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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 […]

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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

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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

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[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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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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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

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[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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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!

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[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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Duck confit

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Duck confit is THE arch-typical dish of the Southwest of France.  It is, at the same time, a way to use duck parts left over when the fat liver is harvested for foie gras in late fall and winter, and a preservation method that allows us to enjoy duck well into the spring. This winter,

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[portfolio_slideshow]

Duck confit is THE arch-typical dish of the Southwest of France.  It is, at the same time, a way to use duck parts left over when the fat liver is harvested for foie gras in late fall and winter, and a preservation method that allows us to enjoy duck well into the spring. This winter,

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‘Tis the season for oysters and wine from Olivier Pithon

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Yes, I know, it’s almost Christmas and oyster season started long ago.  However, I would argue that the rule about only eating oysters in months with an “r” tells you when you CAN eat oysters, not when oysters are at their best.  Plus, these are real beauties and were really delicious with a glass of

‘Tis the season for oysters and wine from Olivier Pithon Read More »

[portfolio_slideshow]

Yes, I know, it’s almost Christmas and oyster season started long ago.  However, I would argue that the rule about only eating oysters in months with an “r” tells you when you CAN eat oysters, not when oysters are at their best.  Plus, these are real beauties and were really delicious with a glass of

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Roasted tomatoes

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Tomatoes from our garden, ready for roasting, to go into a soup made with roasted tomato and garlic, basil and a bit of crème fraîche.  If you are thinking “do we have to hear more about what Jim is growing in his garden?”, I can only ask for your indulgence.  I am a dyed-in-the-wool city

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[portfolio_slideshow]

Tomatoes from our garden, ready for roasting, to go into a soup made with roasted tomato and garlic, basil and a bit of crème fraîche.  If you are thinking “do we have to hear more about what Jim is growing in his garden?”, I can only ask for your indulgence.  I am a dyed-in-the-wool city

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Photos from les Fêtes d’Orthez

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The city festival for Orthez has come and gone for another year, and with its ending, it feels like the summer has reached its height. Everyone runs a little amok, then gets back to the business of life.  Ortheziennes are starting to talk about the upcoming return to work and school.  Here are a few

Photos from les Fêtes d’Orthez Read More »

[portfolio_slideshow]

The city festival for Orthez has come and gone for another year, and with its ending, it feels like the summer has reached its height. Everyone runs a little amok, then gets back to the business of life.  Ortheziennes are starting to talk about the upcoming return to work and school.  Here are a few

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