Information about allmost everything dealing with food, by Alex Miles, Restaurant Reviews, Book Reviews, Recipes in French & English, Cooking Classes in Burgundy, Sociology & History of Food. Personal & tourist information.
samedi 7 juillet 2018
mardi 6 septembre 2011
NEW SITE for Cooking Classes in English www.i-food-france.com
I give personalized cooking classes just for you. Contact me at alexmiles47@gmail.com for more information!!!
mercredi 16 février 2011
vendredi 14 janvier 2011
Paul Bocuse Perd le Nord
« A T-il Perdu le Nord »
Has He lost his sense of direction
Deception at le Nord !
By Alex Miles
22 November 2010
With all due respect to the iconic chef, I was terribly disappointed with my meal at Bocuse’s, “Le Nord”. The cardinal points of Lyon are occupied by four Brasserie/Bistro restaurants that don’t pretend to serve the fantastic classic fare served at his 3 star table by the Saône…but what we were served in this emblematic city known for its fine cuisine could barely be considered the French food I know and love. I’ve had better food in a US diner!
We started with a small bowl of salad which had non-descript leaves, uncomfortably large chunks of tomato, a mini half piece of a soft white tasteless goat cheese and a vinaigrette that was passable but certainly not memorable.
Our main dish was just food. The small roasted breast of chicken which lounged in its drippings sat on small unpeeled potato halves was surprising in its lack luster presentation and barely warm temperature.
Dessert was a frozen mass of something which pretended to be a soufflé glace but was so hard that when I tried to crack into this brick, the piece I finally chipped off nearly went flying across the table. Something red was carelessly dripped on the plate and a shortbread cookie covered the abominable creation.
None of the dishes which were brought to our table were described in any way by the busy, pressured waiters. I felt that no one in the kitchen or dining room cared about what they were making or serving.
Dear M. Paul, your name on the door is not enough to make the food in this restaurant taste good. It’s true that the prices at Le Nord are more affordable than the paragon of French gastronomy which bears your name. It’s clear that you and your staff have the talent and the means to do better. It’s not because the price is less at your restaurants at the four corners of Lyon that customers should feel cornered by inferior cuisine. Please tell your staff to make the effort and show the public that you care.
lundi 27 décembre 2010
Restaurant review: Victor & Gustav, Dijon, France
Restaurant Review by Alex Miles
Vins des Rues, (« Street Wine »), has transformed itself. Formerly a fine wine bar with good food, it has become a fine wine bar with great food.
A metamorphose with new decorations, grey with splashes of red, and a long couch with cushions that stretches from the entrance all the way back to the kitchen entrance. Opposite this comfortable row of seats is the bar where you can enjoy a glass of your favorite breuvage on a stool or standing.
The waitress and the boss welcomed us aimiably with a warm smile. We drank a glass of local Chardonnay which set the ambiance for the rest.
We dispensed with the usual first dish and we all ordered the daily special; Jaret de veau, (veal shank). Our main dish came out quickly from the kitchen on an oblong white plate surrounded by a swirl of squash purée & a bit of fresh greenery on the side. The salad was seasoned perfectly with a light balsamic vinager and a hint of white truffle. We could tell right away that someone in the kitchen cared about what they were doing.
I tasted the squash swirl and delighted in its slight tartness which counter balanced the sweetness of the sauce that surrounded the chunk of veal. In order for a veal shank to be tender it has to cook for a long while or else it’ll be tough and stringy. This voluptuous veal just melted in my mouth. It was clear that it was slow cooked at a low temperature. The veal I enjoyed in Dijon was far better than meal I’d had in Paris at a 2 Star palace.
Though there may be no stars in the future for this Victor & Gustav because of it size and neighborhood allure, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a fine and friendly experience at one of Dijon’s newest eateries. But I will let you in on a secret…the new menu is signed and conceived by none other than our Michelin stared chefs of Prénois fame, Nicolas Isnard & Davis Le Comte, of l’Auberge de la Charme.
Nicolas & David have built up an excellent reputation for their restaurant which is just 10 minutes from Dijon. They are using their expertise to offer very good food at a price without pretense. The luncheon meal at V&G was only 12.90€ with desert….which I forgot to mention was a light and delicious blend of oranges in a barely sweet syrup.
