? One of my absolute favorite wines. They also served a few tasty little dishes from my new cookbook, A kitchen in France, it was fun to see little recipes that originated in my kitchen in France being prepared by someone else in the big city. Worked very well I might add. I had a great time, the evening was judged a success by the NY post so it must have been good, non ?

bluestone

littlepond

applegalette

The next few days and nights saw us having many meetings, great food galore, Gramercy Tavern, Maialino’s, Franny’s in Brooklyn. I breastfed at Balthazar (also for old times sake), had a donut for the sake of it and scoffed down a pastrami sandwich between meetings. We had two enjoyable and very successful book signings where I had cherished encounters with some of my readers, we went to a wonderful Maille event at the New York Historical Society where two talented chefs from Brooklyn prepared a tasting menu of 10 dishes. The big surprise of the evening was that we were seated next to all our fabulous instagram friends. On Friday morning I even got to have breakfast with the incredibly amazing Deb Perelman from Smitten Kitchen, she is as sweet as you could possibly imagine. Let’s just say we had fun.
On Friday night we went to our favorite “restaurant” in New York City, Chez Rica’s. Unfortunately for you it’s a secret address and open very rarely, mainly for friends and family. It’s got great view and only one table, a chef’s table. I’ve had the pleasure to dine their twice, a divine experience. I am of course talking about the home of my editor, Rica Allannic (or RicaSuave as she is known to some). Her husband, Cyrille, is an amazing chef (he’s French) and Rica is herself a pastry chef in her own right – a winning combination. Last time we dined there I shared with you their recipe for scallops (a staple recipe in my house these days) this time it’s a broccoli soup with a twist. I think all of us are open to ways of cooking broccoli, one of the healthiest foods you can find, this soup will become a regular at my table, it’s a feel good soup in every way. On the menu that night after the soup was lamb with baby carrots, lovely American cheeses (my favorite is called Greensward) and Rica’s delectable chocolate soufflé.

hudson&clara

mimicat

pumpkins

Here is where I stop all this food recounting and pause to tell you something important about myself. I loved Twin Peaks – the TV show. I have always had this fantasy of sitting at a diner in a small town, having a cup of Joe and cherry pie. This time that fantasy almost came true, almost. Matt and Yolanda picked us up on Saturday morning and drove us to their beautiful house upstate New York. More than a house it’s actually a whole property – called WM Brown Farm. I’m pretty bad at geography, apparently it is in the Catskills – let’s just call it upstate. On the way up we stopped by a very charming farmer’s market, had a quick vegetable soup and bought provisions. Further up we passed by a food truck at the side of the road and snapped up their very last smoked chicken and spare ribs. This was just a snack, what followed, courtesy of Matt’s cooking were Martini’s, bottles of white wine called Kistler, an appetizing pizza with guanciale, grilled scallops and swordfish fresh from Montauk. Rounded off with a very delicious, very seasonal apple galette. I am sharing a couple of those recipes too.

yolandaflowers

pumpkins3

group
Ummm… Looks like an 80’s album cover?

Many good stories have great food descriptions, moments when the characters sit down, have food, think about food. In writing this little story about my American trip I seem to have gotten carried away and skipped the story. But at least I didn’t forget the food – that’s what Manger is all about.

In the last post I announced that we would be starting the cooking ateliers in March. The response has been overwhelming, so many of you have reached out, shown interest, sent me emails. Regrettably I haven’t been able to answer you, partly because some things are still undecided. But here is a promise. Next week I’ll put up a special post with all the details and dates, descriptions of the workshops and, of course, prices. From then on I’ll be taking bookings – like they say in America – I’M EXCITED !!!

Finally I’d be a very bad salesperson if I did not take this opportunity to remind you of my cookbook, A Kitchen in France (the perfect Christmas present) available for sale on AmazonB&NIndiebound and in bookstores….

