Five Ways to Put Some France into Your Weekend, March 23, 2013

First of all, thank you to all my new followers on Facebook. Welcome—let’s share what we love about French cooking and lifestyle. If you haven’t joined us there, check us out: Chez Bonne Femme on Facebook. Now, onto this week’s ways to put a little France into your week (and mine….):

Au Revoir au grand hotel de la Place Vendome

1. Say Goodbye (for Now) to the Hôtel Ritz

I was doing a little research on a real Mimosa (not just Champagne and orange juice, mind you), and I found that food history traces the drink to Paris’s Ritz hotel. On their site, I learned that that this grand hotel recently closed for an extensive remodeling. They posted this beautiful, short video of the lights going off on the Ritz for the first time in more than a century. It’s interspersed with historical photos. Such a touching, French way to say au revoir.

And, by the way, the real Mimosa has a little Cointreau in it and is always made with fresh-squeezed orange juice. Vive la différence!

“Oh for the love of….” versus “Have another Pernod.” Eddie Albert (left), before he was Oliver Douglas on Green Acres. Photo via Ebay.

2. Rent “The Sun Also Rises”

This movie is, admittedly, not for everyone, but I just watched it for the third time in my life and once again, I found it irresistible. The first hour or so takes place in Paris, where virility-disabled Jake Barnes (played by Tyrone Powers) a reporter for The New York Herald, is tormented by Lady Brett Ashley (Ava Gardner) as they party around 1920s Paris with some hangers-on. The action moves to Pamplona for the yearly fiesta (though the non-fiesta scenes were filmed in Mexico). Here, of course, drunkenness and tensions mount. Yes, there are a few flaws (number one being that all the male cast-members are in their 40s or older, and Hemingway’s novel concerns 20-something ex-soldiers from World War I), but the historic scenes of France and Spain and the overall anomie of expats in post-war Europe are compelling. Errol Flynn plays the best drunk ever.

Plus, who doesn’t love to hear Eddie Albert (of Green Acres fame), tell the depressed Jake Barnes” “Jake! Have another Pernod! That’s what they’re for!”

Dinard in Brittany: No wonder it’s called the Côte Emeraude (The Emerald Coast)

3. Giveaway Alert! Help Me Find Lodgings in Brittany (and I’ll bring you something back)

I have traveled to every major region of France, except Brittany. This year, I’m finally closing the circle with a trip around this region. Have you been there? Did you stay in a great hotel, inn, chambre d’hôte, or vacation rental? I would be thrilled if you would share your experiences with me. Either post below, or leave me a note on Facebook. As an incentive, if I end up booking your lodging, I’ll bring you something back from Brittany! (U.S. addresses only).

4. Enjoy a Good French Weekend Wine: Bourgueil

Bourgueil, a Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley, is a wine I’ve enjoyed often in France, but tend to forget about once home. I recently went to a dinner party where it was served, and I thought, “Why don’t I drink this wine all the time.” By no means heavy or serious, many are meant to be enjoyed young have generally have enticing dark and red-fruit flavors—sometimes with a touch of savory herb-olive notes—and end with a bright, dry finish that says, “À table!” (let’s eat!!).

Chicken with 20 Cloves of Garlic. Photo by Richard Swearinger

5. Braise Away

Still counting the days (65) until I take off for my summer stay in La Belle France. To make matters worse, this year’s first day of Spring was the coldest on record since 1965.

That means only one thing: The braiser is still in action. I recently posted my Chicken with 20 Cloves of Garlic. It’s a fabulous and simple Friday-night recipe. Enjoy!