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 »

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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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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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Desserts and Sweets | Recipes

Cherry Clafoutis

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In the yard next to ours, there is a huge old cherry tree that seems to be mostly untended.  Every year in late may, the starlings, black birds and magpies come to feast on the ripening cherries and our neighbor picks a few bags for himself and for friends from the low hanging branches that

Cherry Clafoutis Read More »

[portfolio_slideshow]

In the yard next to ours, there is a huge old cherry tree that seems to be mostly untended.  Every year in late may, the starlings, black birds and magpies come to feast on the ripening cherries and our neighbor picks a few bags for himself and for friends from the low hanging branches that

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Recommendations | Restaurants

Restaurant Pont Vell, Besalu, Spain

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Last spring, we had the chance to visit our friend James Miller at Mas Costa Besalu just outside the town of Besalu, in Spanish Catalonia. What an amazing experience! Besalu, it turns out, is a quiet little town of about 2500 people, which is a 45 minute walk from the Mas.  The town has retained

Restaurant Pont Vell, Besalu, Spain Read More »

[portfolio_slideshow]

Last spring, we had the chance to visit our friend James Miller at Mas Costa Besalu just outside the town of Besalu, in Spanish Catalonia. What an amazing experience! Besalu, it turns out, is a quiet little town of about 2500 people, which is a 45 minute walk from the Mas.  The town has retained

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Recipes | Savory Dishes

Gnocchi alla Romana

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Gnocchi alla Romana is a wonderfully comforting dish.  Bubbling and crispy with cheese on the outside, soft and rich inside, it makes a fantastic side dish with a roasted leg of lamb or even as the center of the plate with grilled asparagus.  It was also a trademark dish for my mother-in-law, Marianne, who almost

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[portfolio_slideshow]

Gnocchi alla Romana is a wonderfully comforting dish.  Bubbling and crispy with cheese on the outside, soft and rich inside, it makes a fantastic side dish with a roasted leg of lamb or even as the center of the plate with grilled asparagus.  It was also a trademark dish for my mother-in-law, Marianne, who almost

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Recipes | Veggies

Celery root “frites”

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Wondering what to do with that celery root that came in your CSA farm box? Here is an idea that may sound a little out-there but really works:  celery root frites!  These are really quick and easy, and roast up tender on the inside and even a bit crispy on the outside, especially if you

Celery root “frites” Read More »

[portfolio_slideshow]

Wondering what to do with that celery root that came in your CSA farm box? Here is an idea that may sound a little out-there but really works:  celery root frites!  These are really quick and easy, and roast up tender on the inside and even a bit crispy on the outside, especially if you

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Stuff

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,

Duck confit Read More »

[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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Recipes | Savory Dishes

Chicken liver mousse

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A recent inventory of my freezer revealed a significant number of chicken livers, the result of my inability to waste anything that can be later turned into something yummy!  To explain, each time I buy a whole chicken, the carcass, heart and gizzards all go into stock.  Chicken livers, on the other hand, are no

Chicken liver mousse Read More »

[portfolio_slideshow]

A recent inventory of my freezer revealed a significant number of chicken livers, the result of my inability to waste anything that can be later turned into something yummy!  To explain, each time I buy a whole chicken, the carcass, heart and gizzards all go into stock.  Chicken livers, on the other hand, are no

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Savory Dishes

Yogurt Curry with cauliflower and crispy tofu

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This recipe, featuring the snap of yogurt, is inspired by a recipe from the excellent Vancouver BC restaurant Vig’s.  The very simple curry sauce works well also with chickpeas, diced sweet potato or winter squash, and also makes a great accompaniment to a poached whitefish filet, like cod or halibut. Serves 4

Yogurt Curry with cauliflower and crispy tofu Read More »

[portfolio_slideshow]

This recipe, featuring the snap of yogurt, is inspired by a recipe from the excellent Vancouver BC restaurant Vig’s.  The very simple curry sauce works well also with chickpeas, diced sweet potato or winter squash, and also makes a great accompaniment to a poached whitefish filet, like cod or halibut. Serves 4

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