Chez Nous

Tour Guide – A Day of Art and Street Markets in London (National Gallery, Tate Modern, Bermondsey Market, and Borough Market)

As a painter and art historian, I never pass on an opportunity to explore a new museum or gallery, and London has an incredible wealth of art open to the public. Both the National Gallery and Tate Modern are free and open almost every day of the year, so whether you have a spare hour…

The Easiest Roast Beef with White Wine Pan Gravy – served with Asparagus and Tomato Salad

I don’t buy a lot of beef. Honestly, I can’t regularly afford it, so we make roasts when I happen to pass by a sale at the market. This week, bottom round roast was on sale for $2.50 per pound, so it had to come home with me. The cut of meat is a bit…

Almond Pithiviers with Rum-Infused Prunes – with Puff Pastry Recipe

I have had a decade and a half long obsession with Almond Croissants. When I lived in New York, I ran from one French bakery to another surveying the croissants. La Bergamote in Chelsea have the best twice baked beauties! They have always been this mythical pastry that I could never quite make myself. I have…

Tour Guide – London and the Treasures of the World (British Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum)

In a way, London is the center of the world. Through centuries of crusades and voyaging, England developed itself as a melting pot of various cultures, cuisines, and art practices. London today is home to incredible museums holding artworks and treasures representing almost every culture and society known to man, and all of these museums…

London – The Restaurants

I ate some amazing food during my weeklong adventure in London. I knew I would! I was salivating right and left when I was doing my research before leaving. I always have an epic plan before I leave for any international trip – I research museums, events, markets, and foods and restaurants. Each trip, for…

Perfect Sandwich Bread

I love baking bread! For a long time, I have spent my baking hours obsessing over perfect artisan loaves. I have made dozens of peasant loaves, sourdoughs, and olive boules, and by this count, almost a hundred baguettes. Nico loves baguette! It never crossed my mind, for some reason, to develop a sandwich loaf. Perhaps…

Smoked Salmon, Caper, and Cream Cheese Soufflé

You know, sometimes, I become obsessed with foods because of their famed difficulty to make. First it was the Macaron, then it was Cannelés Bordelais… finally, I worked my way up to the Soufflé. I love desserts, so my first attempts were in the sweet category. I will share my chocolate soufflé recipe one of…

Cannelés Bordelais

These delightful little pastries seem so simple! There is no filling, no topping, no glaze. However, they manage to have a deliciously chewy and crispy outside with a creamy center. How do you achieve that without a filling? Cannelés are Nico’s favorite treat so I spent a solid few weeks and 3-4 gallons of milk trying…