Rainy day

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Come On, Let's go Shopping!!!!

Come On Guys, Let's Keep Shopping!! I'm loving it!!! Shop, Shop, Shop.....

Dinner Night at the Chateau

Oh my god!! Had a chef in and he just kept going on and on.  First amuse busche, then foie gras, then lobster, then lamb ........you get it.

I officially called this 'Prom Night at the Chateau!' I certainly wish we could have Thomas with us everynight!

If anyone is in the Bourgogne region and in need of a chef, we HIGHLY recommend Thomas LeCourbe
http://www.toma-cuisine.fr/

Just the girls - Mom, London, Sherry & Kathleen

Official 'Prom Night at the Chateau' Photo - Dad, Mom, London, Steve, Sherry & Huck

Our Friends from Dallas - Huck & Kathleen, Steve & Sherry
Life just might officially be better here..........

Beaune Market Trip with Grammy & Pappy

Happiest Girl in the World!!!!

Beaune Market = Carousel Rides!!!!! Even better with Pappy!

Mont Blanc from Lake Geneva

I have no words to describe this.............

Lake Geneva - Mont Blanc

We ended up going to Geneva.  Had a wonderful lunch by the water and then took a boat ride around Lake Geneva.  When you are out on the Lake you get a pretty impressive view of Mont Blanc and related peaks.  Interesting it was Mothers Day here which is now Sherry's 3rd Mothers Day this year.

At the front of the boat on Lake Geneva -  mom, dad, me & London

London trying to escape.....not really ;->

Lunch in Geneva

Chubby.........Mmmmm, good pizza!!! It came out shaped like a bunny, too cute

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Sunday - May 29th

One of the wonders of Europe is that there is so much to see and do within a train ride or car drive.  Today we are taking a drive and I think we will end up in either Geneva or Chamonix (Mont Blanc).  I think we will make the decision on the fly based on progress, timing and generally how it is looking.  I will update when we return.

Veritas Wine Bar - Dallas

I want to thank Brooks and his team for acknowledging our blog and time spent in France (http://veritaswinedallas.com/).  Veritas is hands down the best place to pick up a "gem" bottle of wine.  The staff is knowledgable and can provide meaningful assistance.

I hope to provide some insight to the Burgundy area when we return to Dallas.

Dinner - May 27th

Tonight was our turn for dinner.  We had decided with our guests to each take a night and prepare an in house dinner.  Last night was Huck and Kathleen with the Bresse Chicken.  Tonight it was the Sherry and Steve show.  We had previously gone to a local restaurant in Mercurey and had the Beef Bourgougne.  We spoke highly of the meal to the proprietor and she gave us the recipe - in hand written French form (see picture).  We decided to try it and it took the following:

1.  trip to the butcher for the meat
2.  trip to the market for the vegetables/spices
3.  trip to the store for the noodles
4.  trip to the various wineries for the the wine

We served the Beef Bourgogne with sides of carrots and french green beans.  Then the best dessert I have ever had.....chocolate mousse with what seemed like a praline/rice krispy crunch bottom.  Just simply amazing.

If you want the recipe let us know and we will post it in a form to follow.  I can promise you it is the best you will ever have. Even better than the Julia Child's recipe if you can believe it!!!!!

Tomorrow market in Beaune and Sunday off to Chamonix (Mont Blanc).  I just cannot fathom this.

2011 Burgundy

It appears that 2011 in Burgundy has been above average as to temperature.   Based on our discussions with the various winemakers this could be good.  One thing for sure is that the harvest will be earlier than usual.  Maybe late August vs. September.

We asked the winemakers if the early heat indicates a good vintage.  They all say you never know that every day impacts the entire vintage.  One maker related a story that in 2008 they were going to plow the fields under and the weather turned and the vintage worked out.  Pretty crazy business they are in here in France.  Unlike the US, in France they cannot add things to mother nature.  In other words, no watering, no fake sun, etc.  You live with what God gives you.

