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Maille and A Taste of France Show in Bryant Park, NYC 9/28-9/29

September 26, 2013 by Renee

After returning home from Paris, I was thrilled to have a package waiting for me from Maille. Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love Maille mustards and it was great to add some more jars to add to my stockpile. The package contained a jar of each of the Dijon Originale, Rich Country Dijon, Cornichons and a jar of Horseradish. It was as if I had a little extension to my vacation!

If you have not been to the Maille flagship store in Paris, it is well worth a trip. Located in the  Place de la Madeleine, the boutique carries an incredible variety of mustard and blends. They even have mustards on tap! You can have  Grain mustard in old Chardonnay, Fine mustard in Chablis or Fine mustard in White Wine pumped right into a lovely ceramic crock. In addition to mustards, the store carries an array of oils, vinegars, dressings and plenty of gift assortments to bring home. You can spend quite a while  just browsing all the different flavors that are available.

I always like to purchase at least one or two jars of their Originale that comes in a decorative glass. We love to use them for juice and cocktails when they are empty and they are fun to collect. Some of my other favorites include the Fines Herbs and the Ancienne, an old style, whole grain mustard that’s perfect on a  roast beef sandwich.

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Even though Maille is actually the number one brand of imported mustard in the United States, and not just imported in my suitcase, though it seems that way whenever I travel home from Paris, there are some flavors that you just can not get in the U.S.-like Celeri rave et brisures de Truffes (celeriac and truffles) and Moutarde à l’Abricot sec et Curry (apricot curry). But you can purchase many types here in the U.S. and online.

Their production process is also quite fascinating. The mustards are made by cutting the  black and brown mustard grains. They are  not crushed. This is done to preserve the natural antioxidant properties, then they are mixed with a blend of vinegars and white wines to create their rich flavors. If they are blended with herbs or other aromatics, they do so using only the freshest ingredients and purees.

Recently, beating out more than 300 mustards, Maille Dijon Originale won the Grand Champion Prize and Maille Honey Dijon earned the Silver Medal at the 19th Annual Worldwide Mustard Competition.

The Dijon Originale, is a  multi- purpose condiment. It goes with nearly everything!  It adds a smooth, mild spice to meats, fishes, sauces and vegetables.  Whisked into vinaigrette or added to mac and cheese, it’s a true kitchen staple.

A secret ingredient in some apple pies, the Rich Country Dijon is made with white wine, cinnamon and ginger. It’s delicious when just brushed lightly on the crust of quiches and savory tarts before they are filled. It’s also amazing on potatoes and used as a marinade with chicken or pork. There are so many uses!

Maille Horseradish actually won a Bronze Medal at the 2012 World Wide Competition for mustards in the category that is usually dominated by U.S. producers. It’s ideal on sausages, roast beef, sandwiches and vegetables- wherever you’d want a sharp intense flavor.

The last time I bought a jar of cornichons, I actually didn’t even get to eat one!  The kids ate them all before I even noticed they were gone! I had to buy them a generic brand so they could have those while I savored another jar of Maille Cornichons! No charcuterie plate is complete without them.

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This is how I love to have dinner several times a month… a simple plate of cheese and cured meats, mustards, olives and cornichons with a baguette and a bottle of wine to share. It’s simple and satisfying.

If you are in NY this weekend, be sure to see the Maille booth at The Taste of France Show that will be held in Bryant Park. There will be vendors representing the many aspects of French life:  Lifestyle, Technology, Beauty, Cuisine, Wine and Spirits, Tourism, Culture, Children and of course, Fun!

There will also be many events over the two days so be sure to check it out! I am looking forward to attending and while I won’t be in Paris, it will feel like it!

The show is free and open to the public. For more information, see the website at The Taste of France Show.

Event Hours:

SATURDAY – September 28, 2013
11:00am-11:00pm

SUNDAY – September 29, 2013
11:00am-7:00pm

 

A bientot!

 

Disclosure: I received the four jarsmentioned from Maille to try. The opinions are my own, and we all know how much I love Paris and Maille.

