Paris, Anyone?

I have always loved the thrill of a big city.  There is just nothing like the buzz you get from the feeling of being within the Metropolis, especially when you have lived most of your life away from the hustle and bustle.

In my 20's it was always my dream to go to New York City.  I just got back from my sixth visit - I am enamoured by the place.  I feel I need to keep the dream alive and think about other places I would like to visit, such as Paris.

I almost cringe when I say I want to go to Paris because I know for the most part, it is such a cliché.  Only, it just never lost its style.  I mean, Bogie told Ingrid Bergman, "We'll always have Paris" in Casablanca.  For a line to be so famous in a movie, that has to mean something!

I recently read a book 'Lunch in Paris' by Elizabeth Bard (2010 Harper Collins).  It is a sweet memoir of an American girl and a French guy.  They love to cook, to eat, then voila! - they fall in love. What makes this book so delicious is that not only is it a story about their love, it is also a culinary journey of their relationship, with each chapter ending with recipes.  

How wonderful is it, to not only find your soul mate, but for them to love food as much as you do...  And for it to all happen in Paris... *Swoon*

All this buzz about Paris has sparked an interest in Julia Child.  I am not all that interested in the Julie/Julia phenomenon, but I admit, it was the catalyst.  The real Julia was so honest and endearing.  You can't help but feel at ease and at home with her advice on how to cook.  I am still to make her famous 'Boeuf Bourguignon', but winter will be here soon enough...

My French Revolution is also thanks to David Lebovitz and his blog 'Living the sweet life in Paris'.  He is giving me hunger pangs to travel to this suddenly exotic and must-see locale. David's blog has also introduced me to the recipes of Dorie Greenspan, who's French Apple Tea Cake must be tasted to be believed...

I imagine riding around the city by bicycle, to stop for an impromptu picnic of cheese and Champagne near the Eiffel Tower and looking (as well as sounding) ridiculously foreign.  Mostly I am just salivating over all the fabulous things I plan  to eat, after shopping at all the Patisseries, Boulangeries and Charcuteries...

I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship... Would you like pommes frites with that?

Until next time... (au revoir)

Kitty xx

Happiness is a fresh hot bagel

I've never met a pastry I didn't like.  I love all things hot, crusty, chewy and bready.  Bagels are all that, rolled into one sweet (or savoury) little boiled and baked donut shaped delight.  They are great toasted, traditionally with cream cheese or as I had mine recently, warm, fresh and toasty.

So I was lured in to H&H Bagel on Broadway, NYC with the promise that I would get a hot, fresh bagel.  Luck was on my side.  They had just baked some blueberry bagels so I took it outside to snaffle up immediately while it was still nice and warm.  

It was one of those moments that you just want to be left alone to enjoy, to just soak up the taste, the surrounds and the 'Oh my God, I am eating a fresh hot bagel in NYC' feeling.

Now fresh and hot isn't just the only way I like my bagels - I love, love, love, bagel chips, especially the ones that you can buy from the Westside Market in NYC, which are made in-house.  You get a really nice mix of all different kinds of bagels - my favourite being pumpernickel.  Yum-O.  A bowl of home made hummous, some marinated olives and I am a happy girl!

I have a recipe for onion bagels kicking around here somewhere, maybe it's time I became brave enough to try baking my own.  

Remember - If it aint boiled, it aint a bagel!

Until next time...

Kitty xx

Home Safe!

I am back in Australia, after a wonderful 5+ weeks in my favourite city, New York!  I am a little travel weary and tired, so I will be using the next few days to recharge my batteries and I promise soon to share with you my food experiences whilst away.

I have lots of inspiration so stay tuned!

Until next time...

Kitty xx

Where have Yuzu been all my life?

Here I am in New York City.  It is my favourite place to crash.  (Yes I do enjoy how pretentious that sounds).  It is such a diverse city with so many different cultures and cuisines.  It's the city that never sleeps - and thanks to the Manhattan Diner, if you are hungry, you can always rely on them being open 24/7.  (They do a pretty good Reuben too by the way...)

New York appeals to the mindless wanderer within me.  I can walk for hours and hours, just looking at the buildings or sitting in the park, or just people watching in general.  It is a great place to watch others while you take time to smell the roses, or to catch your breath.

One of the best things about my walks is that they have lead me to many a sweet treat along the way.  What better reward for hours of walking?  Bakery treats!

So now I introduce you to my latest TriBeCa find - The Takahashi Bakery.  It is a very clean, modern and sleek establishment.  The desserts - oh so sweet!  I was marvelling over the display cabinet and trying to discreetly take pictures, while salivating wildly. I was tempted to try their pizza with lotus root, though was in the mood for something sweet.

I bought a red bean bun to go and ordered a Yuzu Tart.  I had never heard of Yuzu before.  It is an Asian citrus, much like lemon.  I have never tasted it on its own, so I can't really give you a really honest interpretation of the flavour, but let me try and describe the tart to you...

The pastry was very short and crisp.  Once I bit into the tart, I enjoyed a soft, velvety custard which was not too tangy, and not too sweet.  It was the most delicious citrus tart I have ever tasted.  I couldn't believe I had to travel half-way around the world to find pastry nirvana! 

I think what I enjoyed most was that the citrus flavour was so smooth.  It didn't have that pucker that some lemon curd desserts can give you.  There was the perfect balance - which is such a skill to be able to perfect.  This bakery had it bang on.  I can't wait to go back!

So when I am back in Australia, I know I am going to be yearning for Yuzu.

Until next time...

Kitty xx

Going Abroad!

I am off tomorrow morning, bound for New York City to eat, drink and be merry! 

I will be in touch!

Until next time...

Kitty xx