A Taste of France in Cumbernauld for Goût de France 2016

Oh I've been craving home comfort food lately. And when I say comfort food I don't mean steak pie (although I do like an occasional steak pie), I mean french food (cause you know, I am French, in case you've missed an episode or two). Cassoulet, gratin dauphinois, ravioles, macaronade (from my hometown Sète, Google it and try not to drool). So I was almost tearful when I heard that restaurants in Scotland were taking part in Goût de France. A table!

The Goût de France celebration was introduced last year by living god Alain Ducasse, whose Macarons recipe book sits on my bedside table. Some people like unicorns and counting sheep to get to sleep, I like macarons.

The festival is a tribute to French food and is celebrated in all five continents. This year over 1500 chefs took part. In Scotland, two restaurants were up for the challenge: french restaurant La Garrigue in Edinburgh with chef Jean-Michel Gauffre, and Taste in Cumbernauld.

Taste is a training restaurant located in the Cumbernauld campus of the New college Lanarkshire. It serves up to 100 covers during school term time, over three to four services per week.
The service and cooking is done by students aged 16 to 50, under the supervision of Chef Paul Clark.
There was something intriguing about celebrating Goût de France in the hands of Scottish students. So this is where I went.

Finding Taste is an adventure in itself: it is a hidden gem, in between classrooms. When you enter the restaurant floor though, you wouldn't know you're in a school. The lime colored walls make the whole place feel really modern and upcoming.

I was welcomed and taken to my table by a student waiter, whose manners and pro attitude would put a lot of Glasgow waiters to shame.

Now the fun part: the food.

L'entrée: for starters, dinners were offered a little salade lyonnaise which was composed of lettuce, crispy bacon, one poached egg and croutons. The egg was cooked to perfection, runny as I like it. Traditionally, salade lyonnaise would have a stronger dressing then this one, often including some onions, but I thought it was a lovely and fresh wee start.

Le plat: Ah, I'm blaming my expectations. I ordered coq au vin and could already picture a plate of hearty, stew like, chicken in red wine. But chef Paul had another idea for this dish today, and I must say, once I brushed off that confused look off my face, I actually loved it.
The coq au vin came in the shape of a chicken breast wrapped in bacon, stuffed with a mushroom mousse, then topped with a red wine jus. It was a nice modern twist, accompanied by crunchy vegetables and mushroom shaped potatoes for the final touch. "Today we are cooking along some of the best French restaurants in the world" said chef Paul, "we wanted to be creative". Weefrenchy stamp of approval.

Le fromage: Eating cheese with chutney is not the traditionnal way in France. This is a habit I developped in the UK, but before I moved here, I would never have considered it. We do like a bit of sweetness with our cheeses, I remember my grandad cutting sweet juicy grapes with his secator straight off the vine in the back garden, then serving it with Brie ... ... ... Sorry, got lost in my thoughts for a moment.
In Taste, the Brie was served with a pear crisp and pear chutney. That chutney was gorgeous, a little bit spicy which sublimed the cheese in my opinion.

Le dessert: I went safe with the Creme brûlée but regretted my choice as soon my neighbour's tarte au citron arrived. It was beautifully presented with a quenelle of ice cream, and would easily compete with a lot of Parisian restaurants. You can tell the chef has spent time in France. He knows his stuff.

Celebrating Gout de France at Taste was a "triomphe"-A taste of home, in my new adopted country.

If you would like to give Taste a try too, find out more on their website.

I tried the Benefit Brow bar and VIP bar and became addicted

I'm not a beauty blogger. I would swap crème de la mer for crème brûlée any day of the week.
Of course, as most french women do, I like to use a wee bit of makeup, but that's about it. Never had my eyebrows done before, never had hair extensions. I'm pretty much 100% natural, with no additives. But when I was invited to try the Benefit brow bar and Vip bar in House of Fraser, I thought it would be a nice opportunity to get girlier (spoiler: I had heaps of fun).

I was picturing a dentist chair, a table with different sizes of tweezer lined up, and a back door to quickly escape if left looking like a clown... But the Benefit brow bar was nothing like that.
Located in the back corner of House of Fraser, the stall is airy and offers tons of space. The pink furniture I was sitting at matched the presenting shelves around. Just like a Barbie shop, only for grown ups (ish).
The lovely beautician asked what I wanted (-I want a brow wax but I still want to look exactly how I look now...) then used a plastic thingy, some kind of ruler, to determine where my eyebrow had to start, finish, linger, loop... That sort of thing. I love science. You get to choose between wax or tweezers and I picked the latter.
I was offered a brow tint but I elegantly refused (take it easy sister!) and the whole experience lasted a pain-free couple of minutes.