On a related note those of you who preordered the book before it was published and stand to receive one of three complimentary prints, don’t worry if you haven’t received them. The prints didn’t turn out how they were supposed to and rather than send out something that didn’t measure up to their high standards the good people at Random House are having them reprinted and are doing everything they can do get them to you before Christmas! We are sorry for this delay, but quality comes first.

broccolisoup

Broccoli soup

serves 4-6

2 broccoli (stems & florets) – save a few stems for the shavings
Olive oil, to drizzle
500 ml/ 2 cups chicken stock
A few slices of country bread
Salted butter – for the bread
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Blanch the broccoli (stems & florets) in a large pot of boiling salted hot water until tender but still quite green. After draining, cool with ice water. Purée the broccoli with olive oil, season with salt and pepper. Blend (with a stick blender) the broccoli with the chicken stock and heat the soup just before serving. Season with salt & pepper.
Slice the little bits off broccoli florets. Toast a few slices of bread, slather the salted butter on each slice and sprinkle the broccoli shavings on top.

cats&pizza

Onion and Guanciale Pizza

(serves 4-6)

2 large onions, sliced finely
8-10 thinly sliced guanciale
Olive oil, to drizzle
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the dough
2 cups/ 240 g 00 flour
2 cups/ 240 g plain flour
1 &1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1 & 1/4 cup/300 ml lukewarm water
7 g/ 1 sachet dried yeast
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

In a large bowl, mix the flour with the salt. In another bowl, mix the water, olive oil and dried yeast. Leave to rest for 3 minutes, then pour into flour mixture. Knead for 3 minutes, and set aside for 20 minutes. Knead again and shape into a flat ball. Cover with a damp cloth and leave to rise for at least 3 to 4 hours. Place dough on a heavily floured surface and use your hands & fingers to stretch to desired shape (I shaped rectangular for this recipe).
Slice the onions finely. Sprinkle a bit of salt on the base, then scatter the onions all over. Place the guanciale slices on top, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Cook in a preheated oven 200°C/400°F until the dough turn golden brown, about 10 to 15 minutes.

applegalette2

Apple Galette

For the crust
240 g/ 2 cups plain flour
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 egg
125 g/ /1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed and at room temperature
3 tbsp ice water
1 egg (for the eggwash)

For the filling
450 g/1 pound apples, sliced
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1/2 lemon, juice squeezed
1 teaspoon cinnamon
100 g/1/2 cup granulated sugar
50/ 1/4 cup muscovado sugar

Pulse the flour with the sugar and salt. Add butter and pulse until the mixture is crumbly. Continue to pulse while pouring the water gradually until the dough holds together. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and knead a few times. Shape into a ball and wrap in cling film. Place in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 190°C/ 375°F

Prepare the filling. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, sugar and cinnamon.
Spread the mixture in the center of the dough, leaving a 3 inch (approx) border. Fold the edges. and brush dough with egg wash. Drizzle a tablespoon of maple syrup in the center.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice-cream.

114 thoughts on “Upstate, Downstate

  1. How exciting, a trip to New York. I haven’t been home in several years, but sure enjoyed it through your eyes – and Hudson’s! My favorite river in the world.

    1. Thanks Rebecca! I just love the energy in NYC – it’s a happy city! Enjoy the recipes – I absolutely love them…they have become a saturday must-do! Bon week-end, Mimi x

  2. When I opened your post and was first just glancing at the pictures…these look so familiar? This isn’t France, this is NY.
    As we would say, “You were in my neck of the woods.” Thank you for such a lovely tribute to NYC and NY state. We do have wonderful food here, and I plan on checking out some of the NYC restaurants you mentioned.

  3. So glad you had a great visit to NYC! I had hoped to come meet you but was unable to make it into the city. Next time 🙂
    Also – I was one of the winners of the Food52/Staub/A Kitchen in France contest and I just want to thank you so, so, so much! I absolutely love my new cookware and I recently made your beef cheek stew. It was a huge success and absolutely delicious.
    -Julia

  4. Telling, perhaps, how much I enjoyed the unstory part of the story. And what a simple broccoli soup. The best things barely need a recipe, only reminding. So, thank you!

    1. Well thank you dear Amanda! Sometimes it’s nice to share a little travel piece, just as if I was telling a friend about my restaurants trips. Enjoy the broccoli soup – I love it! Mimi x

  5. It is marvelous and absolutely fascinating to me that Oddur can take the same sort of pictures in two parts of the world, and capture the spirit of each. Thanks for sharing!

  6. It sounds like you had a wonderful time in the States. Love the recipes. I appreciate the update on the photos. Looking forward to a copy of Oddur’s wonderful work. I may not make it to the first of your gatherings, but it is in my future. My Best. Penny

    1. Thanks so much Penny! We are so sorry about this delay – I can’t wait for the prints to be sent off – it’s all happening. Thanks so much for your patience! Mimi x

  7. By the way, I loved the picture that you labeled “Album Cover”. So funny. I thought of The Band, Bob Dylan or any of those groups from the 60’s and 70’s.

