You might wonder how to tell the good saffron from the bad safflower, why some threads costing three times as much as other 'saffron'. Well, as with many expensive food items, besides the quality, you also have to question the authenticity. It takes at least 100,000-200,000 threads of saffron to make a kilo, which sells for anywhere from 3,000-6,000 EURO. It's the most expensive spice in the world...During the pandemic of bubonic plague a war ensued called the 'Saffron War', it was so valued as a cure for the suffering that stocks in Europe were depleted and more was ordered from the East.
Local Bazadais Shops and Gifts for Holidays / Magasins Bazadais et Badeaux Locaux
This is a list of some of the local products you can purchase to give to your favorite teachers, take home to your family, over friend's houses or wrap under the tree this holiday season (or any time of year!). All items are made locally to Bazas by farmers or artisans.
Visiting Bazas
One of the most authentic French countryside towns might be Bazas. Its arcaded town square, beautiful Saturday morning markets and unique yearly festivals are only a few of the reasons to visit.
Skiing in the Pyrenees
If you have ever been to the Alps, you cannot compare the skiing available nearby in the Pyrenees (try going to Andorra in that case). Within three hours from Bordeaux (or Bazas) you can get a wintery experience at either of these nearby locations.* Charcuterie for two, with fondue Gourette Maison Casaux Piou Piou ESF Gourette... Continue Reading →
Barcelona, Where the Food Tours Started
What I discovered while working in Barcelona, was that I loved sharing local food experiences with people visiting. Where someone might mistake the 'local' cuisine to be paella and tapas...which is not Catalan and not local...I was able to introduce to fideua catalane or butifarra.
South-West France Desserts
From the macaron to canele, to puits d'amour to mouchous...the SW of France has a wide variety of bite sized sweet treats! This part of France is also were chocolate is believed to have entered from Spain and makes it home to some incredible chocolate shops!
Bazas
Visting the historic center of Gironde, circa 1400. UNESCO Cathedral, Saturday Markets and Cultural Festivals.
Bazas Food and Farm Tour
10am Visit fois gras farm to learn how fois gras is made and taste products (or another farm depending on season and availability) 1230pm Stop by butcher who will show us the famous Bazadais beef cuts 1pm Lunch of Bazadais beef cooked by chef and owner of local restaurant 3pm Visit historic town of Bazas... Continue Reading →
France Culinary Tour
Visit the historical culinary capital of the world, from the city of Paris to the countryside of Bordeaux during one week take in as much find dining and history as possible!
La Lamproie (Lamprey Eel)
The Durand family has an incredibly well-run operation, from fishing to cooking to presentations for kids and adults.
Saint Emilion
What is tricky about most wines in the Bordeaux region is that they vary in taste from house to house, based on different grape blends, materials used during aging, and the very unique distinction of terroir (environmental factors such as soil and climate). Around Saint Emilion you find lots of gravel, sand, limestone, and a special blue clay which can add different mineral or earthiness to the grapes.
Pessac-Leognan
PESSAC-LEOGNAN The Pessac-Leognan AOC region was my first experience of the wine growing regions in SW France thanks to my husbands family from the area. The real estate prices have jumped in the last decade and suburban developments keep popping up, but luckily, there are still lovely vines covering most of the land around Leognan,... Continue Reading →
Bordeaux
24 Hours in Bordeaux I don’t get much time alone, which is why most of my knowledge of the area comes with ‘kid friendly’ suggestions. Here is the best of Bordeaux in 24 hours...alone (or with your love). If you can avoid, at all costs, driving into Bordeaux, you will save yourself a few grey... Continue Reading →
Sauternes
Sweet wines and delicious Southwestern food.
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