An Evening In Cannes

I’m working on a project I’ll talk about later in a future blog, however, today’s post is part of that project.  I’ve been asked to write a post about my dream dinner in my favorite place.  What fun!   Something new to experience, a wonderful opportunity to share something I actually got to do, with a bit of whimsy and fantasy thrown in!  I think you’ll enjoy today’s offering and, who knows, you may even be inspired to go to the South of France and see for yourself!

I’m sure you’ve heard of Cannes, France.  It’s home to the world famous film festival.  Canne is smack dab on the lovely coast of the Riviera, the shopping is unbelievable and the food….that’s where it all begins for me!

Checking in at the fabulous Carlton Hotel, just across the street from the beach is always exciting!   It stands majestically, just as it has since 1911.  The hotel is now part of the renowned Inter-Continental group, offering the best of everything to visitors from all over the world.  I particularly love the fact that wi-fi is readily available.  Since I don’t speak French fluently the fact that many sites now have translation software  is extremely important to me as a writer.  I’m finding this tool more and more valuable as I research places I dream of going around the globe.  But let’s get to the important thing about this post…..FOOD!

I will never forget the dinner I enjoyed at a small, family owned bistro on a side street down the way from the hotel.  I love to find out of the way  places that truly deliver a dining experience that will never be forgotten.  Romance is always in the air when you find yourself in France.  It is the country of love, enjoyment and fabulous food.  This dinner did not disappoint me.

Baked Lobster tails in Ginger and Butter sauce

Served in courses, we began with a meal of freshly caught seafood….langoustine.  Served on a rustic platter with the most delicious aioli sauce for dipping the succulent meat.  Champagne accompanied this first course.  A very simple offering, beautifully presented with intricately carved raw vegetables, so fresh you could taste the Mediterranean in every bite!

Following this course another platter was served to my party of four, also in a casual way with the most perfectly prepared filet of beef, surrounded by fresh vegetables, so lightly steamed and tossed with a butter sauce…I still remember the flavor.  A mellow beaujoulais accompanied this course.   I continue to reproduce this dish as best I can here at home.  It always brings back the memory of that evening, the company I enjoyed, the soft French music playing in the background…perfection!

A cheese platter arrived at the table after the beef course was finished.  A beautiful selection of cheese!  A triple cream, perfect for spreading on a freshly baked baguette, a wonderful bleu cheese that paired with plump grapes an aged gouda so nutty and yummy.   The traditional wedge of brie and a bit of goat cheese with crunchy walnuts and other dried fruits.  I’m feeling completely sated by the end of this course that is accompanied by a light burgundy when dessert arrives.

I am a chocoholic, I openly admit this.  When a warm chocolate souffle arrived at the table, each of us had our own little dish.  The waiter pierced the top and poured melted French chocolate into the souffle followed with rich, whipped cream, lightly sweetened, I felt like I had arrived in heaven.  So light and creamy, the perfect end to a fantasy meal that I will always remember.

A walk back to our hotel, along the lovely Boulevard de la Croisette, a bit of brandy on our balcony and a perfect night’s sleep completed that first night completed what I remember as the “perfect” day.  I dream of returning to experience this trip and will be doing so before too long!  The South of France is a magical place.  I could easily live there, enjoying the lifestyle, so laid back and sensual.  If you get the opportunity to visit grab it and go!  Which reminds me!  I’ve got to get my passport updated and renewed…I don’t want to miss the chance to leave at a moment’s notice!

One Response

  1. Alexis Says:

    Hello,

    this looks lovely! Do you recall the name of the restaurant?

    Thank you

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