wine of the month

Domaine Labbé, Abymes, Vin de Savoie, 2009

French Alpine Wines Are Always in Season

At the foothills of the Alps, in the Savoy region, the locals and skiers from around the world certainly enjoy their French wine, particularly vin de Savoie. So much so that 80 percent of the Savoie production is consumed locally, leaving the rest of the world to divvy up the scant remainder.  

Although the quality from Savoy can vary, the 2009 Domaine Labbé, Abymes (a cru village within the Vin de Savoie AOC), is a charming example of the uniquely Savoie grape, Jacquère. East of Beaujolais and closer to Milan and Geneva than Paris, this border region has wines that are truly Alpine, not in terms of their altitude so much as their attitude. Read more.  

recipe of the month 

Chicken with Fennel, Rice and Spring Mushrooms

Late spring is one of the best times of year to shop for fresh produce
in the Paris markets. The abundance of fresh herbs and delicate
mushrooms makes a lovely flavor palette perfect for warmer weather.

Braised dishes like this one are a given for the cooler months, but
when surprise thunderstorms could still dampen an evening, a braise
with lighter spring flavors is very welcome. Cooking the rice with the
chicken and vegetables means one less pot to clean at the end of the
meal, so when that thunderstorm passes, there's plenty of time left to
enjoy the lengthening evening. Click here for a sneak peek of the recipe.  

new tours   

Market Tour and Marais Shopping: The fabulous Bastille market and shopping in the Marais;
 
St.-Germain-en-Laye Market and Medieval Town: Visit the colorful market, then have tea at the home where Louis XIV was born, with a lovely view of Paris;
 
Poison and Passion: Focused on 17th-century culture in the Marais, this tour tells the stories of famous women in their private mansions;
 
Our Founding Fathers in Paris: The beginnings of a great relationship with France, including Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson in the City of Light;
 
Reims: One of the few exclusive areas where champagne is created. Includes a day trip with a driver, a visit to the cathedral where most of the kings were coronated, a tour of the town and a champagne tasting at a château;
 
Shopping Pas Cher: A shopping tour of discount, vintage and stock stores in Paris.
 
Our girlfriend Anne will take all foodies to the lively Marché d'Aligre in Paris, with a stop for a croissant and espresso at a renowned bakery before discovering the fantastic, colorful market. While you are seated, sipping your coffee, she'll tell you all about the history of the neighborhood. Then you'll head to the market, where you'll meet the friendly stall keepers, such as the cheesemonger and the produce growers, and stop at the spice and olive oil stand. You will also visit the wonderful gourmet shops around the market: a North African bakery, a wine cave, a chocolate shop, a shop with Alsatian treats and a minibazaar, which is heaven on earth for amateur cooks. Then we will head to the rue Paul Bert to check out its famous restaurants and gourmet bookstore. This street has been called "the most gastronomic street in Paris" by the Financial Times.
 
Seated at a table for a little break, you'll have a tasting that includes croissants and coffee, cheese, wine, Alsatian flammenkueche à crème and bacon thin tart (vegetarian or salmon flammenkueche is available for those who don't eat pork), Alsatian white wine, North African pastries and chocolate samples. You won't need to have lunch after this visit!