  8. Love this post! I’m so glad you enjoyed your stay in NY! I’m going to keep myself available for next week so I can be sure to grab a seat at the first workshop when you make the announcement!!! 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend! xo ,dana

  9. Mimi,

    You are a true New Yorker, eating pastrami at Russ & Daughters and Maialino and all the great spots in the city.
    Henry and I had our first date at The Carlisle at Bemelman’s Bar in 1986!!!! Such a special place, no? with Madeline on the walls!

    We so enjoyed meeting you and yours at your book signing.
    I love the upstate pics, so fabulous.

    Hopefully, we will see you next Sept in Medoc if our Paris trip allows.

    xo Stacey

    1. Hi Stacey! It was so lovely meeting you – it’s was such a pleasure. Have you been wearing your cool James Bond Girl hat? Yes, Bemelman’s bar was fantastic, can’t wait to go back – it’s the kind of place you want to go and celebrate! Hope to see you soon, Love Mimi x

  10. There you are! lol. I kept checking Manger waiting for the NY post, which is really rather silly of me since I’m subscribed via email, but still, I had hope you would have a fantastic time and you did. I’m so happy for you. And I’m so happy for your book which is now in my hot little hands and I’m loving every page. Good news about the special little photo which is coming, but it’s only icing on the cake. The book is so lovely and definitely worth the months of pre-order wait. On another note, I love broccoli soup and so look forward to trying this version. Big hugs for now.

    1. Oh thank you Veronica, you are too kind. I am SO happy to hear you enjoy the book, and yes, the prints are well on their way… I loved NYC, the energy, the fun, the food. Hope you are well and feeling festive and happy. Love, Mimix

  11. Mimi: France or New York you capture our hearts! Loved this post and have forward it to my daughter who lives in NY. I visit her every six to eight weeks and I definitely “spotted” a restaurant I want to try! And yes the Gramercy is wonderful! Thank you for always giving your readers something special to look forward! Enjoy the weekend! 🙂

    1. Bonsoir Stephanie! Yes, NYC was so fun, glad you spotted a new place to try. Have you been to Russ & Daughters Café? Oh it is amazing! Lucky you to have your daughter there – I wish I could have stayed longer I so wanted to see a broadway show or a play (I spotted Love Letter with Alan Alda & Candice Bergen). Next time! Mimix

      1. Oh my goodness Mimi I tried every trick I had to get to NY to see Candice Bergen and Alan Alda (and my daughter, Megan) but it just did not work out! Too funny you would mention Love Letters! No, I haven’t been to Russ and Daughters Cafe but it definitely will happen on my next visit to NY. And yes, I love love love visiting Megan in NY. Thank you again for your wonderful blog! I just don’t know where you find the time! You are truly a SUPERWOMAN!

  12. So glad you enjoyed your trip here to New York! especially our wonder Lower east Side…Russ and daughters and the Spotted Pig being neighborhood favorites! Next time you need to try Gaia, right near Russ and D on Houston Dtreet, a wonderful lady from Milan who is making the freshest antipasto in the city!

  13. Wonderful to see you enjoying our Armerican fare after reading and salivating over your French delicacies. Interesting also to see you adapt from the french style of dress we so often see you in i.e. dresses, tight and flats into a familiar american garb of yoga pants, etc…. NYC is a fantastic place to visit and so much fun. Some time for further adventure you should visit Cape Cod in Massachusetts for some down home Nor’east food!

    1. We love being in the US – wished I could have stayed longer! It’s funny that you are mentioning Cape Cod – we wouldlove to spend a few weeks there in the summer – it’s definitely on our agenda! Mimi x

  14. Almost not fair to be reminded how very special guanciale is! Nothing comes close as a substitute. I have an artisan butcher but she’s in Sydney, 3 hours away. I will place an order and hope, although the prevailing focus on turkey may subsume the possibility. Drat!
    We have had a delivery of [French] duck confit and rillettes so there’s easy meals over Christmas at the ready. I know it’s almost sacrilege to open a can, but there’s something about the breed of duck that the Australians have not quite mastered. The duck shreds superbly for salad – 30 degree days are not uncommon.
    May your next weeks be wonderfully festive.