When you’re in Dijon take a look at Victor & Gustav*, sit down and enjoy one of life’s little pleasures without putting a dent in your pocketbook. When you want to spend more time at your meal and sample some of the fineries of French cuisine, which is why you came to France in the first place, go L’Auberge de la Charme. Either way, the route to pleasure leads to Dijon.
*Victor Baltard and Gustav Eiffel were great engineers who made their architectural mark in 19th century France by building new, never seen before steel structures, one of which houses the marché of Dijon. Gustav is a native son of this capital of the Dukes of Burgundy.
mercredi 17 novembre 2010
Restaurant Review: Apicius, in Paris France
Review by Alex Miles
Magical is the first word that comes to mind. How could I say otherwise? Just walking on to the grounds of this formidable Château smack dab in the center of Paris is an unforgettable experience in itself. With a long driveway, a “voiturier”, and an entrance that takes me back to times gone by. Times gone by that I’d never seen but this décor opens up the gates to my imagined memory.
There were several men at the door to warmly greet us. The only feminine presence was the person who took our coats. Though these men were quite courteous there seemed to be lacking a bit of warmth that some women transmit with graciousness.
The interior décor was grand; grey/beige walls with large paintings and works of art hung on walls that climbed to a height of more than 12 feet. In spite of the fine wines we drank (a 2001Guigal Hermitage and a Banyuls 2007) the ambiance was sober, dignified and comfortable.
Our initial glass of Laurent Perrier went down easily with the nibbles of mushroom gougère, marinated tuna in a twisted porcelain spoon and a mini oyster with shallot vinaigrette. My companion ordered the langoustine combo; tempura, tartar and roasted while I had the seasonal vegetable plate. Though the veggies were mostly cooked to perfection I had trouble identifying their seasonality. Instead of getting the Fall/Winter roots like rutabaga, parsnips, roasted beets and Jerusalem artichoke, I was served green beans, spinach, small carrots, tiny turnips, sugar peas, cherry tomatoes, leeks and a lonely artichoke half. The thinly disguised liquid which served as a sauce did not make me say Wow. It was simply poured there like a nondescript pond with nowhere to go.
A surprise gift came from the kitchen. A porcini cream with a white truffle sabayon was presented in a small elegant porcelain bowl with a few nearly transparent slices of the fragrant Italian fungus. We inhaled this perfumed treat delightfully.
The breast of Mallard duck with foie gras was a highlight. Perfectly tender, warm and cooked to a rosy pink this seasonal game allowed us the privilege of enjoying the best Autumn has to offer in the finest French restaurants. The accompanying mashed potatoes were laced with a hint of black truffle juice.
The chocolate and pistachio soufflés were light and airy as soufflés often are. But that’s all I can say, light and airy. They seemed to lack some of the substance that outstanding soufflés are made of.
All in all the experience at this palace of fine dining, or should I say Château, was something to remember. I would be most pleased to return at other times and taste their seasonal adaptability.
Prices range from about 75€ per person to 150€ and better. Unfortunately there is no menu for those who are looking a prix fixe at more affordable rates.
Apicius , 20 rue d’Artois 75008 Paris www.restaurant-apicius.com
dimanche 7 novembre 2010
Food Camp Dijon
What is a Food Camp? Well, it's a bunch of people who get together who are interested in food...on different levels. Yes, there were people who made food while others ate, people who spoke about their food blogs, private people, public people, business people and a lot of kids who had a great time playing with food. That part was a bit campy...and colorful and fun with multi-colored cupcakes.
Something happens when people who are interested in food get together. Yes, they talk about food but the the subject of food, is in fact, the subject of life and relationships. Food and its context is a thriving and exciting phenomenon which has the whole world chatting, cooking and sharing. It's the sharing and exchanging by curious people that makes all this possible.
Food is not just what you eat, its molecules, nutrients and all those tiny things you cant' pick up with a fork which are of course important but that's not the whole story. It's not just what you eat that counts but how, when and with whom you share the food.
People have always shared their food. It's a only recently that people eat alone or on the run. There's always been a pecking order of who eats what first which in many places around the planet is still the rule. Nomad eating is a new phenomenon which reflects our fast food culture...and in some sense, the way I'm writing these rambling notes.
It's two in the morning and I am rambling but that's ok. This is my frist attempt in a long while to put something on this site in a long while. I hope to keep it up so that you'll be interested to read what I have to say and the things I'l have to show you. It's the unknown and barely perceptible you with whom I want to commmunicate. All this new fangled, ever changing technological world baffles and intrigues me. If I can figure out how this all works, I will do this regularly and perhaps the amorphous you will take shape and want to share with me your thoughts, queries and comments.
