Monday, February 10, 2014

"Delish Dishes", Paris, France BDYW

 
 
As we have mentioned, the "More is less Mula" bloggers took a little hiatus for a 2 month trip to France.  We thought it might be fun to post a few pictures of some of those "delish dishes" from this City of Light, just to wet your whistle for more fab food.  We know that all great cities like San Francisco, New York, London or Chicago, have delectable fare to offer.................now you can save the airfare and stay in this beautiful City by the Bay and enjoy the 35 (plus) fabdelish finds on "More is less Mula".  But in case you find yourself in Paris, do try these few famous Parisian delights........and do be prepared to "Blow the Dust off your Wallet".

Two things can keep you warm in Paris when it's cold!  Hot Chocolate & Champagne!!!
"Deux Magots"
Located on Sainte Germain des Pres
This is one of the two most famous haunts for Paris' artists and intellectuals.
Apologies to the French.....there are 3 things that can keep you warm!!. 
 My favorite Salad Nicoise found at any brasserie in Paris!
"Le Petit Tiberio"
Located on rue de Bac
Pizza with French ham and peppers, fresh mozzarella and a little goat cheese,
 just to remind you that you are in France, not Italy.

"Le Bistrot de Paris"
Located on rue de Lille
That would be like the best glace you've ever had!



"Le Bistrot de Paris"
Just a little custard tart in case you're not in the mood for glace.



"Le Café Marley"
This is the stunning view from the contemporary and chic "Café Marly's"
dining terrace located in the Richelieu Wing of the Palais du Louvre.
The dishes at this most popular and contemporary brasserie are a
definite highlight of dining in Paris.
You can also enjoy the view of the Eiffel Tower as it glitters in the
short distance from the Louvre.
Very trendy and tres' tres' chic!


 
French Champagne
"Hotel George V Paris"
Located just off the Champs-Elysees
 
 
"Café de Flore"
Located on Sainte Germaine des Pres
The other most famous haunt for Paris' artistic and intellectual community
and the designer of the most famous placemat that says......
"Ce sont les boulles qui me font du bien.   L'asperine c'est le Champagne du matin!"
These are the bubbles that make me feel good.  Aspirin is the champagne of the morning!



 

Well, there you go!  Just remember to stay warm!!!!!!
Abientot!




Tuesday, February 4, 2014

AQ 1085 Mission, SOMA BDYW



Well, Rosalie and I are way behind and we're sure you are all wondering if we lost the food-driven wanderlust of "More is Less Mula" and took up permanent positions with the FBI.  Fear not!  We are back!  A couple of months in France topped off by the holidays and the start of 2014 slowed us down, but could not deter these 2 ex-PI's from this food blogging game.
Our last "proper" blog experience was at the very cozy & modern spot in SOMA, named "AQ".
This fabulous find (with hints of French influence) reminded us of a New York City loft on the upper East side.  Tres' cool decor!!!! 

Our staff photographer and I enjoyed a Sunday brunch, which we kicked off with a delightful sauvignon blanc, selected from the extensive "AQ" wine list, recommended by our excellent server.  The signature cocktails looked really delish, but we're saving those for our next visit.



Let's begin by elaborating on that "NYC loft-look" of this culinary gem.  The décor consists of  exposed brick, tons of windows and high ceilings.  There is a long bar when you enter with an extended bar where you can enjoy a quick bite and, perhaps, one of their delicious-looking cocktails.



AQ sports a menu that clearly centers on the vegetable.  Don't misunderstand, this is not a vegan restaurant by any stretch of the imagination, but boy, do they know how to focus on seasonal flavors, using the produce and seasonal vegetables as the mast of this culinary ship.
The menu is truly unique and the presentation of the food.......... honestly "architectural" in design!

Rosalie enjoyed AQ's version of "Eggs Benedict", slow poached eggs, with heirloom tomatoes topped with Dungeness Crab and hollandaise.


I chose a light crisp salad of mixed organic greens, with ribbons of cucumber, gorgeous avocado, dressed with a light buttermilk dressing.  I also enjoyed Prosciutto and eggs on fresh grilled buckwheat bread topped with fresh tarragon.  OMG!!!!!!  Rosalie & I almost forgot to take a picture (again)!



"AQ" recently announced that they are discontinuing their brunch service, serving their last brunch on January 26th.  Relax!! They've just decided to further focus their efforts as they continue to hone their craft and concentrate on more inspiring prix fixe offerings.
Where does one go beyond tasting menus that include "Folssilized Yams, beer and chestnuts", or "Snails & Chicken, nettles and toasted wheat"?   Can they be more creative than "Veal 'blanquette', radish, black trumpets & Yuzu"???????
This Mission Street find is still evolving and we're dying to see what inventive delicacies this cutting-edge chef, Mark Liberman, has in store for us.
Not only does "AQ" offer 4 seasonal menus throughout the year, but they also change the rustic, chic décor to accompany the fab & new cuisine offerings.  Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn bring a new foodie optimism to these ex-PI food-bloggers, investigating new fab finds for you, our patient and faithful followers.  We definitely feel a sequel coming on!!!!!!!

Bon Appetit!

Culinary Definitions:
blanquette: a French ragout stew
Yuzu: a citrus fruit from East Asia, believed to be a hybrid of sour mandarin and Ichang papeda, resembling a very small grapefruit