  15. Hi Mimi,
    I am a reader from Canada and I absolutely adore your blog! C’est magnifique! I am sad to have missed your book signing. I originally planned to go the city, but unfortunately our dates did not overlap. Hopefully next time!
    Aside from the places you mentioned above, russ & daughters, and the Spotted Pig, do you have any other NYC favorites? Would love some of your recommendations!
    Also, may I ask where your stylish poncho and hiking boots are from?
    I really love your outfit in the wilderness!
    bisou x

    1. Hi Fiona! Sad to have missed you, but hopefully there will be a next time! Other NYC favorites? Babbo (so classic), Estela (love the purity of the dishes), Barbuto (Deb Perelman from Smitte Kitchen told me to go there), and I love the Four Seasons… such a spectacular dining room. As for my poncho, it was a gift from my good friends in Iceland, it’s a brand called ‘Farmer’s Market’, the shoes, they were borrowed from my friend Yolanda (I remeber they’re from Washington…). Mimi x

  16. What a joy to know that you have enjoyed both on your journey !!
    These days I am translating (using the traslator) your book, so my mother will be independent to enjoy whenever you want, without my sister read it. Your book is wonderful !! My mother is very picky about the books they buy and this exceeds expectations, you will like and enjoy.
    It seems a lovely detail that the first recipe soup is your aunt (pictured she looks lovely), not how to express how wonderful I think, texts, photos, enmaquetación, the whole !! Thanks Mimi for having published. A big hug to all of you, I wish you enjoy it as usual with everything that is happening in your life.

  17. Bonjour Mimi, je suis ravie que votre livre soit un suces in NY! Les photos de cet post on dirait tous sorti de un épisode de Twins Peaks,. Vos avez raison! Je vous souhaite une excellent weekend ! J’attends avec impatiente la newsletter! xo

    1. Merci Eva! Oh, je me suis bien amusée à NY, et c’était un plaisir de partager ce bonheur avec notre fils Hudson – il a tant apprécié la grandeur de cette ville époustouflante! Mimix

  18. Dear Mimi,
    I love the photos of this post. We usually have a short trip to NY every year with my husband and I’ll have so many places to try thanks to your American friends!
    An américan friend gave me her brocoli soup recipe, so funny that you come back with one too!
    I would love to come next saturday to WS Smith, we’ll see if I can manage. Will you arrive earlier in Paris?
    Thank you for this post, these beautiful photos and recipes! Made your céleriac velouté today.
    Amitiés Cécile.

  19. Dear Mimi
    Thank you for this post and these wonderful photos. Sounds like you made more than one trip and that your days had more Than 24 hours! My husband and I usually make a short trip to NY every year. Your American friends gave us a lot of new places to try…
    I would love to come to WS Smith next saturday, I’ll see if I can manage. We love to escape Paris during the Weekend… Do you come earlier that saturday?
    One of my best American friend gave me a brocoli soup recipe. It is so funny that you come back from the US with one too!
    Thank you for all what you share.
    Amicalement
    Cécile

    1. Hi Cécile! Lovely to hear from you! NYC was great fun, got to meet so many wonderful readers, had great meals – I was spoilt! Can’t wait to be in Paris next week-end – I always love going to WHsmith on the rue de Rivoli! My friends will be joining too – I guess we will all be feeling festive! See you soon I hope, Mimi x

  20. Bonjour Mimi, je suis toujours aussi enchantée par le livre que j’avais pre-commandé, mais très déçue de n’avoir toujours pas reçu l’affiche… Est-ce que tous ceux qui ont pre-commandé le livre ont le même problème ou suis-je la seule ? Bien à vous

    1. Oh, je comprends, et je suis is désolée pour ce retard! En effet, il y a eu un souci chez l’imprimeur – la qualité des photos n’était pas au point. Maintenant tout est en ordre, vous allez recevoir sous peu, en tout cas avant Noel c’est sur! Je vous remercie pour votre patience! Mimi x

      1. Génial ! Merci beaucoup d’avoir pris le temps de répondre… Je vous ferai signe des que j’aurai reçu l’affiche. Bonne soirée Mimi !

  21. You comment that you risk being a bore in your report of your New York holiday. For myself, I never find reports of meals from travelliers boring. In fact I invariably ask, “What did you eat?” and would be prepared to listen to a description of every meal. On vacation what I ate each day goes in my journal each night. Thanks for your comprehensive report, photos and the recipes.