Final word: I liked the result. I must say I never felt like I needed that kind of service but I am grateful that I got to try it. I can see how some girls would feel much much better with a bit of tweezing as it does broaden your eyes.

Two floors up and you will find another Benefit space, only smaller. This is the VIP bar. This is where your girlfriends and yourself can enjoy a bit of pampering while sipping on prosecco.
As Valentine's day is around the corner, I asked for a rosy, fresh looking makeover.
I was in the expert hands of Claire that day and I must say, she knows what she's doing that girl. In fact, she told me that she used to do bridal makeovers. Say no more!
I will not bore you with the whole process of getting my face done, but the whole make over lasted about 25 minutes and I definitely learnt a few tricks.
Amongst all the Benefit products that were used, two in particular caught my attention...

They're real, the primer: if you already use Benefit, you must have used the "they're real mascara" at some point. I know I have. The primer on the other hand is brand new, and very promising. It didn't only plump up my eyelashes, but it made the whole removing process easier as well. I tried it on my eyebrows too since the color is light brown and it looked pretty good (will be reconsidering that tint).

Benetint: yummy yummy rose tasting lip tint. I'm usually ruling for team lipstick, but that tint convinced me: it was light on the lips, last longing and super tasty. Plus, according to Claire, the product was originally created in 1977 for an exotic dancer who was looking for a nipple stain. So there you go. Happy Valentine's day to you (and your partner!)



Final word: I really enjoyed being pampered and I loved the young looking result (and the prosecco).

If you want to treat yourself to a wee Valentine's Day make up at Benefit this weekend, know that you can get your makeup done, complimentary, when purchasing two Benefit items. The prosecco is usually 5,50 pounds, but if you quote: "TheweeFrenchyValentine" you'll get a free glass on me with your makeup. De rien! (offer valid on 13th and 14th of February 2016 only)

Four beautiful and romantic Glasgow restaurants to try this Valentine's day

Glasgow has its fair share of landmarks; the greenhouse in People's palace for one, Kelvingrove museum, Saint Andrews in the Square.
So this year for Valentine's (or anytime really, you romantic dog, you), why not treat your sweetheart to a trip through time in one of Glasgow's finest buildings.

Here is a wee selection.

Chaopraya

You might not know it yet (where have you been?) but Chaopraya is Europe's largest Thai restaurant, set in the iconic Townhouse building on Buchanan street. As soon as you push the main door, you will be mesmerised not only by the beautiful entrance hall and giant staircase, but most importantly by the delightful smell of coconut.

As I always say, "if you can smell coconut, nothing wrong can happen" (that's not true, I don't say that, but it's a good motto).

The dining room is breathtaking, with the highest of high ceilings. When you're sitting at your table, look up. See that balcony up there? No, it's not where the owner looks upon the room smoking his pipe. No, it's not where star footballers get treated to a special secret menu. This is pretty much where everyone can sit for a romantic, more private meal. So don't be shy to ask for a booking.
(although Valentine's day is obviously already booked. But now you know ;) )

Chaopraya's a la carte menu is a treasure for every thai food addict, so it's an all year treat.

The Corinthian club

Located in buzzing Merchant city, the Corinthian club is set in 18th century Virginia Mansion. It was built in 1752 for prominent City Merchant George Buchanan, and was considered one of Glasgow's finest private residences. And I can see why. As soon as I entered the hall, I felt really tiny. Which I do normally... because I am. But not as much.
The whole atmosphere of the place feels decadent, as if ladies with long gloves and boas were to emerge from the next room any minute.
Definitely worth a visit for a classy, romantic dinner or pre drinks.

I must admit I have not tried the food yet, but I had champagne there a few weeks ago with a friend and she made me swear we would return for dinner. So we shall.
This week, the Corinthian Club offers a special Valentine's menu, along with some love-themed events such as movie screenings. Perfect for a night out with the gals too.

Cup tea/ Gin 71, Renfield street

Well, I must admit I was rather impressed when returning to Glasgow after a few years and finding out about Gin 71's cocktail menu. I treated myself to a quiet afternoon tea in Cup years ago, but the place gets a very different feel when the sun goes down.
It may surprise you to know that this now trendy Gin afficionado venue used to be a bank.
Make sure you stare at the stunning ceiling for a good minute, looking like an idiot, and you'll know what I'm talking about: beautiful interior, chandelier and fireplaces. A little glamour to start off your night in style.

No special Valentine's menu for this venue (the Virginia bar in Merchant city does) but how about sharing a spicy gingery "Down the Rabbit hole" (no pun intended) teapot cocktail with your S/O before going out for some food.

