Happy Birthday to The French Fork

Today is The French Fork first year anniversary! It's been a whole year now that I've been blogging. Wow! Such a great experience I surely do not regret to have ventured into... 

Actually, I'm more wondering why I never started blogging before! I guess I was too shy... Now, I feel like writing has opened up a whole new world to me. Literally, it has allowed me to get in touch with people from so many different countries, who read The French Fork and share with me the same passion: French culture and homestyle cooking.

Thank you all so much for reading me and supporting me. A blog doesn't really exist without the people who read it and share their thoughts with the author. I hope to bring you many more years of French memories and cultural adventures. 

Hmmm, that makes me think, I would like to ask you if there is anything you would like me to talk about, that touches on French food and culture. Please share! Any recipe you're curious about? A particular detail of everyday French life or culture you'd like to know more about? 

Stay tuned for Part 2 of The French Fork 1st Anniversary, as I would like to work out a little surprise for you all. Please bear with me, I have been completely tied up in the past week since Juan and I are moving into a bigger place. And moving at nearly 8 months pregnant ain't fun, let me tell you... 

But enough whining - and more THANK YOUs - to all of you, who keep me going and inspire me. And of course I could not end this post without thanking my beloved husband Juan, who is always supporting me and thanks to whom the design of this blog wouldn't exist.

Tale of a Pregnant Woman

31 weeks pregnant... How time flies! In just 9 weeks or less, we'll be holding our baby boy. Something I can't wait for! I definitely "look" pregnant now -no doubt- and "feel" pregnant. Yep. I wobble, I hold and stroke my tummy. This is it! And what about cravings I hear you ask? Ah, see strangely enough, for someone who loves food and eating as much as I do, I thought I was going to send Juan on some crazy food search adventures; Like say to pick up the ingredients for one of my favorite combo: hard goat cheese, fresh baguette and dark chocolate with hazelnuts - yeah, that's what I'm talking about! But no! I've been going through this pregnancy without any particular cravings...

Until last Friday. I woke up with an acute case of banana-chocolate-walnut muffins! (note that you do not need to be pregnant to hunger for these little beauties)

Because that's right, I think I'd like to claim that I, Laetitia Bertrand have developed one of the best cure to [pregnant] women's sweet tooth syndrome. 

My banana chocolate and walnut muffins are absolutely to die for. You have the flavor of the banana, combined with the crunch of the toasted walnuts and the bite of the chocolate. And not to mention how moist they are! 

I absolutely love them with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast, or even as a snack with a glass of milk. I can't get enough of them!

Banana Chocolate and Walnut Muffins

(makes about 18 muffins)

1 cup walnuts, whole

1 1/3 cup flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

10 tbsp butter, left at room temperature

1 cup sugar

3 eggs

3 medium very ripe bananas, mashed

1/3 cup whole milk

1/3 cup vanilla yogurt (whole)

1/2 tsp vanilla

2 oz semisweet chocolate

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Spray a muffin tin and line them up with muffin liners. Put the walnuts on a cookie sheet and toast them for about 8 minutes. Check often to make sure they don't burn! Set aside.

Stir together the flour, the baking powder and the salt. Set aside. 

In another bowl, mix together the butter and the sugar, until creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time and combine. Combine half of the dry ingredients. Add the bananas, the milk, the yogurt and the vanilla and mix. Add the remaining of the dry ingredients.

Chop the walnuts, then the chocolate (make sure the chocolate is finely chopped) and combine in a bowl. Add to the batter and combine.

Divide the batter among the muffin liners. Put in the oven and bake for about 18 to 20 minutes. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before transferring the muffins on a cake rack. Allow to completely cool before serving.

My Top 5 Hotel Chains in France

I'm often asked by friends to help organize their trip to France, and it's always such a pleasure for me to do it. After many years of playing travel agent, I decided to combine a few hotel tips here. (Sorry I know I haven't posted any recipes in a long time, but they're coming soon!). 

I have chosen to focus on French hotel chains because they can be found all over France. Now, of course there are oh so many fantastic mom-and-pop hotels all over France, but it would have been too hard for me to combine it into one post.

Logis de France:

A French chain of hotels of great quality that are small (about 19 rooms) and most of the time family-run. Each hotel has to meet a very strict quality charter to be labeled Logis de France. They all have a restaurant, whose focus is always put on the discovery of local specialties, using local products. The food quality is always excellent. You will not be disappointed. Here's an example of the Burgundy region specialty menu: Starter-Crispy pike perch with Sainte-Foy red butter, and thinly-sliced caramelised chicory, Entree-Almond-coated pheasant supreme, marrow, fried forest mushrooms and grapes, Dessert-Lightly-cooked vintage chocolate cake with pistachio ice-cream.

What I love most about Logis de France is that you can select your hotel depending on what you like to do. 

• If you like staying at place that has a lot of charm and reflects the style or culture of the region, you can select a hotel under the category Logis de Caractere. You can then expect a hotel with lots of interesting local architecture and furniture, beautiful flowers, and a focus on overall perfect appearance. 
• If wine tasting is what rocks your boat, you will select your hotel under the category Logis Bacchus. The hotel will be located within 1.8 miles (3 kms) of vineyards. The wine list of the restaurant will reflect the local wines. The staff will be trained in wine tasting, the manager of the hotel will organize tours to wine cellars and tasting, etc. 
• Other categories include Logis Neige (if you like skiing), Logis Randonnee Pedestre (if you like hiking), Logis Nature Science (if tranquility, rest and well-being is what you need), Logis Peche (fishing), Logis Velo (cycling).
  