    1. Thanks Henry! I was a bit worried at some point thinking, ‘gosh, I am going on and on’ with my food diary! But I guess that’s what I love most about travelling, restaurants are always my priority no matter what! Mimi x

  22. Sounds like you had a trip of a LIFETIME!So, happy HUDSON found a STREET named after HIM!I love the fact you took the kids along!I made your potatoes the other night……delicious and of course the MIMI chicken with CREME FRAISE is always a winner.MERRY CHRISTMAS to ALL………XOXO

    1. Thank you dera Elizabeth! Hudson had a wonderful time – he looked liked a little boy out of ‘Once upon a time in America’ with his little beret hat! So cute! Wishing you a wonderful holiday season – I saved some of the goodies you sent me from last year! Mimi x

  23. Dear Mimi,
    What a pleasure to meet you , Oddur, and Audrey at the Strand Bookstore signing. Of course I had to bring my Francophile husband Trishul (I met & fell in love with him in France!) & my JRT Dart to meet you too.
    We’ve eaten many delicious meals that have sprung from the pages of your book & Trishul plans to pay a visit to your restaurant in October of 2015 to eat more of them. He will be fresh from running a 48 Hour race in Royan & will be ravenous!

    All our very best to you,

    Käären, Trishul & Dart, the Prince of Dartness

    PS- I hope you liked the scarf I gave you & Humfri his shiny new #tag.

    1. Dearest Kaaren! It was so wonderful meeting you, you’ve been on my mind a lot these days. First of all, a million thanks for your lovely gifts – I owe you a little pic of our Humfri with his medallion – I just can’t believe how kind toughful you are! And the shawl is beautiful – all the shades of pinks I love, and I am mad for paisley. Merci! I am so pleased to hear you will be visiting soon – you and Trushul make a beautiful couple! See you soon! Mimi x

      1. Dear Mimi,
        The pleasure was ours entirely! I’m so delighted you liked the paisley cashmere shawl, a perfect foil for your dark hair I thought. Alas, it will be Trishul only for the visit in early October, I won’t be making the trip this time. Someone needs to hold down the proverbial fort while the other is off gallivanting about. In actuality he will be running a race in Royan, as I mentioned before, and is attempting to cover 300 K in 48 hours. You will see him after he has finished and had a well deserved rest. Trishul has promised me he will recount everything he eats from your kitchen in detail. I promise you he will bring his appetite!
        xxx Käären & Trishul

  24. Mimi,
    Why were the kitties in a cage?

    I was wondering about all the country photos until you got to the part about the Catskills. Much more scenic than the city!

    Hope you have a gorgeous and very Merry Christmas.

    1. Hi Kay! the little kitties were so little and the owner wanted to find them a family, so they were kept warm in the cage! Oh, they were so cute and everyone wanted to adopt them! Wishing you a happy holiday! Mimi s

  25. Glad to see your trip to NY was a huge success for you and your book. Still devouring your book here Mimi and love every page.

  26. your trip sounds so lovely! I am glad you are savouring all the food memories from your trip, over and over again.

    but oh mimi… did you never have a cream soda growing up in hong kong? when I was a child in hong kong, they were the only soda I would drink 😉

    1. Hi Myriam! It was a lovely trip indeed! I do remember the cream soda from Swcheppes – but I was more of a soya milk (Vitasoy) kind of kid, do you remember them in a bottle! I have fond memories of these little tuck stores, where an old man would slide open a metal trunk with soft drinks… oh, and I loooved the red bean ice-lollies! 🙂 Mimi x

  27. Sounds like you had a wonderful gastronomical tour of NY! Beautiful photos, especially that ginger cat tucking into his bowl of food. I make a version of the soup that I learned from Norwegian friends, with half broccoli, half cauliflower, and a good drizzle of cream at the end – my daughter’s favourite. It’s so comforting at this time of year when it’s freezing outside. Looking forward to hearing about your workshops. x

  28. Dear Mimi,
    You have completely captured my heart with your blog and your book. Your writing draws one into a dream, and the photos just prove that paradise exists here on earth! I was so thrilled to meet you at the book signing at Strand in NY, where I bought copies for friends for Christmas! You are so gracious, charming, and sophisticated, not to mention more beautiful in person! I love the recipes, and brag to everyone that I am going to Medoc in March for the seminar!!! I love all my Staub coquettes, as well as all my thick copper pans that I use to make your recipes. I am so looking forward to your post about the seminars, and am so happy you enjoyed my home, and my favorite city, New York City!!! Wishing you all the very best in your new home, and the upcoming restaurant!
    xxoo,
    Olga

