The Urban Foodie: Paris, and the poetic genius of Pierre Gagnaire

Wednesday, 12 December 2007

Paris, and the poetic genius of Pierre Gagnaire

I've had a couple of mad weeks that have included working on a very interesting production for the BBC, as well as writing, sourcing ingredients and seeing friends in the run up to Christmas. Unfortunately this past weekend I have become quite ill, and have found out that I have succumbed to a nasty bout of Tonsilitis, the less said about that the better.
So in light of my self imposed quarantine, I thought it an ideal time to share some of my experiences during my two week estagier at Pierre Gagnaire that I completed back in September. I will write about it in much richer detail throughout the week, after which I will of course focus upon my plans for Christmas and foods I love to cook. As I'll be in Cornwall this year it I will be using lots of locally caught fish and crabs, which I will be to cooked on the beach New England Clambake Style.
So, more to follow on Pierre Gagnaire tomorrow...
Steven.

8 comments:

Steve Wallis said...: Getting there slowly.. thankyou for asking..; 12 December 2007 at 21:46
Vida said...: Steven, I hope you are feeling better and looking after yourself... Vida x x x x; 16 December 2007 at 06:08
Nilmandra said...: Tonsilitis... nasty. Hope you're on the mend and looking forward to your post on Paris and Christmas plans.; 16 December 2007 at 11:04
Anonymous said...: I'm so sorry to hear the french food made you so ill ;-) Stick to dutch cheese from now on!; 16 December 2007 at 22:25
Joseph said...: Steven,
I found your blog on a google search. I live in America but I've not been able to find the recipe for the sort of prawn cocktails that I used to get in the UK (I'm not entirely partial to the tomato base used in making prawn cocktails here in the US). You wouldn't by chance happen to have a recipe that I can use. My recollection is that it was almost like a sweet and sour cream based sauce, but I could be wrong on that. Anyway if you can help I'd be appreciative.; 19 December 2007 at 15:10
Anonymous said...: hey steven

when are you gonna update your site i love your blog keep up the good work

Simsy; 20 December 2007 at 10:57
miss~nance said...: Hi Steven

Greetings from Worrigee, NSW, AUstalia. I have just finihshed wathcing Masterchef 2007 for the second time and I was just as excited to see you win it for the second time round. I had you and Hannah picked from your heats and am so pleased you have become friends.
I have just spent the last 30 minutes completely reading your blog and also popped over to Hannahs. Will call back form time to time to see what you are up to.

So a very very belated congratulations from me.

Gail; 21 December 2007 at 09:33
miss~nance said...: BTW SOrry to hear you have not been well.

Have a safe and Blessed Chrismas.

Gail; 21 December 2007 at 09:34

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MUSINGS AND QUOTES ON FOOD

"My weaknesses have always been food and men, in that order."

Dolly Parton

"Fish, to taste right, must swim three times - in water, in butter, and in wine."

Polish Proverb

"A fruit is a vegetable with looks and money. Plus, if you let fruit rot, it turns into wine, something Brussels sprouts never do."

P.J. O'Rourke

"An empty belly is the best cook."

Estonian Proverb

"A gourmet who thinks of calories is like a tart who looks at her watch."

James Beard

"The smell and taste of things remain poised a long time, like souls, ready to remind us...."
Marcel Proust

"When the girl returned, some hours later, she carried a tray, with a cup of fragrant tea steaming on it; and a plate piled up with very hot buttered toast, cut thick, very brown on both sides, with the butter running through the holes in it in great golden drops, like honey from the honeycomb. The smell of that buttered toast simply talked to Toad, and with no uncertain voice; talked of warm kitchens, of breakfasts on bright frosty mornings, of cosy parlour firesides on winter evenings, when one's ramble was over and slippered feet were propped on the fender, of the purring of contented cats, and the twitter of sleepy canaries."
The Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Grahame

"People are more violently opposed to fur than leather because it is safer to harrass rich women than motorcycle gangs."
Unknown

"Scallops are expensive, so they should be treated with some class. But then, I suppose that every creature that gives his life for our table should be treated with class."
Jeff Smith, The Frugal Gourmet

"Never eat more than you can lift.."
Miss Piggy, Diva.

"The squid is so cooperative. Its body forms a tube that can be stuffed with marvelous fillings. You don't have to be Greek to enjoy this one. "
Jeff Smith, The Frugal Gourmet

"The joys of the table belong equally to all ages, conditions, countries and times; they mix with all other pleasures, and remain the last to console us for their loss."
Jean Antheleme Brillet-Savarin, The Physiology of Taste