It's now 3 AM and the best thing forme to do is go back to bed...and perhaps tomorrow I may something else to say!
Alex
vendredi 29 octobre 2010
Private Cooking Classes in France
The day begins at the Market, (le marché), where you get a cooks tour of all the fine fresh products on display. At le marché you will be able to choose your menu, with the help of Alex, from all the ingredients available. Then you go to the kitchen to cook, talk and enjoy. The day begins at 8:30 AM and finishes up at around 4:00 PM.
FRENCH FAMILY FOOD
The cooking course is called “French Family Food”. People love this class because it shows what French people really eat at home. Alex worked with the world famous chef, Gaston Lenôtre, where he did the finest in cooking, catering and baking. He now prefers the more rustic, people friendly approach to making food and will explain clearly in a relaxed atmosphere what French home cooking is all about. The idea is to share with you his experiences in France as well the knowledge he’s attained through working with the top restaurant chefs as well as his own bakeries in New York. Because he has interviewed many of the 3 star chefs in France for his radio show about books and food, he can also recommend the best places to enjoy a fine meal for dinner or lunch.
Alex has become something of a local celebrity on TV, radio, magazines and newspapers, being the only American who is a pastry chef, chef de cuisine and has been a professor and lecturer in the area of the Sociology of Food at various schools and institutions throughout France. So you get not only a cooking lesson but a wide ranging cultural approach to France, the French and their food habits.
CULINARY TOURISM
This is Culinary Tourism at its best where you get the recipes you’ve always wanted and the cultural introduction to the French life style. Alex will answer all your questions about the French and their food without inhibition, frankly and clearly and with bit good humor thrown in for good luck.
Whether your voyage to France is for business or pleasure, or both, you and your travel companion could take the time to learn some cooking techniques and recipes you can bring home with you. You can take a full day seasonal cooking class which includes a starter, main dish and dessert or you can do a full day of pastries which can include doughs, tarts, savory items and even chocolate desserts.
Look at Alex’s résumé* and you will get a glimpse of the man you will cook with. Contact him by e-mail so he can give you all the details of his cooking and baking classes for your French vacation.
CONTACT ALEX: alexmiles47@gmail.com
** Noted in Fodor’s Guide to Travel Experiences in Burgundy
Also see > Teacher, Lecturer, Consultant
Teacher, Lecturer, Consultant
Business, Gastronomy, Sociology, Special Events Management
Domains of Expertise
Teacher Trainer
Definition and elaboration of pedagogical programs
Create training videos
Evaluation and follow up of personnel
Lecturer, jury member for diploma
Classes in Gastronomy and Identity, Sociology and History of Food, Food Safety and Consumer Behavior, Restaurant Business, European Union and International Culture
Manager
Experience in management and human resources
Managed production, sales and distribution personnel
Development and follow through of new ventures
Communication and public relations
Wrote commercial sales manual
Liaison between the American Embassy and the company
Sales
Development of wholesale service
Opened stores in New York City
Managed chain stores and franchises
Collaboration with architects on concept and image
Realized marketing and packaging projects
Pastry Chef
Creation of French bakeries in New York
International desserts at the United Nations
Produced a line of “Light” frozen desserts
Consultant for: Cointreau America, Lenôtre Paris, Chocolat Valrhona, Disneyland Paris, SEB, Cassis Boudier, Danone, Lacanche, Tupperware.
Initiator/Organizer of Special Events
Thanksgiving Dinners for 250 people as a Benefit in several cities in France.
Conference on French and American Culinary Historical Relations at the American Ambassador’s Residence in Paris with food and wine tastings.
4-14 Festival: Celebration of the Music and Food of France and America. World famous musicians and starred chefs from both countries shared their talents with an enthusiastic public in Dijon. www.4-14-festival.org
Public & press relations, raise funds from the public and private sector.
PROFESSIONAL CAREER: 1978 – 2009
Organizer of the 4-14 Festival 2009 in Dijon www.4-14festival.org
Professor and Lecturer: Burgundy School of Business, Dijon; Université de Bourgogne, ENSBANA; ISIPCA; ENSIA; ISAB; EHESS; Sciences Po Paris; Université de Toulouse, CETIA, ERIT; New York University; and the American Embassy in Paris.
