Some of us like to treat ourselves to Champagne on special occasions. Epernay is the capital of Champagne. Their quote on the town is ‘drinking champagne in Epernay is like listening to Mozart in Salzburg’.

Check this Map of the Champagne

Epernay is also a local restaurant here

in Montclair, New Jersey.

They serve French fare in a casual and cosy setting.

They were so kind to us that they contributed two $25.00 gift certificates for the basket.

French people use various ways to clain their difference, one of them is the famous gant de toilette (wash glove) used by each authentic french person.

An educational side note, while looking for pictures of wash gloves I discovered RealFrench.net, the site describes itself as a resource for learners and teachers of French. Must be based in the UK as they charge 20.00 british pounds for 1 year subscription.

You can sample their offerings before you sign up.

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The Gers is a mainly rural region located midway between Bordeaux and Toulouse. The main town is Auch. It is famous for Armagnac and Foie Gras. It also is renowned as a garlic producer.

Here is a map for illustration.

The white wine selection is called Vignes Retrouvees, a Cotes de Saint Mont (2004), handpicked and offered to us by Sharon of Amanti Vino, a new wine source located on Church Street in Montclair.

My husband, Serge, just showcased the Store in his entry for Wine Blogging Wednesday #18.

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Chamber music in my book can be very soothing and relaxing. On Sunday, February 26th at 7:30 pm, Carnegie Hall offers a concert (in Zankel Hall) with the Ensemble ‘Les Violons du Roy’ guided by Bernard Labadie and with mezzo soprano Magdalena Kozena. On the program, pieces by Rameau and Gluck, they were both considered musical revolutionaries back in the 18th century.

Anyway, if you win the basket, 2 tickets for the concert are yours (and a night on the town).

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This compilation on Putamayo Records includes classics like Serge Gainsbourg, George Brassens, and even Brigitte Bardot but also young bands like Paris Combo
and many more.

Listening to this music can make you feel as if you are sitting in a parisian bistro drinking a panache and practicing the sport of people watching. The album cover depicts this very scene.

This CD was donated by Rabbit Rabbit of Valley Road in Montclair. They literally gave me the music from their personal collection. Recycle why not.

If you want to listen to some of this music and more go to Serge the Concierge and sign up for the free 14 day trial of Rhapsody. You’ll find the sign up link in the right column.

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Most people associate Burgundy with wine but it is also famous for its mustards, moutardes de dijon such as Fallot in Beaune keep the tradition alive. Chocolate also has its place. Amongst the younger generation of master chocolatiers, Fabrice Gilotte offers outstanding products. The region also counts many top notch restaurants. Here is a review of Lunch at Restaurant Stephane Derbord by Clotilde of Chocolate and Zucchini.

The red wine included in the basket is a Pommard 1er Cru ‘Les Epenots’ (Coron Pere et Fils). This 1999 vintage comes from the cellar of an anonymous frenchman.

To help you locate the various towns check this map

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I mentioned yesterday citron presse versus pastis. Well what can be better than fresh squeezed lemons, a pitcher of fresh water and 2 doigts de sucres (a sprinkle of sugar). So you know what to ask le garcon (the waiter) on your next trip to France when you sit down in a cafe.

Loua posted this wonderful picture (taken this month) on Flickr.

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I like this picture. C’est genial (cool). I don’t know too many people who can ride a bike while holding a baguette. The only thing that’s missing from the bike is a basket. I hope he was drinking a citron presse rather than a pastis.

If you have any questions feel free to contact us.

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