Hutchesons Bar and Brasserie

From bank to hospital. That's right you heard me. The Hutchesons hospital was originally erected on 1660 in Trongate. But it got demolished. So they built a new one in Ingram street.
The new building was completed in 1805. Since then, Hutchesons hall has hosted a library, a bank, an exhibition center and now, a fine dining restaurant with lavish interiors. The stained glass windows alone, are worth a trip to the three floor dining venue.
This Valentine's Hutchesons is offering a sharing menu, which in my case would be a really bad idea: I can easily picture my sweetheart and myself fork battling over their chocolate and salted caramel fondant. If you have more self control, this might just be the perfect place for you and your Valentine.

Best Chinese New Year ever in Glasgow

Always talk to people on the subway. Or in parks. You'll never know how amazing they are if you don't, and in my case I would not have ended up spending Chinese New Year with three adorable students from Beijing if I hadn't. Nor would I have tasted those delicious homemade dumplings. Here's the story.

Yeah in case you're living in a cave, you must have noticed that this weekend was all about Chinese new year. Supermarkets like lidl have special Asian products in store, and Marks and spencer is doing  its 10 pounds Chinese take out deal. But on Saturday I was in the search for something more authentic.

I studied a year in Shanghai, and a little bit in Beijing so I had all the time in the world to eat some unbelievable food in China. One of which was hotpot. So that was the plan; making a Chinese hotpot for my "all I ever had is spring rolls" boyfriend. I was trying to remember the ingredients, typing away on my phone, when I overheard a conversation next to me. Three Chinese students looking for their stop. One of them was reading the next stop "sainteuh Gorgeous cross". I smiled. You adorable person you. I explained in Chinese that it was pronounced George, and that gorgeous meant something else. Which got us talking.
It is very common for Chinese people to give themselves some western name so that we can remember it easier. So the older student introduced himself as William.
-after prince William?
-no, after William Wallace.
-(duh!)
His girlfriend's name was Candy, and his little cousin had not picked a name yet. I suggested Harry (Harry potter fan's immediate reaction) which he liked. So there you go, I baptized a Chinese boy that day.

They wanted to visit Glasgow uni, I directed them. Then I asked about the recipe for hotpot, as you do... or I do (DO IT!!!). Turns out William was a chef in China (see where I'm getting at? Luck is everywhere, you just need to grab it). He explained that the traditional delicacy for new year in Beijing is dumplings. Drool. Next thing I know, I deleted my hotpot food list and was invited to spend new year in their flat.

The next day, boyfriend was still confused:
-so you met these people on the subway?
-yep.
-and they invited you for their new year celebration. Just like that?
-yep.
-how do you know it's safe?
-babe, when I do die, I would rather it be while eating dumplings.

We weren't killed no, although the amount of dumplings was pretty deadly. We were greeted by three happy faces, delighted that we could make it, and we had a fabulous wee time.

I must say, there is nothing cuter than a Chinese and a Scot trying to communicate.
It felt just like a family holiday; we (mostly they) made dumplings, we talked about different new year traditions, I explained how in France we are supposed to eat 12 grapes when midnight strikes, which no one does, because you would choke. Derek explained how in Scotland for Hogmanay, you open the front door to let the new year in, and open the back door to farewell the old year.
We watched some chinese Tv, some kind of crazy surreal Xfactor.
And finally we had dessert; I made some french madeleine which were flavoured with matcha, rose petals and earlgrey.

To think that on an usual sunday night, we would probably have been sitting in, watching some boring Tv instead, that was a very, very pleasant surprise. And we made three new friends. Talk to people!

Xin nian kuai le everyone!

Hogmanay in Edinburgh

Happy new year everyone! This year I was lucky enough to spend Hogmanay in the beautiful city of Edinburgh. It was freezing cold yes, but I got such a warm welcome from Scottish people that I almost managed to ignore my dumb toes (the warm tea and haggis helped).

Writing about Hogmanay doesn't do it justice. You've got to see it, you've got to be there. So for those who weren't, here is my first video on this blog; first of many, because I had loads of fun filming it.

Thanks to all my lovely interviewees for their kind hearts and sharp accents.

Back in business at the Trading house

Having recently moved back to Glasgow, I am re-discovering the city as I go. Three years have passed. Three years where I have lived in Paris, dansed the night away in Chiang mai, ate fusion matcha pastries in Tokyo, drank zingy bubbly classy cocktails in Rome. My tastes have matured and, to my delight, so did the Glasgow food scene.
What better time to re explore my dear Glasgae, than Christmas time.