Member of Pilot Committees, “Dijon Ville Santé”, for Dijon and “Bien dans Mon Assiette” for the Burgundy region
Culinary instructor in classic French and international cuisines
Researcher for the European Commission on “Animal Welfare”
Research Associate, Sociologie: Université de Toulouse, Mirail
Writer : « Arts & Gastronomie Magazine »
Radio Show Host: interview authors of books about food on RCF Parabole
Sales Trainer: Ecomarketing, Chenôve
Regional Director: Société Cjys, Gevrey-Chambertin
Owner Operator: La Bonne Pâtisserie, New York City
Pastry Chef: United Nations Hotel, New York City
Commercial Administrator: Lenôtre Paris, Plaisir
Sous-Chef & Pastry Chef: Domain Chandon, Yountville, California
EDUCATION:
1983 Certificates in Human Resources Management and Management Communications – ESSEC, France (IMHI, Cornell University)
1982 Certificat D’Aptitude Professionnelle, French Government Certificate in Pastry Arts
Certificat Escoffier- Ecole Hôteliére Jean Drouant, Paris
Certificates in Pastry, Cooking, Catering, etc. Ecole Lenôtre
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Education, City University of New York
Publications : « Ces hommes qui cuisinent », éditions Agnès Viénot, 2005, « On Baking », Labensky, (contributor), éditions Pearson, 2005.
Préface « A La Découverte des aliments » de Charreau, Etienne et Ingagriola, Educagri, 2006. « Scènes Gourmandes », J-J Boutaud, (contributor), J-P Rocher, 2006. Articles in « le Bien Public » and « Papilles ».
Birth Date: August 27, 1947 Marital Status: Married
Nationality: American and French
mardi 8 septembre 2009
Meryl Streep at the US Ambassador's residence in Paris
The woman next to Meryl Streep is the niece of Simone Beck with whom Julia Child wrote her famous book," Mastering the Art of French Cooking"...now in its 46th printing.
It was a great evening catered by the Cordon Bleu Cooking School of Paris. The film was a great success.
At the next 4-14 Festival we will be showing films among which "Julie & Julia" will certainly be included.
I've restarted this blog...maybe someday someone will notice...perhaps just like Julie!
Love to All,
Alex Miles
www.4-14-festival.org
dimanche 6 septembre 2009
Food & Music in Dijon at the first 4-14 Festival
And not only food and music brought these two cultures together, but a real desire on on both sides of the Atlantic to share and discover at first hand who are the French and who are the Americans, and what they have to offer each other.
Why music and food you may ask? Because Americans don’t realize that the French can play music! And the French don’t know that Americans can cook!
The great steel and glass central market, built by Gustav Eiffel, Dijon’s native son, in 1870, housed 60 stands with regional products, and 20 stands where top chefs from France and America offered exquisite tastings for only 3 Euros each. The organizers had hoped for 5,000 visitors but were overwhelmed when 15,000 happy people eager to discover new tastes and sounds thronged the events.
All the three star chefs from Burgundy were present, Lameloise, Lorain and Bertron,as well as other starred chefs from Dijon and the region. The State of Vermont was this year’s American partner, with Amy Chamberlain and Michael Gunyan showcasing their fine farm foods from home. The festival welcomed the renowned Chicagoan chef, Martial Noguier, from the Sofitel Water Tower. He was joined by Chicago native, Daniel Rose, chef/owner of Restaurant Spring in Paris. Daniel came to France 10 years ago, transforming himself from an art history and philosophy major into a fine cook, whose restaurant waiting list is the longest in all Paris. And from Washington, DC, Bill Yosses, pastry chef of the White House, graced the festival with his prized desserts.
The music was a real triumph of Franco-American entente. Americans Kirk Lightsey, one time pianist with Chet Baker, and Sarah Morrow, former trombonist with Ray Charles, enchanted the large audience and finished the soirée with jam sessions accompanied by their newfound French friends on stage, Eric Prost and Daniel Fernandez.