 

 

Filed Under: Travel, Kitchen Sink, France, Product Reviews Tagged With: France, Maille, Product Review, Travel, cornichons, mustard

Kitchen on the Road- Afternoon in Paris and Leaving England

September 25, 2013 by Renee

After we had savored the last of our drinks at Le Mary Celeste and lingered as long as we could, we finally left and took the metro up to Sacre Couer, climbing the three maybe 12 flights of stairs to the top of Montmartre. It was a very warm, sunny day and we enjoyed just sitting on the steps at the top, people watching and being entertained by the street performers- one who was quite agile with a “football” (soccer ball) while balancing precariously on a lamppost. It’s certainly one of the very best vantage points in all of Paris and a great place to just and relax for an afternoon. It’s especially lovely to see the sun setting from here. Some of my best photos of the Eiffel Tower came from this spot a couple of years ago.

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While the neighborhood at the bottom of the Montmartre is very touristy (Pigalle and Moulin Rouge) and should be avoided, the neighborhood behind Sacre Couer is lovely, quiet and has some terrific cafes and parks. It is definitely worth a stroll around here where you can see and feel a real Parisian neighborhood. Wander over to rue Caulaincourt and hop the metro at Lamarck — Caulaincourt (of Amelie fame) back to the central Paris, but stop into Chez Ginette on the corner above the metro station for some super hamburgers if you are feeling peckish.

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After a good rest back at the flat we went in search of dinner.  As it was our last night in Paris, we wanted to finally be near the Eiffel Tower and have it within view to see it sparkle as it marked the evening’s hours.  We took a taxi but the restaurant we wanted to visit turned out to be closed for vacation when we arrived, so the driver took us to one that he recommended- an Irish pub. Oh no! We didn’t want to offend him, so we hopped out but once he pulled away from the curb, we knew this was not where we wanted to dine (and certainly not since there was a game on!). We decided to walk a bit down the block and ended up at a nearly empty neighborhood bistro. There was just one family there when we arrived and soon we had the entire place to ourselves. It was great! Completely unexpected.  Especially since the menu came in a tourist version!  The manager was quite fun to speak to and he saw me admiring the Audrey Hepburn advertisement on the wall and he brought it down for me to snap a photo of. While this was not the best meal I have had, it was not the worst and it was fun evening regardless.Paris -0189

My friend tried the escargot encased in a puff pastry for their appetizer and no matter how good or earthy he said they tasted, to me, they are still bugs. I just could not get past that thought to even try the sauce. It was his first time having them and he rather enjoyed them. Bravo for them trying something new. I just was not going to have any part of it!

I had a filet with green beans wrapped in bacon and really liked how the smoky meat flavored the crisp beans. We tried the flank steak, simply done with a spiced rice and finished with crème  brulee.

Le Seven

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The real delight of the evening came when we walked all the way to the park under the Eiffel Tower. We literally sat right at the base and when, on the hour, it lit to sparkle it was truly magical.  It sounds hokey and cliché, but it sort of sums up Paris. Absolutely Spectacular!

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I was sad to leave. It’s always hard. But I know I will be back soon.

The next morning, we sped back to London on the Eurostar.Paris -0281

We arrived  just in time to have a traditional Sunday Dinner at Punch & Judy, a pub in Covent Garden before taking the train back to Ely.  The Yorkshire pudding and roasted beef with two kinds of potatoes all swimming in a sea of gravy was incredible! The ultimate in comfort food! Even the traditional fish and chips looked great here. We washed it all down with a pint of Thwaites from Blackburn, Lancashire. Something about pub food just calls out for a pint or two.

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My last meal in England was at one of my favorite places, GBK in Cambridge. It’s just a chain of burger joints that features creative flavor combinations. But it’s really good!  I love trying a new one each time I go- not to mention their onion rings and fries are fabulous! This time it was the Persian Lamb burger with minted feta, harissa mayo and pickled onions, rocket, tomatoes and relish and the Camemburger- a beef burger on a brioche bun with Camembert cheese, truffle mayo, a hash brown, onion jam and relish. Both were huge, overstuffed and just messy good eating.

