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Green asparagus with warm goat cheese croutons

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The season for asparagus here in the Béarn has just about run it’s course, so its the moment to grab the last few tender spears before the long wait for next spring.  And goat cheese has only recently returned to the farmer stalls after the winter break for weening the kids. At the same time, […]

Green asparagus with warm goat cheese croutons Read More »

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The season for asparagus here in the Béarn has just about run it’s course, so its the moment to grab the last few tender spears before the long wait for next spring.  And goat cheese has only recently returned to the farmer stalls after the winter break for weening the kids. At the same time,

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Stuff

Spring apéro plate

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Ah, spring! That most ephemeral and fleeting of seasons. Especially with the changing climate, it can often seem like we pass from winter directly to summer. All the more reason to scoop up spring veggies while they last.  Nettles, peas, asparagus, radishes, favas, strawberries!  Eat them in season, then say goodby until next year.

Spring apéro plate Read More »

[portfolio_slideshow]

Ah, spring! That most ephemeral and fleeting of seasons. Especially with the changing climate, it can often seem like we pass from winter directly to summer. All the more reason to scoop up spring veggies while they last.  Nettles, peas, asparagus, radishes, favas, strawberries!  Eat them in season, then say goodby until next year.

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Stuff | Wine

Appreciating Vermouth

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According to Wikipedia, vermouth is defined as “an Italian aromatized, fortified wine, flavored with various botanicals (roots, barks, flowers, seeds, herbs, and spices) and sometimes colored, produced mainly in Italy, France and Spain. The modern versions of the beverage were first produced in the mid- to late 18th century in Turin, Italy”. Fair enough. I

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[portfolio_slideshow]

According to Wikipedia, vermouth is defined as “an Italian aromatized, fortified wine, flavored with various botanicals (roots, barks, flowers, seeds, herbs, and spices) and sometimes colored, produced mainly in Italy, France and Spain. The modern versions of the beverage were first produced in the mid- to late 18th century in Turin, Italy”. Fair enough. I

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Treats to ring in 2026

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Our Holidays here in Orthez are generally pretty quiet;  we usually avoid the crazy holiday travel rush by staying home and most all of our new friends here in France are off celebrating with their families.  But then, quiet Holidays is a tradition with us since the days when I worked in restaurants and Sheila

Treats to ring in 2026 Read More »

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Our Holidays here in Orthez are generally pretty quiet;  we usually avoid the crazy holiday travel rush by staying home and most all of our new friends here in France are off celebrating with their families.  But then, quiet Holidays is a tradition with us since the days when I worked in restaurants and Sheila

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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

Fond farewell to Armandino Batali Read More »

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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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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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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

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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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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