    1. Olga! It was apleasur emeeting you (and may I say, you are way too kind! 🙂 ). I am thrilled to hear you are enjoying the book, and I hope you will come for a visit – there’s a lot of cooking and wine-drinking to do here! Lots of love, Mimi x

  29. Hello Mimi, glad New York city lived up to its expectations and that you all had a fantastic time! I am on my part having a staycation in Vancouver and made your “chou farci” tonight! Please reassure your children that all the recipes i tried so far, worked and were delicious!

    I was wondering about the beautiful art deco frosted vase that is often in the photos. Maybe its one of a kind, maybe its was a wedding gift, but if you had any information on where to find a similar one, it would be greatly appreciated!

    Merci, Cassandre

    1. Hello Cassandre! So happy to hear you made the chou farci – we love this dish! I bough the 2 vases at Anne’s brocante (gosh, seems like I have been getting everything there!) – she’s in St Christoly. Mimi x

      1. Thank you so much for the info Mimi, i guess a trip to Medoc will be in order in the next year! I would love to treat myself to one of your workshop and a bit of shopping. Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family. Cassandre x

  30. Sounds like you had a lovely trip! I’m definitely going to have to try that broccoli soup!

    Wow! What a dream to have you and Deb Perelman together! I love both your blogs! I would love to be able to sit back and watch you creating together in the kitchen and then enjoy a meal with you!

    I usually only drink water or wine, but if I am going to have a soft drink, Virgil’s Cream Soda is the only soda I drink. It’s like drinking a sweet cloud! 🙂

    1. Hi Sherrill! I loved meeting Deb – it was sort of surreal – like a character jumping out of a book! She’s was the sweetest person, so fun and she certainly made sure I got a good dose of NYC treats! We had breakfast a City Bakery, I had a delicious pretzel croissant and eyed Hudson’s amazing hot chocolate bowl topped with a giant marshmallow! I am inspired to do the same now. 🙂 Mimi x

  31. Mimi, Je suis ravis du succes du livre! Et merci pour ces recettes que mon copain adore 😉 Je suis espagnole, j’habite à Paris et je vais en Espagne pendant Noel. Je vais descendre en voiture et on à l’intention de passer par le Medoc. On veut rester dans une chambre d’hotes et on voudrai savoir si la votre et deja mise en place. Merci d’avance pour votre réponse!

    1. Bonjour Aldara! Je suis ravie d’entendre que vous aimez le livre, merci! Ma maison d’hotes ne sera pas prête, mais je vous recommande vivement ‘Les Ormes de Pez’ à St Estèphe – c’est un endroit féerique et ravissant! Vous allez adorer! Mimix

  32. Hi Mimi thanks for the tour of NY .We loved your post and pictures ,it felt like we were there too.
    Regards Brendan and Hilary .your Irish fans

  33. Mimi always I love yours pictures!! are beautiful!!
    Love these cranberries and I love this apple gallete I was thinking in make one!
    You look beautiful always too:)))

  34. A cardiac aplumb and agita from reading all about the bass in NY. You toted all of the tots across the Atlantic for feasting? Nice parents. Dough on dough pile up, true NY delights.

  35. Food, friends and beautiful views, what a way to spend late autumn. Your husband’s beautiful photos and your charming way of telling a story make me feel like I’m in Mary Poppins, jumping into one of Bert’s chalk drawings, just lovely. Definitely going to try the broccoli soup! Xx

  36. Good Morning Dear Mimi,
    Thank you for sharing your adventures in America. So many dinners……how did you find the time!!! I think all of us who live to eat just do!!! So looking forward to hearing the final details of your restaurant/hotel. When it’s all announced I’ll be in the scrum with the best to get my place…he he. Love the simplicity of your pizza. You only need just a few ingredients …….but make them the best you can find.
    Bisous
    Anita xx

    1. Hi Anita! Well said – those who enjoy food always find the time to eat! 🙂 We had a perfect culinary trip in the US – so inspiring. Enjoy the pizza recipe! Much love, Mimi x