The entire experience here has been interesting.  We have found that Burgundy is 70% White and 30% Red.  There are 5 sub regions in Burgundy - Chablis, Cote de Nuits, Cote de Beaune, Cote Challonaise and Maconnais.  Within these subregions there are Grand Cru's (the best), Premier Cru, Regional and Village Wines. All in all a very interesting breakdown that I am sure will take years to understand.  Of interest is that there are over 4000 wine growing Domaines in Burgundy, which is a crazy number.   Most never make it to the US.

A view of Cote de Nuits

Eyewear

Advice....if you wear glasses I recommend taking a back up pair.  My glasses broke today which threw me into a panic.  Fortunately, and I mean fortunately, I was able to go down to a local optician who placed my current glass lenses into a trendy new frame.  I am now very European.

LONDON

London eating with Pappy...Bresse Chicken.  Then a bub bub bath.

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Romanee Conti and Winemaker Visit

Today we took a drive up north of Beaune to the Cote de Nuits area.  We drove around the area, visited the Romanee-Conti vineyard (see the picture of the most expensive and hallowed grounds in all of agriculture) and went for an extensive wine tasting at a winemaker in Morey Saint Denis.  The lady who worked with us actually allowed us to taste unreleased wine from the barrel.  A very unique experience that few get to see.

Double click the picture and note the wording in the granite

Dinner aftermath....

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Dinner Night at the Chateau!!!

Tonight was a special night we have been waiting for.  Dinner night with the Chef at the Chateau.  So, he started with a beautiful amuse ???, then foie gras with cassis, then lobster, then herb encrusted lamb, then frommage, then dessert.  End of the night.....CHUBBY!!!

So, a couple of pictures of the Chef and the GRAND CRU of Burgundy.

Finally, a little Bruce live 1974.....Darkness on the Edge of Town.

Truck Stop Dining

I joined Huck and Doug for a lunch at a wine route truck stop.  Based on how I feel right now I will not do that again.

Just to be clear, truck stop dining is light years above US truck stops.  More of a country restaurant on the local roads.  Food was tasty, wine was included.  They should have offered Pepto for later.

London's Dream......

While the boys were exploring vineyards today, the girls went into Chalon for a little retail therapy. In the main square in town, London found her perfect dream. She kept asking if she could "eat it???' Eat it, mama???" She had to settle for a normal size ice cream.

Chassagny Montrachet - Batard

Our guest Huck next to the vineyard for the Holy Grail of whites.

Sunday Boat Ride - Addendum

I want to add a few more comments relating to our Saone Cruise.

My lovely wife on Mothers Day in France.  Doesn't she look especially beautiful and "trendy"

An on board birthday party complete with sparklers for the cake.  London was concerned as to blowing out these sparklers.  We sang Happy Birthday but it was in French.  They had the tempo correct but the words needed some help.  They ultimately changed to English.

End of cruise picture in the Chalon sur Saone harbor.  A design of flowers which is pretty cool in person

Chateauneuf en Auxois - Medevial Village

Double click the picture to EXPAND.  Note the Burgundy Canal in the picture.  It runs throughout the region and has a series of locks for the barges that historically transported goods from the villages.  This picture was take from outside of the castle looking over the valley below.  Pretty stunning.

London & Pappy - Best ride in town!!!

Today we went to Chateauneuf en Auxois a top of the hill medevial village.  It is rated as one of the most scenic historical villages in France.  We hung out, viewed the Castle, had lunch and then took back roads along the Burgundy Canal all of the way back to Beaune.  Sherry was seated in the way back and back seat drove the whole way.  She said it was like being on a roller coaster.  By the way, you have to like the way the dynasty ended!!

VILLAGE INFO

The castle was built in 1132 by Jean de Chaudenay for his second son Jehan. Jehan took possession of Castro Novo in 1175. The family reigned over the fief for 9 generations, en ending in tragedy in 1456, when Cathrine of Châteauneuf was burnt to death, after poisoning her second husband, Jacques d'Haussonville.

