Author name: Jim

Stuff

Fond farewell to Armandino Batali

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Here in France, I was late recieving news of Armandino Batali’s passing on November 28, 2025. It was not until a Seattle friend sent me Le Pichet’s Instagram post about it that I had the news. A very sad day and I am so glad that Michael and  Marcel took the time to point out […]

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Here in France, I was late recieving news of Armandino Batali’s passing on November 28, 2025. It was not until a Seattle friend sent me Le Pichet’s Instagram post about it that I had the news. A very sad day and I am so glad that Michael and  Marcel took the time to point out

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Stuff

Bistrot Vivienne, Paris 2eme

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One of the joys of living in France is that you are never more than a train ride away from Paris. From our TGV station in Orthez, you can leave in the morning and be in Paris in time for a lunch reservation. A few weeks ago, we took advantage of the great French train

Bistrot Vivienne, Paris 2eme Read More »

[portfolio_slideshow]

One of the joys of living in France is that you are never more than a train ride away from Paris. From our TGV station in Orthez, you can leave in the morning and be in Paris in time for a lunch reservation. A few weeks ago, we took advantage of the great French train

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Stuff

French “Joy of Cooking”?

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I recently had a note from Brant asking the following question:  Is there any French cookbook that’s in the same vein as “The Joy of Cooking”? Good question and thanks for asking Brant! First off, I have to admit that I am not that familiar with  The Joy of Cooking.  Written by Irma S Rombauer

French “Joy of Cooking”? Read More »

[portfolio_slideshow]

I recently had a note from Brant asking the following question:  Is there any French cookbook that’s in the same vein as “The Joy of Cooking”? Good question and thanks for asking Brant! First off, I have to admit that I am not that familiar with  The Joy of Cooking.  Written by Irma S Rombauer

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The Garden

Everything with grapes

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Grape harvest has arrived! This year, we harvested almost three kilos of grapes from our three grapevines, not a ton, but plenty for the two of us. Enough that we have explored new culinary combinations with grapes: grapes as an apéro snack, grapes with roasted pork, grapes with charcuterie, grapes in smoothies…  Seasonal eating means

Everything with grapes Read More »

[portfolio_slideshow]

Grape harvest has arrived! This year, we harvested almost three kilos of grapes from our three grapevines, not a ton, but plenty for the two of us. Enough that we have explored new culinary combinations with grapes: grapes as an apéro snack, grapes with roasted pork, grapes with charcuterie, grapes in smoothies…  Seasonal eating means

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Stuff

Send me your questions

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During the time that I was chef and owner of Le Pichet and Cafe Presse, I was always happy when guests would ask me questions about myself or the restaurants.  It’s fun to share what I have learned or experienced over the years and questions (usually!) mean that people are interested. Have you got questions

Send me your questions Read More »

[portfolio_slideshow]

During the time that I was chef and owner of Le Pichet and Cafe Presse, I was always happy when guests would ask me questions about myself or the restaurants.  It’s fun to share what I have learned or experienced over the years and questions (usually!) mean that people are interested. Have you got questions

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Le Pichet

Le Pichet birthday wishes in the Seattle Times

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Check out today’s Seattle Times, for a very nice article penned by Bethany Jean Clement, celebrating 25 years of Le Pichet. I was so glad that Bethany especially featured the wonderful group of people who have worked at Le Pichet during those 25 years, who prepared the meals and washed the dishes and brewed the

Le Pichet birthday wishes in the Seattle Times Read More »

[portfolio_slideshow]

Check out today’s Seattle Times, for a very nice article penned by Bethany Jean Clement, celebrating 25 years of Le Pichet. I was so glad that Bethany especially featured the wonderful group of people who have worked at Le Pichet during those 25 years, who prepared the meals and washed the dishes and brewed the

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Desserts and Sweets | Recipes | Sauces

Apple sauce

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Apple sauce is so completely easy to make that it hardly seems necessary to write a recipe.  Peel apples, add sugar, cook, cool, that’s about all there is to it. However, there are a few tips that help assure that your results with be top.  Here are a couple: Apple sauce is a great destination

Apple sauce Read More »

[portfolio_slideshow]

Apple sauce is so completely easy to make that it hardly seems necessary to write a recipe.  Peel apples, add sugar, cook, cool, that’s about all there is to it. However, there are a few tips that help assure that your results with be top.  Here are a couple: Apple sauce is a great destination

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Stuff

Happy 25th Birthday, Le Pichet!

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On August 3rd, 2025, Le Pichet marked 25 years since it first opened its doors. Wow, what a landmark!  Sitting at my desk in Orthez, its easy to forget all the challenges that came as part of those 25 years.  We all remember 9/11, but do we remember “Freedom Fries” and the backlash against all

Happy 25th Birthday, Le Pichet! Read More »

[portfolio_slideshow]

On August 3rd, 2025, Le Pichet marked 25 years since it first opened its doors. Wow, what a landmark!  Sitting at my desk in Orthez, its easy to forget all the challenges that came as part of those 25 years.  We all remember 9/11, but do we remember “Freedom Fries” and the backlash against all

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The Garden

Onion and garlic harvest, 2025

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It’s been a funny year for the garden. Very wet in the spring through May, then very hot in June, and now milder in July and even rain as I write this – a nice change!  Our garlic and onions, planted in December of last year, have weathered it all pretty well and were ready

Onion and garlic harvest, 2025 Read More »

[portfolio_slideshow]

It’s been a funny year for the garden. Very wet in the spring through May, then very hot in June, and now milder in July and even rain as I write this – a nice change!  Our garlic and onions, planted in December of last year, have weathered it all pretty well and were ready

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Stuff

Swallows, summer, Place Saint-Pierre

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I never get tired of watching the swallows in the evening! This year they seem especially plentiful around the 14th century Église Saint-Pierre, where they make there nests under the church’s ancient tiled eaves. Seated at a terrace table with a glass of good wine, watching them circle is better than Paris people watching!

Swallows, summer, Place Saint-Pierre Read More »

[portfolio_slideshow]

I never get tired of watching the swallows in the evening! This year they seem especially plentiful around the 14th century Église Saint-Pierre, where they make there nests under the church’s ancient tiled eaves. Seated at a terrace table with a glass of good wine, watching them circle is better than Paris people watching!

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