  37. Bonjour Mimi!
    Just received your book in the mail a few days ago–can I just say (as we do in America) I’M EXCITED!!! it’s seriously the most beautiful cookbook ever; the pictures are absolutely drool-worthy (in so many different ways). I studied abroad in Bordeaux for a year last year and fell in love with it; c’était un coup de foudre. I am already planning my return (permanent) next year, like you said in the beginning of the book, to live a dream. This will also mean that I can make it to one of your ateliers sometime in the future (and explore the amazing médoc countryside while I’m at it)! you will continue to hold the workshops won’t you? Know that you’re an absolute inspiration.
    Bisous, Jackling

  38. Mimi, your site is a gem, the food glorious and you transport us, your readers, with your words and visuals to another world. Congratulations on birthing such a beautiful work of art. I teach cooking classes in South Africa and I’m super excited to bring my group of ladies to come and be inspired by your authentic food. Looking forward to the details soon. Best Regards Di

  39. Mimi, so very happy to know your trip was such a good one and your book has been so well received. That was a splendid review in the NY Post ! You reminded me of the rustic beauty throughout NY state – something I took for granted when my parents had a home there. As much as they enjoyed the busy life of NYC they loved to escape to that other world. My stepmom retired to a town overlooking the river with your son’s name. When I visit we always go out for dinner in restaurants on the Hudson. Some of my family will be getting A Kitchen in France for Christmas, they love the recipes I’ve cooked from your book – it’s a real treasure. I started Pinterest boards, my board on good food started with pins from your gorgeous recipes. Your husband’s photos make any Pinterest board glow! I’m so looking forward to seeing what you’ll be cooking for Christmas – hope you’ll find time to write again this month.

    1. Bonsoir Linny! Rustic beauty is exactly what I thought during my stay upstate. I couldn’t believe how wild and grand nature was so close to the city. Thank you for sharing ‘A kitchen in France’ with your family – I hope everyone will enjoy the recipes 🙂 I have lots of good plans for this Christmas… but just to give you a little hint, we’ll be publishing a new post tomorrow, something very festive, different and delicious! A little festive surprise – you won’t be disappointed! Mimi x

  40. Querida Mimi, como siempre me siento fascinada con tus relatos, que viaje tan intenso… Tengo algunas dudas respecto a la elaboración de la pizza, ¿ El reposo ha de ser en frigorífico? ¿Los dos tipos de harina,son imprescindibles? Tambien me gustaria saber si hay alguna fecha prevista para la apertura del restaurante , me hace tanta ilusión conocerte y poder disfrutar de tu comida .Con amor,Rosa.

    1. Hola Rosa! hacer pizza es muy divertido, puede hacer masa de pizza extra hacia delante si lo desea y refrigerar si no está utilizando la masa. Para responder a tu otra pregunta, estamos pensando en abrir el restaurante este verano. Te mantendré informados! Mimi x

  41. This post is amazing! I adore broccoli, pizza and apples, thank you for these nice ideas of using familiar ingredients in a new way!
    I’m actually having friends for dinner tonight, so the broccoli soup will be tried in a couple of hours 🙂

    I wish you luck with your new cooking initiative.
    All the best,
    Ani

  42. Hi Mimi,
    Welcome back to medoc, your trip to New York sounds amazing, delcious and very successful. Congratulations dear Mimi xx
    I am so in love with your book, beauitiful photos and amazingly delcious recipes. I posted it on instgram, wishing you great success. I wish it was a signed copy.
    Love your Apple Galette recipe, thank you.
    Best wishes and much love
    Rowaida xx

  43. Chère Mimi,
    Votre blogue est inspirant. Les mets proposés égaient les froides journées de janvier dans les Cantons de l’Est du la province de Québec au Canada. Vos paysages rappellent ceux de la plaine du Saint-Laurent entre les villes de Montréal et Québec. J’ai hâte de vous lire.

  44. Hi, I’m a business student that loves traveling and one day I would like to have my own blog and share what I love the most and also to help people to travel. That is the main aim of my final year project, and I have created a website (I didn’t know it was so hard to do) and posted a survey really fast to do (1.5 mins maximum, I promise).
    I won’t annoy anyway with emails as I just want to have a basic idea of my options, but as you are an experimented blogger, feel free to comment and tell me whatever you think (I would love and appreciate your time to the infinite and beyond).
    If people is interested, I will make a post with the results and conclusions I get so everyone can check it!

    The website is http://www.flashpack4life.com
    Thank you so much!

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