A few months ago, I managed to squeeze out time to take a full and proper two weeks off to go on vacation in France. The sights, sounds and smells…the food and wine…nothing short of amazing. Will share snippets of my trip in the next few posts!

Arrived in Paris, got a car and drove straight to Bordeaux, one of the world’s most important wine-making regions. With plans to visit the wine country the next day, we settled in the town for the night.

Dinner at Le Sebastian madefor a gorgeous start to the culinary adventure that was my France trip. It was traditional French food (the homemade foie gras was absolutely divine!) in a most gorgeous dining room.

 

This crab meat cappuccino starter was slightly strange, at least to me. There was something sweet in it (I couldn’t place what it was) that I found disharmonious with the overall taste and that didn’t quite agree with me.

Deceptively simply presented; rather un-pretty, even, but a most satisfying piece of meat. The accompanying wine sauce was stellar too, but the beef was so good, it was almost a shame to engulf it in sauce.

Super beat (a long flight, a train ride, a drive and s spot of sight-seeing, all in the space of 24 hours – who needs sleep, right?) but very happy. Finally made it!

It was bright and early the next day to wine country! And what perfect weather it was; clear blue skies and crisp, cool air. Unfortunately, many of the Premiers Crus (First Growths) vineyards are closed to visitors in the summer, but we did manage to line up two Seconds Crus and one Fifth Crus one to head to.

To Chateau Guraud Larose first.

We lined up a cheese tasting session as well; the goat’s cheese was a particular standout.

Quick lunch at a restaurant nearby, as recommended by the very friendly people at the vineyard. It kills me that I don’t have the name of the place! (I guess you can ask the folks at Gruaud Larose; seems they lunch there very often!)

Next to Chataeu Pontet-Canet.

Final stop, Chateau Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande. They have the most beautiful grounds; well-manicured lawns, water features and blooms aplenty. By this time, we’re a little wine-fatigued (and rather happy; the result of stubbornly not using the spittoon!).

To the most charming little chateau to stay for the night! I absolutely love the quaint, country-house vibe; the long windows, worn, wood floors, aged wood furniture and choice of florals. Would have changed the runner on the floor and mixed up different floral prints though.

Dinner at Maritime Cafe. It’s among a row of warehouses by the water; a new area they’ve recently developed for F&B. Interesting location, slightly cheesy ‘maritime’ kind of decor, middling food.

Foie gras with apple – this was a huge portion, as far as foie gras is concerned. I think I was somewhat spoilt by the really well-done one I had the night before; although pairing it with apple helped balance things out a little, I found this to be somewhat jelak after awhile, and didn’t finish it.

Outside the cafe at 9pm. I love the long summer days. =)

Look out for my adventures in the south of France in the next few posts!

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