French Inspired

I definitely ate more than my fill of french food during the ten days I was away. I was very inspired by the cheese, charcuterie, fresh ingredients, regional dishes, and unexpected combinations. I have been busy trying to recreating some of my favorite dishes. . . 

Flammekueche

Where to begin . . .

In the immortal words of Julie Andrews, I suppose I'll start at the very beginning. It's a very good place to start. . . I have been working for an online cooking website for the past 10 months and was invited to fly to France to meet the team and attend their 5th annual Salon du Blog Culinaire. 

The trip started out with a couple bumps (a connection through Detroit and a medical emergency that caused a slight detour in Ireland), but after a 13 hour journey I arrived in Paris. I took a train to meet my counterparts for the UK and Italy (two lovely ladies) and we hopped in a car and headed to the hosting city of Soissons. The Salon, sponsored by 750g, invites french food bloggers from all over the country to get together and host cooking demos, learn about new kitchen products, and of course enjoy some good food.

I had a delicious time but some of the highlights: 

A surprise flashmob for the hosting Chefs! 

Blue cheese everything

The surprising and one of a kind Austrian vegetable orchestra
After party snacks of foie gras and oysters

***most importantly***

Finally meeting the international team!

Thank you 750g for making it all possible!

Paris

I cannot believe how fast the week has gone by! I will take time to reflect when I am home. Here are a couple photos of the trip so far.

Happy Birthday to ME!

Thank you to my lovely compadre and her beau for the perfect cake.
Audrey Hepburn. Beautiful and delicious.

Monty's

A couple shots from my birthday party at Monty's. We were too busy chatting to remember to take pictures, but I assure you I had an amazing party! So many of my incredible friends came out including my sister who drove all the way from Ft Myers just for the party . . . she was a big hit!

Happy Birthday Papa

Born November 13, 1930, my father was and is the greatest man I've ever met. 

I will be celebrating him today.

Alzheimer's Walk - Broward

The Miami-Dade teams joined the Broward Walk to support Alzheimer's awareness this past Saturday. Unshowered and excited Michael, Brad, and I walked the 5K along beautiful Hollywood beach with thousands of others supporting the cause. Thank you so much to everyone that donated to Team Lane. In loving memory of my Papa, I really appreciate the support!

Since we were close we decided to head to Tarks after the festivities for some fresh seafood.

Grand Opening

of the SLS with my compadre

1st Anniversary!

I cannot believe it has officially been one year today since I have started writing this blog! A lot has happened this past year and it is nice to look back and see the things I've accomplished. This year has been filled with boat days, tap dancing, family, incredible events, old friends, new friends, ballets, a new job, a new school, a new cat and three new chairs! All while experimenting with restaurants and recipes. I guess I've answered what I'm doing with my life, but do I feel any closer to being where I need to be? Does anyone get there?

PS VOTE!

Flugtag

Miami was one of four US cities to host Red Bull's Flugtag this year! This past Saturday, Red Bull challenged teams to create home made flying contraptions and launch them off a 30 ft platform in the hopes of flight. . . a couple achieved some distance. . . most didn't.

 Michael and I had an amazing time, the weather was gorgeous, and out of the thousands of people in attendance we even randomly ran into some friends.

Fresh Tomato, Feta, and Dill Pasta

I always say I am not a big pasta fan (more of a rice gal if I had to label myself), but I have to admit my rice making abilities are not what they should be. I have a confession. Every photo of rice you have seen on this blog has been made by the lovely boyfriend. It's shameful, I know. I have probably only attempted rice once or twice but it never turns out as light a fluffy as Michael's. Today I am on my own so I decided to make a pasta salad based on this recipe. The recipe allowed me to use up the leftover dill in the refrigerator which always seems impossible!

 My additions to the recipe: broccoli, sauteed mushrooms, and lemon juice.