Good Taste is the Worst Vice

Neige d’été, Paris

There's a strong culinary cross-pollination between France and Japan, with many Japanese chefs working in Paris and bringing meticulous craftsmanship and a hint of Japanese influence to French cuisine.  Neige d'été is a prime example, with Hideki Nishi leading a mostly Japanese kitchen.  The front ... continue reading...


A l’Etoile d’Or, Paris

What makes À L'Étoile d'Or so special is its owner, Denise Acabo.  She's an 80-something combination of fairy godmother, Willy Wonka, and top-grossing sales rep, in unlikely packaging of long plaid skirt and braided pigtails. If you understand enough French for a basic conversation, you're in for ... continue reading...


Almond cake

As part of our Alaska trip two summers ago, D's mother and I added on a few days in Denali National Park, which was well worth it despite never glimpsing the mountain. In fact, it rained almost the entire time!  But that didn't stop us from making the most of our stay. And after busy days of ... continue reading...


Berthillon, Paris

Berthillon ice cream has been a Parisian must-eat since its founding in 1954.  For me personally, it hasn't been quite so long - though I suppose two decades is long enough! I've always remembered my first taste of Berthillon, Poire sorbet that was just like biting into a ripe, sweet ... continue reading...


L’Oiseau Blanc, Paris

Our first meal in Paris was completely unplanned, and it turned out to be one of the most delightful. Since I wasn't sure when we'd make it into the city and be ready for lunch, I didn't make a reservation; I had a vague idea that maybe we could go to the Peninsula's rooftop bar for a ... continue reading...


Adventures at Ballyfin

There are so many ways to fill your days at Ballyfin.  I read several books and drank about a gallon of tea.  And then there's the whole estate to explore. Grab one of the golf carts (in Ireland, call them "buggies"), and drive out to see the tower folly, built in 1860 to look like a medieval ... continue reading...


Dining at Ballyfin

I have to wonder, do beautiful settings make good food taste even better? We ate very well at Ballyfin! * Breakfast The beautiful breakfast setting of blue and white Spode china and sterling silver got us off to an elegant start each day. D and I never made much of a dent in the menu ... continue reading...


Ballyfin, Ireland

    Our stay at Ballyfin was a bit like stepping into Downton Abbey, but with drama and scheming replaced by charming Irish hospitality. Our days were a blur of relaxation and indulgence - leisurely breakfast, perhaps a golf cart jaunt around the grounds, an hour or two with a ... continue reading...


Slea Head Drive, Ireland

We set off from Dingle for our exploration of the Slea Head Drive, which loops around part of the Dingle peninsula.  It's a combination of striking sea coast, emerald green fields dotted with sheep, and ancient drystone structures - including beehive huts. First, a view over the coast.  Even on a ... continue reading...