The cost for one night will depend on where you are staying (it will be more expensive in Paris for example, about 97 euros). I have found prices as low as 50 euros for one night in the French countryside. It does not include breakfast (usually 8 euros extra) or dinner. It is very reasonable for what you get, trust me! 

Ibis Hotel:

Very affordable. Good for low budgets. I have stayed at these many times and they're good hotels for the money. One night for 2 will bring you to about  70 euros in Paris and about 50 euros outside of big cities (and sometimes lower). The rooms are clean and modern with flat screen televisions and the beds are comfy. Like most hotels in France, breakfast is extra, usually about 8 euros. But it will get you a wonderful breakfast buffet: fruit, yogurt, bread, croissants, pains au chocolat, ham, cheese and more! A lot of these hotels have a restaurant, simple and very decent. You'll usually find these hotels in most French cities and big towns.

Pierre et Vacances:

Rent a studio, an apartment or a home through Pierre et Vacances and live the French way! An apartment for 4 in the Mediterreanean in Argeles-sur-Mer for 6 days will cost you about 384 euros. There is a balcony with patio furniture. Bed linens are included and the kitchen is equipped. You can pay more and have house with a pool, or easy access to the beach, or in another location, close to the ski slopes. Great choice when you're traveling with friends - you can split the cost! 

Hotel Campanile:

I stayed at many of these with my parents when I was younger when we were on vacation, and I have wonderful memories. A lot of these hotels have a pool (it depends on location), which is wonderful if you're traveling during the summer. They have a buffet type restaurant where they serve breakfast (a hearty one), lunch and dinner. One night in Juan Les Pins (on the French Riviera) for 2 in June will cost you about 75 euros. Campanile is great when traveling with kids and a good deal overall.

Relais Chateaux:

If you want to experience the finest of the finest without making your wallet explode, try Relais Chateaux. The actual hotels are set in stunning mansions, castles, manor or country houses. Want to live like a lord and sleep for one night in this 15th century castle? It's possible, for 130 euros (depending on the season of course). Each hotel offers wonderful culinary experience - really worth it. It might be a little too tight for a lot of budget but once in a while, there's nothing wrong in splurging. 

How To Eat Raclette

A little souvenir from France for y'all... A video on how to eat Raclette. 

The video will look even more appetizing if you watch it in HD full screen and let it load fully before you watch it. Enjoy!

Eat Like a Parisian

When my friend Anna from Cookie Madness asked us advice on a restaurant in Paris, I immediately turned to my brother David for recommendations. He's been living in Paris for more than 10 years and is a fine gastronomer. As a matter of fact, I think he's influenced me greatly on that part! 

He put together a list of his favorite restaurants in Paris for me. He made sure to combine places that have an interesting decor (but always very good quality food) with places off the beaten path - tres parisiens! I can assure you that you won't be disappointed with any restaurants in the list below! They are affordable and you will have a true French food experience without being chichi. 

I have linked all these restaurants to their websites (for those who have one) and included their hours of operation. Bear in mind that:

• a lot of restaurants in France close on Sundays or Mondays but not all of them. 
• In big cities, restaurants stay open late (up to midnight or more) but it depends. 
  
• Restaurants start serving dinner in the evening at about 7pm. Most French people go later, around 8.30 / 9pm or even later, especially in Paris.
• Service is included in France so tipping is not required.  If you do want to add a tip, just leave 1 or 2 euros, but it is not an obligation at all.
• Do order "menus". They include an appetizer (une entree), an entree (un plat) and dessert or cheese for usually a VERY reasonable price. I'd say for 20 euros, you can get a very decent meal! The menu usually gives you the choice between 2 to 4 appetizers, 2 to 4 entrees and 2 to 4 desserts. It depends. But take my word for it and ORDER A MENU! Restaurants usually offer from 2 to 4 different menus to choose from, from the cheapest to the most expensive.

La Fermette Marboeuf

Near the Champs Elysees. The interior of the restaurant is decorated art deco style. Gorgeous setting but noisy.  Open until 11.30 pm.

La Gare

Located in an old railway station. Elegant old-world charm. Open everyday, Sunday included, until 2 am.

Le Procope

Oldest cafe in Paris with an "old Paris" feel. Near Saint Germain des Pres. Open until 1 am.

Le Polidor

Very authentic decor. Very traditional French food. Open until 12.30 am, except Sundays (11 pm)

L'aiguiere

One my brother has told me a lot about. Cheapest menu will cost you $25. Closed on Sundays. 

Le Coude Fou

Very Parisian, very traditional, good food and good wine! Open until 2 am.

Chez Bofinger

Beautiful setting. Historical Parisian brasserie. 

Chez Chartier

Another historical restaurant. Used to be a favorite for blue collars at the turn of the 19th century because it was cheap. Still very cheap today, they offer very homestyle French food like endive salad, shredded carrots with vinaigrette or leeks and vinaigrette. (I have never tried it myself but would be really curious to try it out next time I'm in Paris!)

Le Louchebem

Very good meat restaurant near Les Halles. "Louchebem" means "butcher" in the old Paris slang.

L'abribus

My brother told me to go check out their cheap but delicious couscous. 

C Comme Cochon

Traditional food. Their pork shanks cooked in hay is a must.