Alex Miles, the American initiator of The 4-14 Festival, resident of Dijon and French citizen since 2004, developed the concept with a small team of enthusiastic folks from Dijon and the States. The 4-14 instantly became the biggest event of the summer in the Burgundian capital. Many companies with international interests happily sponsored the festival which was also supported by the U.S. Embassy in Paris, the Burgundy Region, and the City of Dijon. Check out their site www.4-14-festival.org
The organizers are setting their sights on the City of Chicago for their next American partner for the 2010 edition. They plan to meld The 4-14 Festival with The Taste of Chicago and attract even more curious music and food lovers next year.
mardi 16 octobre 2007
jeudi 9 août 2007
Restaurant Review: Lameloise
Chagny, July 26, 2007
By Alex Miles
Dinning in Burgundy is improving all the time. Lameloise, in Chagny, lost his third star two years ago. In astronomy, a shooting star never rises again but in gastronomy, Jacques Lameloise proved the nay Sayers wrong. In 2007 he got back his third and well deserved star much to the delight of his staff and the whole town of Chagny which depends so much on the reputation of this grand restaurant.
The meal we had was a sensorial passage from one taste to another keeping in mind local ingredients and the current culinary evolution in textures, temperatures and colors. The service was respectful and relaxed and the wait staff was attentive without being omnipresent. The décor was intimate, spacious and comfortable. The muted rust red leather chairs, the smooth white walls with stone jutting out here and there, the ample lighting and the large old beams which spanned the ceiling made the atmosphere welcoming as well as distinguished. After all, this is a three star establishment where you wouldn’t expect less.
Jacques Lameloise came out to greet every customer at least once during the dinner. He has a warm smile, an inviting handshake and speaks simply and in a straightforward, jovial manner about his food, his restaurant and his life in Burgundy. He is not the kind of chef who throws temper tantrums and must have his way. He regained his star rating by listening to his staff, making recommendations and encouraging what everyone had been doing right. A third star happens after hard conscientious work, depending on others talents and most of all being passionate about the job at hand.
Our tasting menu allowed us to sample the breadth of Lameloise’s great kitchen acumen. Foie gras came on mango toast with a frothy potato which disappeared as soon as it entered our mouths. Then there was a brochette of snails sitting on a thin slice of daikon radish accompanied by a fresh herb and garlic cream. A slow cooked filet of wild sea bass appeared with a sabayon of wild mushrooms and lightly sautéed chanterelles. The langoustine with risotto and Burgundy truffles was more than a surprise, it was an artistic event. One of the langoustines was sitting on a round toast which was on top of a circle of squid ink. I had great fun swishing the toast around the ink attempting to imitate the fine French artist Soulage. This was all whetted down with a Rully 1ere Cru, 2005, Les Pucelles of Jacques Son.
The meaty part of the meal was a rosy pigeon with large slabs of porcini, (cep) mushrooms, a tomato confit with fried basil and stuffed cabbage. We changed to a red wine at this point, a Santenay, 2004, from René Clair.
Our dessert was a variation on a Victoria pineapple: roasted, sorbet, and chopped with lemon with a fine sablé. An elegant variety of petit fours and chocolates made the coffee service a nibblers’ delight.
The restaurant Lameloise is worth more than a detour; it merits an extended stay to ponder the treasures of this great chef who, with dedication, passion and the love of sharing, has maintained excellence in an arena where few can maintain their status for as long as Jacques Lameloise has.
The lunch menu starts at 95 Euros. The dinner menu begins at 120 Euros. One can order à la carte. One can stay at this fine hotel where rooms start at 150€.
Chagny is just south of Beaune and north of Chalon sur Soâne at the southern end of Burgundy.
dimanche 5 août 2007
Summer in Burgundy
But all politics and kddin aside it's great to be here and finally write a not on this blog of mine. As I said from the outset I wasn't sure what I was going to talk about...and I still haven't figured that out yet but I've been to a few restaurants in Burgundy and I will post mty reviews of them soon. Some good, some very good and some not worth the money or the trip.
I will write up a brief note about three restaurants tonight and you tell me what you think.
A Bientôt,
Alex
mercredi 6 juin 2007
samedi 2 juin 2007
My Résumé My CV
3 rue de Monastir tel: (33) (0)3 80 74 03 63
21000 Dijon tel: (33) (0)6 33 69 62 99
France e-mail: alexmiles47@gmail.com
Also see > Teacher, Lecturer, Consultant
TEACHER, LECTURER, CONSULTANT, COOKING INSTRUCTOR
Business, Gastronomy, Sociology
Domains of Expertise
Teacher Trainer
- Definition and elaboration of pedagogical programs
- Create training videos
- Evaluation and follow up of personnel
- Lecturer, jury member for diploma
- Classes in Gastronomy and Identity, Sociology and History of Food, Food Safety and Consumer Behavior, Restaurant Business, European Union and International Culture
- Experience in management and human resources
- Managed production, sales and distribution personnel
- Development and follow through of new ventures
- Communication and public relations
- Wrote commercial sales manual
- Liaison between the American Embassy and the company
- Development of wholesale service
- Opened stores in New York City
- Managed chain stores and franchises
- Collaboration with architects on concept and image
- Realized marketing and packaging projects
- Creation of French bakeries in New York
- International desserts at the United Nations
- Produced a line of “Light” frozen desserts
- Consultant for: Cointreau America, Lenôtre Paris, Chocolat Valrhona, Disneyland Paris, SEB, Cassis Boudier, Danone, Lacanche, Tupperware.