I first heard of The trading house through my friend and fellow blogger Esther. Strong brasserie classics meet modern cocktails, I was intrigued.
I was about to leave town to visit my relatives in France, so the Scot boyfriend and I decided to go on a pre Christmas date.

Walking into The trading house put us right in the mood. Giant christmas tree, long wooden bar with well dressed bartenders at work, live music. The place feels classy, without being intimidating.
We were served by Alistair, whose smile never faded, regardless of the ridiculous amount of questions I had for him.

We both went for the Christmas menu. For starters, Derek chose the chichen liver pâté, radish and pickled veg. Beautiful presentation. The cloche made the whole dish look like a decadant treat. The pâté was topped with ginger crumbs, which we both loved (yes, I steal from his plate. Yes, I starve my boyfriend). Although he was overall pleased with his starter, Derek did not approve of the bread, which broke in his hands whenever he tried to spread the pâté.
I ordered the beetroot and roast pepper salad, walnut dressing and peppered goat's cheese crumb, the healthy option, and was not disappointed. It had a nice kick to it. I personally would have added some walnuts for a bit of crunch.

Now the main. Faithful to his "classic is best" reputation, Derek went with the Traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings, which he thorougly enjoyed. I can tell because no word was spoken for five minutes. But my main... Oh my main. It was recommended to me and I now pass on the gospel to you. All I want for christmas, is those pumpkin ravioli. Seriously. Every day, for ever. Imagine a half moon ravioli, on a bed of gorgeous red pepper oil (thank you Alistair for clearing that up) and topped with lightly fried sage leaves. It was so eye pleasing, and so tasty.
I say we start a petition and demand these become a permanent menu item.

We were almost too full for dessert but once again, our commitment to fattiness got the best of us.
I'm not the biggest fan of dark chocolate, but I was intrigued by the mint sugar in the Orange and bitter chocolate truffle torte with mint sugar. So when Derek said he would have that, a tiny voice inside my head yelled "yay!". "Sure, ok" I said, composed. "I'll have the Sliced apple and almond tart with caramel ice cream". Which was a winner. It had a nice saltiness to the frangipane, which I found really different.The torte was lovely too, but the orange was overpowering (not complaining, I love orange) so we could not taste much of the mint sugar. 

Orange juice + pineapple juice+ vodka does not equal a cocktail. It's barely a boozy smoothie.
I have struggled to find a decent cocktail recently since most bars do not employ trained bartenders (and get their cocktail recipes from google, I assume). But The trading house cocktail menu is a well thought, inventive, surprising and classy menu.
I am all over floral cocktails at the moment, so I was overexcited when I saw all the choices I had. I picked three (only because I want to show my face here again): the Earl grey and lavender martini, the Rose cosmo and the Lemon and jasmine martini. Three absolute triumph. Fresh, perfumed, a little strong just like I love them. Bf was driving so he had a Watermelon dew: watermelon juice, lime juice, sugar, gomme and lemonade which was served in a cute jam jar glass.
For the beer lovers, they have a whole book (seriously) of beers and they even make their own: Passionate blonde and Pacific pale ale (Alistair's favourite).



In short

The "non":  The bread in Derek's starter was disapointing compared to the rest of the plate (and he isn't usually a fussy eater so I trust him)


The "oui": The amazing cocktails, the service (out of this world, thumbs up Alistair), the live piano, the Christmas lights, and, of course, the pumpkin ravioli.

The Book of Mormon London

                                                                After three weeks spent in France I was so excited about coming to London again.
I was only here for a day and the schedule was tight: my priority was to go see       the Book of Mormon.

I had heard all about it, watched the youtube videos over and over again, but man, I was NOT prepared for this.

I laughed my *** off from beginning to end! I cried, I fell off my chair, I cried again.

To be completely honest, I am not a fan of South Park (whose creators wrote the musical) but that humour was totally my kind.

You've got to be a genius to be able to mock the religion and make it ok.

Trey Parker and Matt Stone adress topics that can be rather shocking for some, hilarious for others.
Aids, supressed homosexuality, and even female circumcision, there is no taboo for those two.

Amongst the best quotes, this one is from the main character, Elder Price,  after he saw someone get shot in the head in Uganda:
"Africa is nothing like the Lion King!"

The song that I enjoyed the most was "Turn it off", which is a mormon tip to stop feeling things that aren't allowed, with that hilarious part:
"Imagine that your brain is made of tiny boxes. And find the box that's gay and CRUSH IT!"

The songs are actually so catchy than I have been listening to them non stop since the show.

I might never join the latter day faith, but at least I can say that I'm part of the Book of Mormon fans, and that's good enough.