coq [kɔk] English translation: rooster When traveling in France you will notice the rooster depicted in a variety of ways, as weather vanes, ceramics, statuettes, playground features and more. The Gallic rooster (le coq gaulois) is one of several emblems that represent France. Others include, the tricolor blue, white, red as depicted on the French flag, the […]
temps [tɑ̃] pour avoir le temps English translation: to have time Time is the measured or measurable period during which an action, process, or condition exists or continues. Time is something we all wish we had more of these days. There are seminars that you can attend that promise to help you make better use of […]
The following is an excerpt from my first book, But, what if it doesn’t rain? This is a conversation between my maitre d, Pierre and the famous restaurant critic, Mimi LaRue as shown in the ilustration above. “Pierre, please, I’d like to see Chef Grenouille, I hope he is able.” Grenouille, for a moment, thought […]
flèche [flĕsh] Suivez les flèches bleues. English translation Follow the blue arrows. If you have seen the movie Amélie, you will remember the clever trail of blue arrows she leaves in front of Sacré-Cœur for Nino to follow. The playful arrow above is just one example of what you will find while visiting the Musée Picasso in Antibes. You will […]
apéritif [a-pEr-i-teef]An alcoholic drink served before a meal to stimulate the appetite.You should definitely make a habit of starting your meal with the house apéritif while dining in France, this will open your eyes and your taste buds to some very creative mixtures and good conversation with the host. When you visit Chez Grenouille, my restaurant in Paris, be prepared to enjoy […]
Souviens [s-ooh-vee-ens] Je me souviens d’une rose seule. English translation I remember a single rose. When I was 7 years old I had the opportunity to visit Sister’s Hospital in Buffalo, New York to undergo a major 6 hour operation. I will not go into the details, let’s just say it was quite the experience […]
Vent [vent]Il y a beaucoup de vent sur Mont Ventoux!English translation There is much wind on Mount Ventoux!If you ever venture to the top of Mount Ventoux in the south of France, as the name suggests, you will find it very windy and very cold even on a sunny, warm day! The wind is relentless, […]
lunettes [loo-net] Chef Grenouille egare souvent se lunettes. English translation Chef Grenouille often misplaces his eyeglasses. Eyeglasses are optical devices worn to aid vision. Eyeglasses are important not only for correcting our vision, but they have become a fashion accessory with an unlimited number of styles to chose from. But, “for many people living in the developing world, […]
piscine [pisin] Grenouille a appartenu à la piscine. English translation Grenouille fell into the swimming pool. A pool of water suitable for swimming. The magnificent lap pool pictured here is located adjacent to the private patios outside the five Bellevue Suites at Auberge La Ferniere in Lourmarin France. Swimming pools are in abundance in the South of France. And of course, who can […]
crème brûlée [krem broo-ley] English translation burnt cream The literal translation must not be taken to heart when preparing crème brûlée, this dessert is magnificent when torched to a perfect color and consistency, not burnt! The image above is a scene from my second book, “Deux Pastis S’il Vous Plait” where Chef Plombé is attempting to perfect […]