Bordeaux, France

This is turning into a travel blog lately rather than a cooking blog hasn't it? I apologise, but these last two weeks have been really full on. First of all, I started a nannying job that I was not expecting. Then, we had visitors arriving from Melbourne just as we got back to London from Bordeaux. We knew they were coming, so that wasn't a surprise. But I was sick on the last day in Bordeaux which was a pain, as I could barely enjoy the wine tour, but most importantly, enjoy any of the food! In fact, I was feeling so nauseated that I hardly ate that day. Nevertheless, we still enjoyed ourselves as much as we could.

Bordeaux is a beautiful region southwest of France. The entire city is almost wholely UNESCO listed, and is world famous for its wine. This is evident when we landed at the airport as grape vines replaced flower beds. It also did not take me long to find a patisserie and most importantly, macaroons! Bern had a baguette (as usual).

It was a great feeling to be back in France.

The city also has a tram network which was a great way to get around. But if your hotel is in the city, then it is also very easy to get around on foot as most places were walking distance. 

The above are called canelés and are a specialty of Bordeaux that dates back to the 18th century. A cake batter that is flavoured with rum and vanilla is poured into copper tins and baked at a high temperature to get a caramelised outer skin, leaving the center moist and a little chewy. This was the first time that I've had them, and I thought it was a bit too sweet. I still prefer macaroons, which are insanely sweet too, but somehow just taste better because of its part chewy part crunchy texture. And in my opinion, better looking.

Having insider information is helpful when it comes to choosing a place to dine. Usually, we rely on the hotel reception but this time our informant came in a form of a certain Melbourne friend who lived in Bordeaux for a year (the official reason was for work, but I wondered if his penchant for wine had anything to do with it. Nothing wrong mixing pleasure with work I might add). Le Gabriel, with a Michelin hat was the recommended place which is conveniently located in the city along the Garonne river. The restaurant section was fully booked for the weekend, but we managed to secure a booking for their bistro. And even with such a good reputation, it was very reasonably priced. (3 courses for 28 Euro per head).

A bottle of Grand Cru Classe was quickly selected  to kick off the meal.

Oysters from the coastal areas of Bordeaux

Foie gras pate with mango jelly, a nutty jam and toast. This was seriously good.

My tomato mousse as entree

As usual, Bern had a medium rare steak with roast vegies.

My poached salmon with a seafood veloute was one of the best seafood main course I have ever tasted.

My chocolate mousse dessert covered in dehydrated raspberry powder. Delish! Especially with a crisp glass of Sauternes.

Bern's berry-misu! A twist on the Italian tiramisu.

This was definitely one of the most memorable meals we have had in a while. I wish sometimes these memories could be bottled in a jar and reopened when required. And it is not always meals from fancy restaurants that make it memorable. Sometimes, even simple meals cooked at home shared with loved ones leave a lasting impression. Food becomes a medium that brings poeple together, especially when those that get together for a meal are also passionate about food.

Bordeaux and the Gironne river on the walk back to the hotel.

P/s: This blog is for GQ and Lyndia, I hope it brings you lots of good memories!