The castle was then given by Philippe le Bon (Duke of Burgundy) to his godson Philippe Pot. The interior courtyard buildings were rebuilt and the castle made much more comfortable. As Philippe Pot had no children and died in 1493 the estate was given to his brother Guy Pot and through marriages Marie Liesse de Luxembourg. As she became a Carmelite nun, the castle and lands were purchased by Charles de Vienne. For almost 150 years the castle remained in the family, until Louis Henri de Vienne sold to a rich banker "Paris de Montmartel" in 1767. Through various heritage the castle returned into the hands of the Veinne family.

With the French revolution, the castle was taken away from the family, the lands divided. The new name of the village was Montfranc. All coats of arms and "Royal" symbols degraded or destroyed. The village remained important as garrison for the National Guard and a commercial centre with a population of more than 500.

With Grammy and Pappy

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Guests Arrive and Euro Plummets!!

Today is a very big day for all of us.  Doug and Linda, Sherry's parents, arrived this morning in Paris and are in transit to Dijon.  We pick them up there sometime today.  We are going up and visiting a world famous Mustard shop in Dijon (get it - Dijon and mustard) and doing a little sightseeing and shopping.  No eating lunch since we have a big Murgeaz Saugsage and Steak grill going when we get home.

We are also having Huck and Kathleen arrive today.  They are friends from Dallas who arrived in Paris on Saturday and are visiting with us for the rest of the week.  Huck is in the wine business and has arranged some interesting tour stops for us this week.

So, we have to get going.

Oh, one weird thing happened yesterday.  Apparently during our visits here before it has come up that I resemble a famous French Actor.  Yesterday, 4 teenagers showed up at the Chateau wanting my autograph so they could post it on Facebook.  Needless to say they were disappointed when I opened my mouth to speak only English.

EURO HITS 1.40
The Euro is finally cooperating and getting in line with where we need it.  As you can see on the following chart we need to cheer for the 52 week low below 1.20

EUR/USD

 (CCY: EURUSD=X )

Last Trade:	1.4013
Trade Time:	4:34AM EDT
Change:	0.0145 (1.0277%)
Bid:	1.4012
Ask:	1.4013

Prev Close:	1.4158
Open:	1.4103
Day's Range:	1.4003 - 1.4157
52wk Range:	1.1876 - 1.4940

More pics from our Sunday Cruise

Mmmmm, have I mentioned how much I'm enjoying the 'menu enfant' in France. I love this food!!!!

Viking River Cruises - These cruises are 7+ days throughout all the towns along the river. This boat was HUGE, 3 levels with a pool on top. Quite a large boat for a pretty small river! I imagine the guests on board are enjoying LOTS of good wine!

View of Chalon & the Cathedral as we were ending our cruise. This is a really pretty area of Chalon sur Saone, lots of shops, cafes, the open-air weekend market and the cathedral.

Chalon Sur Saone Cruise

 Driving the boat.....

We spent 3.5 hours on the Saone River today enjoying lunch and the perfect weather. It is so interesting because as much as I wanted to do this cruise, I was certain it would be quite a 'touristy' event. Quite the opposite! The boat was full of locals out for a lunch with family and friends, celebrating birthdays, etc. We were the only Americans. In fact, we are discovering that it is quite unusual for Americans to visit/stay in Chalon. It is more of an industrial town along the river that isn't a tourist destination. If you ask me, I think we have discovered quite a gem! It is right in the heart of amazing food, markets, wine, small villages, lovely people - obviously, we love it! Although I will definitely have to continue my french language education before we return next summer, because no Americans = Very little english. ;->

Saone River Cruise

We are heading out for the Sunday Saone River cruise.  The Bateau le Delta leaves at noon and we are on the river for 3 1/2 hours.  We will have pictures when we return.

