Food, Wine and Travel Blog

What is Dijon Mustard, and how is it used? What is the sacred trinity of the Burgundian culinary tradition? Many would argue that it is beef, red wine, and cheese – the red wines of Chambertin, Musigny, and Volnay are as highly prized as the legendary dish Boeuf Bourguignon, particularly if it is made using […]

Which wines and cheese pair best together? No foodie topic is more open to debate, disagreement, and subjectivity than “correct” cheese and wine pairing. Local cuisine, different cultures, and personal preferences make what seem perfectly acceptable wine and food combinations appear utterly awful to others. Our own feelings on this subject are almost schizophrenic; personal […]

Cassis White Wines At first glance, there are few surprises left in French viticulture. The wines of Bordeaux, Burgundy, and indeed Provence are globally renowned – Pauillac, Blanc de Blancs Champagne, and Provencal rose are as many cultural icons as they are wine styles. Yet, with real effort, France still has undiscovered regions and terroirs […]

The infamous white wines of Burgundy The status and reverence given to the superlative white wines of Burgundy are arguably under threat. California, Australia, New Zealand, and other European regions have proven that you can coax great class and refinement out of Chardonnay grown worldwide. It is simply undeniable that Burgundy no longer has a […]

Top Cognac Brands Cognac is as much a cultural icon as it is a luxurious brandy. Even before you have sampled any of the local firewater, there is a gorgeous, historic town to get to grips with, comfortably situated in France’s sorely underrated Charentes region. You’ll discover ancient cellars and traditions, gourmet restaurants, and quaint […]

Provencal Food Guide What is Provence’s inimitable quality, which lures back the same discerning travelers year after year? Many would argue that it is the gorgeous natural setting – few can resist the rolling lavender fields, adorable villages, vine-covered hills, and azure blue skies. French artist Henri Matisse, a former resident, famously said that it […]

Michelin Star Restaurants in Lyon The question of Lyon’s gastronomic credentials is the cause of much consternation in fierce rival Paris. That city lays claim to being the food capital of the world, and it is undoubtedly true that Paris boasts more Michelin stars than any other French city. Many people, including respected food critics […]

After a period of bartender and consumer indifference, vermouth is now achingly trendy again. “Me pones un vermut,” or “give me a glass of vermouth” is a phrase you’ll hear constantly in Spain. Indeed, there is nothing more in vogue than sipping vermouth in tapas bars across the Iberian peninsula, while the Italians have long […]

Is there a right way to drink whiskey? At first glance, “how to drink whiskey?” is a topic worthy of ridicule. Open the bottle, pour the liquid into glass and sip – surely that’s all that is required to appreciate this noble brown spirit? Yet while a guide to drinking whiskey might appear akin to […]

What could be more romantic than enjoying glorious autumn recipes in cozy surroundings, paired with a glass of something spectacular, of course? For as the days shorten and the temperature drops, our thoughts turn to hearty, rich dishes like venison and guinea fowl, roast chestnuts, and that most decadent of gastronomic indulgences – truffles. Indeed, […]

Which are the best wineries to visit in Bordeaux? Over the past ten years, a remarkable transformation has swept across Bordeaux, as chateaux owners wake up to the value of oenotourism. “Bordeaux realizes that we need to embrace, not just accept tourists,” observed Angelus owner Hubert de Bouard in June 2019. This philosophy is spreading […]

Prettiest Villages in Provence The cliché is world-renowned. The imagery more potent than any other in France: perfect blue skies, endless lavender fields, exquisite gastronomy, and some of Europe’s most picturesque villages. With such high expectations from first-time visitors, Provence could be a major anticlimax. Yet, the region has retained its allure and unique charm, […]