- Professor and Lecturer: Burgundy School of Business, Dijon; Université de Bourgogne, ENSBANA; ISIPCA; ENSIA; ISAB; EHESS; Sciences Po Paris; Université de Toulouse, CETIA, ERIT; New York University; and the American Embassy in Paris.
- Member of Pilot Committees, “Dijon Ville Santé”, for Dijon and “Bien dans Mon Assiette” for the Burgundy region
- Culinary instructor in classic French and international cuisines
- Researcher for the European Commission on “Animal Welfare”
- Research Associate, Sociologie: Université de Toulouse, Mirail
- Radio Show Host: interview authors of books about food on RCF Parabole
- Sales Trainer: Ecomarketing, Chenôve
- Regional Director: Société Cjys, Gevrey-Chambertin
- Owner Operator: La Bonne Pâtisserie, New York City
- Pastry Chef: United Nations Hotel, New York City
- Commercial Administrator: Lenôtre Paris, Plaisir
- Sous-Chef & Pastry Chef: Domain Chandon, Yountville, California
EDUCATION:
1983 Certificates in Human Resources Management and Management Communications – ESSEC, France (IMHI, Cornell University)
1982 Certificat D’Aptitude Professionnelle, French Government Certificate in Pastry Arts
1982 Certificat Escoffier- Ecole Hôteliére Jean Drouant, Paris
1980 Certificates in Pastry, Cooking, Catering, etc. Ecole Lenôtre
1970 Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Education, City University of New York
Publications : « Ces hommes qui cuisinent », éditions Agnès Viénot, 2005, « On Baking », Labensky, (contributor), éditions Pearson, 2005.
Préface « A La Découverte des aliments » de Charreau, Etienne et Ingagriola, Educagri, 2006. Articles in « le Bien Public » and « Papilles ».
Birth Date: August 27, 1947 Marital Status: Married
Nationality: American and French
french-cooking-culture.blogspot.com
jeudi 31 mai 2007
Restaurant Review
Côté Terrasse
Dijon, May 24, 2007
By Alex Miles
Just three weeks ago this stylish restaurant opened its doors to customers hungry for something new. The first impression I had was that the clients thirst for novelty in food and décor would be quenched. This is the latest addition to the modernizing trend on the restaurant scene in Dijon….You say, “Restaurant scene…in Dijon?” You bet. This new arrival confirms the fact that a trend is truly under way.
You immediately feel like you’re in a new place. The entrance is spacious with an active bar serving customers waiting for their dining companions to arrive. The color tones are beige and deep chestnut brown with vertical reproductions of waves which left their imprint on a sandy beach.
We were shown to our table, a high table with high chairs, (almost all of the other tables were of normal height), just next to the sliding glass doors which opened out onto the terrace…the “Côté Terrasse”! Though I understand that these high chairs are somewhat in vogue I felt as if I had regressed back to childhood and that the waitress would put a bib around my neck and pinch my cheek if behaved well.
We had hoped for a place on the terrace but I found out that one has to specify when making the reservation. However, I did notice two tables on the terrace which remained unoccupied throughout our meal…could it have been that we were not sufficiently in with the “In Crowd” to have been placed on the much prized and sunny terrace? I hope not.
The waitresses were scurrying about in their tight fitting, dark brown t-shirts. They were well adapted to the clientele; young and pretty. We eagerly watched the ballade of square and rectangular plates pass by, all decorated with brush strokes of color and food displayed in vertical volume structured with herbs. The atmosphere was resolutely relaxed and the food was fresh, good and at very reasonable prices.
