Because it was Bastille Day, a guest wandered into the kitchen and serenaded the cooks with "La Marseillaise," the national anthem of France. Outside the insulated walls of Café Jean Pierre, the sun beat down on a maze of interconnected parking lots and the Century Rio megaplex. But inside, it was Paris.
It is gazpacho season. Don't know if you've ever noticed, but very few recipes as simple as "buy vegetables, blend and chill" inspire such strong preferences as this iconic cold soup. (We give props to the oil-laden, paprika-orange smoothie variety over the chunky salsa in a bowl style, but hey, that's just us.)
Good morning, sunshine! Time to put on the coffee and slap some bacon and eggs in a pan. You know what could spice up this morning routine? Other than literal spices? Birds! Put that turkey bacon down, we're talking about the local bird population at Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge. This Saturday Nov. 17, Friends of the refuge are hosting Birds and Breakfast from 8 to 11am. Enjoy a catered lunch in the refuge education portable (nostalgic!) before heading out to do some bird watching in the bosque. Only have lame human eyes that can't see very far and limited knowledge? No worries, binoculars and field guides are provided at no extra charge to this already free and all ages event.
Have you ever wanted to make your own doughnuts, but been (understandably) intimidated by the huge vats of boiling oil involved? The folks at The Specialty Shop want to ease your fears. Head there this Saturday, Nov. 17, for their doughnut/donut masterclass, where students learn how to make the old fashioned fried doughnuts as well as biscuit donuts, cake donuts and jelly-filled doughnuts. There are two classes: one from 10:30am to 12:30pm, and another from 2 to 4pm. Don’t worry, there are plenty of samples to fill up on during and after. The class costs $25 per person, and you can make your reservation by calling 266-1212.
Whether you’re more familiar with the French Riviera or the French Quarter, there are plenty of places in Albuquerque to get a taste of authentic French cuisine. Read Hosho McCreesh’s review of Le Quiche Parisienne in this issue, and check out these other restaurants in the city that will cater to your wanderlust and make you feel, if only for the evening, that you’re dining in the City of Lights. Bon appetit, mes amis.
