Please click on Akross The Globe this week to see my post about Castles and Cocktails in Dublin.

AKross The Globe

 

Red meat and gin?...Who knew that's the secret to longevity!

Julia Child would've been 102 this year and according to #CNN, she attributed her longevity of 92 years to red meat and gin! My kind of girl - I know my stress levels would be completely nonexistent if I had a martini and a filet mignon waiting for me when I got home from a long, hard day of work - Hail Julia!

 

So what better way to honor America's favorite chef than to attend a tribute dinner at a local French restaurant in Julia's native land of sunny California?  I found myself delightfully, once more, at #71 Palm...

 

It was an absolutely sublime Friday evening, August 15, 2014. Balmy ocean breezes fanning the historic front porch, palm trees swaying, a dazzling sunset, and the delicious aroma of French cooking. I am going to love this!

The Pissaladiere, Provencal Onion Tarte was deliciously buttery and flakey (in a good way) with caramelized onions and anchovy. #Chef Didier Poirier and staff have certainly outdone themselves. Next, a generous portion of the freshest Filet of Trout Meuniere was served, tail intact, swimming in a velvety, nutty, browned butter over French style rice (it was slightly crispy and I loved it). The Chef recommended a local Sauvignon Blanc from #Brander Vineyard ; It paired very well and thus far, my favorite Sauvignon Blanc. Well balanced, the epitome of a perfectly aromatic, summertime wine.

 

        Boeuf Bourguignon!

Floating Island - Clouds of meringue floating on crème anglaise! Heavenly.

Apple Tarte Tatin!

 Joyeux Anniversaire Julia Child! Thanks for the memories.

 

 

 

71 Palm Brasserie, Bastille Day 2014, & Julia Child's Birthday!

Hi everyone--I'm super busy with work right now and just wanted to repost this-71 Palm is a great restaurant to be French for a day and celebrate Bastille Day (this Tuesday)-you'll be glad you did. Cheers gourmands!

It's an ordinary, unsuspecting Monday - July 14. I knew it was Bastille Day, but I had no idea what an amazing experience I was about to encounter...

Searching for a place to eat, and attempting to start the work week with a superb beginning - and secretly hoping  the French would be celebrating big, somewhere, somehow...I sauntered into the #71 Palm Restaurant in Ventura after work...to this delightful melody.

Accordion artist, #Howard Howe transports me to France  instantaneously -  no jet lag, no lost luggage, just through La Vie en Rose!

 Passport in hand, I was ready for whatever culinary adventure #Chef Didier has prepared!

My first course: French Onion Soup Gratinee paired with a Rhone Vouvray! Other choices included: Spinach Salad with Creamy Mimosa Dressing or Homemade Country Pate with Cornichon. Looking forward to July 14, 2015...

My second course: Steak Frites of course, rare just like I crave it! I might have selected a Grilled Salmon Bearnaise or Portobello Mushroom Ravioli Provencal - clearly any would have been perfectly delicious.

My third course: Strawberry Napolean. Vive la France!

 Howard Howe playing La Marseillaise!

This week 71 Palm is celebrating Julia!  #Tribute to Julia Child Birthday Celebration!

Monday,  August 11th - Friday, August 15th
Lunch 11:30am – 2pm Dinner 5pm – 9pm
1st course: Chilled Leek & Potato Soup or Pissaladiere, Provencal Onion Tarte
2nd course: Beef Bourguignon, or Filet of Trout Meuniere, or Chicken Breast Ballottine
3rd course: Tarte Tatin or Floating Island
$38 per person 

 

 #71 North Palm Street, Ventura CA 93001

Bon Appetit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was in fact, on my way to #Roblar Winery in Santa Ynez. And, in an effort to avoid the  northbound 101 traffic, which is a joke or a nightmare, depending on your perspective and which playlist you're blaring,  I set out early  Sunday morning.  Considering my breakfast options (I've made the mistake of wine tasting without food before), I decided it very wise of me to detour in Santa Barbara. 

I cruised State Street to consider my options - I'd hoped that the #Palace Grill was open, I absolutely love their food,  but no, not until lunch.  #Joe's Cafe is on my radar, I'm told by  #Chef Alberto Vasquez, aka, #Rock Chef Rolls, that I should absolutely go for lunch, order the French Dip, a stiff drink, and stumble about town! OK, I added the stumbling part, but it most certainly was implied.  However, I decided to save the latter experience for yet another day -  with a DD in tow.

So, I headed for the #Santa Barbara Public Market. What is very useful, and what I did not know prior to my arrival,  is that there is free underground parking for their customers. There isn't any signage just yet, so you have to hug the building and closely look for the entrance -  I'm told it's coming very soon.

Bring your appetite and be prepared to have an amazing culinary experience, at the #SB Public Market; it's all under one roof. There's a tasting room (beer & wine), fresh seafood, olive oil, bread, juice, coffee,  cupcakes, ice cream, and many scrumptious eateries that I can't wait to taste my way through! On this venture, I discovered #Flag Stone Pantry...with so many delicious take away dishes, just perfect for a wine country outing!

Flag Stone Pantry at the Santa Barbara Public Market.
I had the pleasure to meet Chef and owner, Kristen Desmond. You absolutely want to, should, must try her food!

This mushroom & cheddar quiche is unequivocally the best quiche I have ever tasted! Each layer of flavor was perfectly seasoned and skillfully mastered!  The crust was buttery and flaky, the eggs were fresh and creamy, the mushrooms  -  earthy and  plump, all enrobed with a luxurious, velvety cheddar. #Chef Kristen Desmond has certainly outdone herself. I happen to have it on excellent authority that her mother-in-law is in complete agreement!

Just one of many delectable dishes to take with you on the wine trail - or stay a while, nestle into a cafe table and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the market.