It is around 80 degrees here so it is a perfect day for being out on the boat.

http://www.croisieres-saonoises.fr/croisieres.php?lang=gb

May 21st in Burgundy

Tonight we grilled our Bresse AOC Chicken.  I can not describe this chicken and how amazing it is when you cook it.  

Anyway, I have been remiss in not describing the high skies here.  We are right smack in the middle of Paris and Geneva and the planes fly over all day with their trails.  I hope you can see the trail of the plane on the way to Paris.

Momma and Baby London Dancing on the pool deck to George Strait!!

Beaune - Market Day (Again)

This morning was a smorgasbord of actions.  I went over to Simard to get the supplies for Monday dinner with Doug, Linda, Huck and Kathleen.  Sherry had a French lesson while London and I took the drive.

We then went up to Beaune to get the fresh vegetables for the dinner and had lunch.  Sat next to a couple from California with LeTexan shirt.  He got the shirt in 1991.  They got married at the top of the Rock of Gibraltar and return every year to Europe on their anniversary.  Pretty Cool.....  Of interest is that the gentleman is scared of heights and still got married on the top of the ROG.

Of course London rode the carousel again.

California Couple visiting Beaune

Carousel Baby

Back home and out to the pool for a while.  Great weather.

Chateau Friendship

London's new friend!!!!

Mercurey Visit - part deux!!

We have to share this additional information on our day.

These vineyards are absolutely amazing to me. It is a dream and a career that I will never be able to grasp and yet it is engrained in these locals from childhood. We learned on our visit to Francois Raquillet that he is the 11th generation of his family to make wine on his property. He was explaining to us that this year the weather has been exceptionally hot and they will be cutting the grapes early, in August. Perhaps in my next lifetime, I will come back as an expert wine producer....in France, of course.

There is always something for everyone as we were tasting these wonderful wines, London charmed the sweet man for a lollipop!

PS - Please note the 'deuxieme Catimini ensemble,' this French children's boutique is going to break my shopping budget!!! But I'm loving it!

Last Working Day

I want to give a shout out to my mother-in-law who is working her last day today.  In good style she is joining us on Monday to enjoy our time on vacation.  Please comment so we can share with her our appreciation for her working career.

We are working on a l'ecole position here in France.

May 20th..Mercurey

Today we kind of didn't have anything planned so we went down to the Tourism office and checked on a Saone River cruise.  Couldn't book until Sunday so we wandered around.  Still no idea of what we were going to do.  Got back in the car and started driving.

We ended up going to Mercurey which is due west of Chalon sur Saone.  Our Chateau has a sister Chateau in Mercurey so we searched it out.  We knew from speaking with our "landlord" that there is a winery next door to Chateau Mercurey.  We stopped in and Francois Raquillet (http://domaineraquillet.free.fr/navig.php3)  was finishing lunch with his wife.  He asked that we wait 10 minutes and then came out to show us his cellar and cave.  Unbelievable.  We checked out a few of his wines and then headed down to lunch on his recommendation.

This is where it gets good....The lunch restaurant, Le Charme (http://www.restaurant-lecharme.com/index.htm), was in a house and the proprietor and her husband tended to the food and service.  Sherry had the Beef Bourguignon WITH LASAGNA PASTA and I had chicken in cream sauce, which is a diet food around here.  Sherry ended up bonding with the wife who gave her the hand written recipe for the main dish, IN FRENCH.  All in all it was a great meal.

As we were leaving we stopped into Domaine Michel Juillot (http://www.domaine-michel-juillot.fr/) and went into their wines and cellar.  There are 1000's of these individual makers who never sniff the US market.

Oh yeah, London truly enjoyed it all and crashed out on the way home.

View from Le CHARME

 DOMAINE MICHEL JUILLOT

 FULL TUMMY BABY

A SPONGEBOB BEST DAY EVER MOMENT!!!!!!!