My companion and I both ordered the luncheon menu at 10.90 Euros which included the main dish and dessert. I ordered the special of the day; lamb brochette in a creamy chive and thyme sauce which was leaning on a mound of perfectly cooked quinoa which had plump raisins and delicate spices. My companion had a skirt steak with fries…the steak and crisp fries were just fine though it would have been nice to have freshly made fries rather than the frozen variety. The steak was served with a choice of gorgonzola or a 5 pepper sauce. Both sauces were ordered and both were delicious.
We both had the dessert of the day which was a freshly made apricot tart. The “sablée” crust was excellent and the firm apricots could only have come from Morocco. Though canned, these apricots are of top quality and hand packed in light syrup…nothing like the mushy variety you get at the supermarket. Dabs of raspberry coulis decorated the plate. This dessert was definitely homemade and not an afterthought as in many moderately priced establishments. The coffee which came in ergonomically designed cups with a twisted handle was a little too light for my taste.
The bathrooms were impeccable, decorated like the restaurant in large, square, dark brown, mat tiles. The lights went on automatically when entering and the stainless steel water fixtures resembled the rest of the sleek décor.
Côté Terrasse presents itself as a restaurant, wine bar and wine cellar. We didn’t drink at lunch so I can’t say anything about their wine list…maybe on the next visit for dinner. I look forward to ordering off the à la carte menu and try some of the chef’s specialties.
This is one of the rare Dijon restaurants open 7 days a week which is another welcome treat to the growing number of fine restaurants in town. Côté Terrasse is at 10 place de la République with service till midnight on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Service after 10 PM is also a novelty and much in demand by the people of Dijon on the lookout for a place to go after the theater or the cinema!
samedi 26 mai 2007
COOKING CLASSES IN FRANCE IN ENGLISH
BY CHEF ALEX MILES
alexmiles47@gmail.com
cell phone: (33) (0)6 33 69 62 99
The only American giving cooking classes in the heart of Burgundy!
I have lived in France for 25 years and enjoy sharing my culinary & cultural experiences with you. I worked with the world famous caterer and pâtissier, “Lenôtre,” on three continents and had 5 French pastry shops of my own in Manhattan and the New York area. I am a chef, pastry chef and also lecture on food, identity and culture at universities throughout France as well as consulting for the food industry. I work for the European Commission on “Animal Welfare” and am a member of several committees on health and food in public schools for the city of Dijon and the Burgundy region.
French Family Food
I have taught cooking and pastry making for many years and am now sharing these skills with American and English speaking tourists in several Burgundy Bed & Breakfast places; “La Terre d’Or” in Beaune, http://www.laterredor.com/, “Les Roches” in Mont St. Jean, http://www.lesroches-burgundy.com/ , “Clos du Colombier” in Pommard, mc.pothier@wanadoo.fr . The day begins when we meet at your Bed & Breakfast place and discuss the plans for the day over coffee. Then we go to the local French market where I know many of the vendors. We make the menu and choose the foods while at the market. I will explain what the different foods are, where they come from and what pleasure they give to the French in their daily lives. (Check out http://www.gonomad.com/ under the heading Dijon and/or Burgundy.)
The French Family Food experience shows you what people really cook at home. These are classic dishes easy to make without the fuss of having to be a chemist or physicist. These are understandable recipes explained in a clear and concise way which will help you please your friends and family when you get back home. The things you will learn are not the new “molecular gastronomy” but simple identifiable foods you can sink your teeth into! I will also talk about current trends in French cooking and where the culinary arts are going.
You will enjoy a day in comfortable surroundings, learn some little known aspects of French culture and pick up a few culinary tricks and recipes that you will be able to put to use in your kitchen at home. The idea is to have a good time while doing something you wouldn’t get the chance to do anywhere else. Most tourists feel quite free to ask me questions about the French they wouldn’t dare ask a Frenchman…the idea is to feel relaxed and enjoy!
My book, “Ces hommes qui cuisine,” (“Men in the Kitchen”), shows portraits of men throughout France who cook at home for their pleasure while at the same time sharing the household tasks with their wives. The book is beautifully photographed by Marielys Lorthios, http://www.marielys-lorthios.com/ and all the recipes are clearly explained and written. I am working on a new book with the well known Burgundy photographer, Michel Joly, http://micheljoly.photo.free.fr/ which will appear in the Fall of 2008.
I have a radio show where I interview chefs and writers on their books about food and appear on French television programs dealing with food and culture
I acquired French nationality in 2004, (of course I still keep my American citizenship), and live happily with my French wife in Dijon.