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Overall, I had an amazing summer. Full of traveling, fun, lots of food, yummy drinks, music, great friends and love.

I hope yours was just as fulfilling!

Filed Under: Travel, England, France Tagged With: Cambridge, England, Paris, Travel, UK

Kitchen on the Road- Le Mary Celeste, Paris (Part Trois)

September 25, 2013 by Renee

Our last full day in Paris started off with Brunch at Le Mary Celeste. David told me all about this place that is renown for their scrumptious cocktails, spicy kimchi , slow-grilled beef jerky and 1 euro oyster bar at happy hour.  They also happen to serve brunch on weekends. Perfect!

Le Mary Celeste gets its name from an American-British merchant ship that was found completely abandoned in the Atlantic Ocean in 1872. The boat had been at sea for only a month when her crew of seven went missing leaving their valuables and the ship’s cargo untouched.  It remains one of the greatest maritime mysteries of all time.

Even in the heart of Paris, Le Mary Celeste transports you seaside with its rope wrapped columns and white washed bricks. The interior is light and bright with large open windows and stained glassed transoms but also boasts some quirky touches- like the chain saw behind the bar and a large mural of a toucan on the restroom door.

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In addition to their innovative cocktail menu, they also offer a selection of Brooklyn Brewery beers on tap and an impressive list of wines.

Our meal began with cocktails. It’s no wonder they are lauded as much as they are.  I had the Beverly Hills Brunch, a concoction with Nardini Bitters, a brilliant orange flavored and scarlet colored bitter, pamplemousse (grapefruit), agave, romarin (rosemary) and champagne. Slightly sweet, but tangy with a mildly earthy, savory flavor. Just WOW! And such a gorgeous color!

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The Garden Fizz featured Aalborg aquavit, sirop de cumbawa maison, a house made syrup prepared from a type of Asian lemon, citron vert (lime), blanc d’oeuf (egg whites) and topped with ginger beer. This was a seriously sassy beverage! It was spicy, full of citrus and exceptionally creamy.  Simply delicious!

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Watching the bartender create this beautiful blend, the Snowden, a mixture of Laphroaig Single Malt whiskey, pureed peaches, lime and mint with a bit of fizz, was like watching an artist create a masterpiece. Such intensity and care!  It tasted even better than it looked.

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Our food was just as creative and bold. Each dish was so bright, colorful and utterly impressive. They had contrasting textures and flavors. Unlikely partners on the plate that actually worked in harmony with one another.

I had the arepa (galettes de mais), haricuts au four, pickles de jalapenos, oeuf au plat (corn cakes with baked beans and pickled jalapenos topped with a fried egg). This was so good and I am still trying to recreate this at home because I am craving it still! I love how the sweet, tomato sauced beans were given a lively kick from the jalapenos. The crunchy peppers complimented the crispy arepa, whose center was soft and creamy and the egg was perfectly sunny side up. Such a fresh, flavorful dish.

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Who would ever think to pair French toast with mushrooms and fresh tomatoes? Well, this dish was just that-pain perdu de brioche maison, ragout de champignons, gremolata (french brioche toast with sautéed mushrooms and tomatoes with lemon zest, garlic, and parsley). Taking a traditionally sweet breakfast and turning it savory instead. Delightful!

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For dessert (Dessert after breakfast/brunch? Why, YES!) we all shared a creamy panna cotta a la vanille, casseilles confits, chocolat blanc caramelise (vanilla infused panna cotta with caramelized, candied white chocolate and a gooseberry blackcurrant hybrid called casseilles) served in a funky chipped enamel bowl.

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I loved everything about this place and it’s on my list of “must return to’s” for the next time I am in Paris. I can’t wait to try their other creations- bold and beautiful cocktails and fresh innovative dishes.

Reservations can be made for weekday dining but for the weekend brunch you can just show up.

 

 
 
Le Mary Celeste
1 rue Commines
75003 Paris
 
for reservations email:
reservations@lemaryceleste.com

 

Filed Under: Drink, Travel, Cocktails, France Tagged With: Cocktails, Le Mary Celeste, Paris, Travel

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