Dreamy Dining Room

My husband and I rented a beautiful two bedroom apartment in the historic center of Uzès, South France. This apartment is within walking distance of everything, so convenient, so relaxing, and so inviting. If you ever get a chance to visit this charming town, plan on staying a few days.

We found this stunning apartment on AirBnB, called C’est la Vie, managed by Dominique and Christophe Cachat. She is American, and he is French. Dominique loves remodel, decorating projects, brocante finds, and it shows. They offer a number of properties to rent in the area which can accommodate a number of guests. Their website is www.uzesvacationrentals.com

Dreamy Kitchen

The kitchen all on one side, and all in white, has everything, even a dishwasher. I must admit we ate out most evenings, at wonderful tiny restaurants, some which were recommended, and some we stumbled across.

Wednesdays and Saturdays are market days in Uzès. We went to the Wednesday morning market which is bustling, located in the town center under beautiful canopy trees called Place aux Herbs. We had fun browsing, and bought some beautiful vibrant red-ribbed tomatoes, olive oil, black olives, Camargue (the wild marshland natural region south of Arles) honey, and more. From the cheesemongers we bought fresh goat cheese medallions and aged Tomme sheep cheese.

Rainbow Swiss Chard at Uzès Wednesday Market

Engaging in conversation with the chatty sheep cheesemonger, Monsieur Cheesemonger gave us this tub of his whipped sheep ricotta cheese as a gift. He wanted us to try it. He suggested it could go with sweet or savory. He said, “Have it for breakfast with fruit and honey, or in the evening with olive oil and herbs on a baguette.” Wow!

A Gift of Whipped Sheep Ricotta Cheese

I thought for a while, what could I make with this whipped sheep ricotta as a dinner. What came to me was a pasta dish inspired by Half Baked Harvest One Pot Recipes, a sort of loose combination of these two recipes,

One Pot Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Burrata Pasta and One Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Whipped Ricotta. I had mades these recipes before, and was inspired to do something similar with the ingredients I had. I didn’t have sun-dried tomatoes, but I had wonderful fresh market tomatoes.

Fresh Spinach Washed, Dried and Cut Up

I prepared the lovely fresh spinach, rinsing, drying, and cutting it up. I added a little Basil Olive Oil to a large pot, and began warming it.

Finely chopped a shallot and sauteed it in the pan. I then added my beautiful market tomatoes ( I wished I had bought more), a couple of tablespoons of rich tomato paste, a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, chopped black olives, sea salt, and freshly ground pepper. The tomatoes began to break down, and a nice sauce started.

Making Tomato Sauce with Black Olives

When I felt the tomato sauce was ready for the last ingredients, I added 8 ounces of shelled dry pasta, all of the spinach, and about 4 cups of water to the same pot, gently stirring on a medium low heat.

Adding Pasta, Water, and Spinach to the Sauce

Ten minutes or so later, the pasta had absorbed all of the water, and also the beautiful tomato sauce. It was a nice, creamy texture. Since I thought this sheep ricotta cheese was so fresh, and so special, I used it as a topping on the pasta, being very generous with a big dollop, rather than mixing it in with the tomato pasta. I think that was a good idea, because I didn’t want to take away the fresh flavors of the sauce.

One Pot Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Whipped Sheep Ricotta

We had a baguette to serve with our pasta dish, so one could also put the whipped ricotta on the baguette too. My one pot pasta dish turned out beautifully. It was a wonderful relaxing evening in with a delicious dinner and a nice bottle of wine.

I didn’t even mention the wine. Since we are winemakers, we always like to explore the wines of the area when we travel. The wine in this area is very, very good, and quite reasonable. Many of these wines are made with the Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre grape varietals. We befriended the local savvy wine merchant, who suggested a few local bottles for us to try. Chin! Chin!

à Table, Chin Chin, et Bon Appétit!

Not to forget dessert. The French really have some amazing desserts and pastries to tempt you. Earlier in the day, we stopped at our favorite boulangeries/pâtisserie and picked up a Lemon Meringue Tart for dessert. Heaven. I hope you enjoyed, Dreamy Dinner Chez Nous!

Splitting a Lemon Meringue Tart for Dessert

Bon Appétit et Bon Weekend…Bonnie

New Antique Mall Opening Soon

From time to time I write about “Places to Know” around San Diego County which are special and of interest. For those who live in the San Diego area, I discovered recently that a new antique mall is opening in April 2023 in Encinitas and I wanted to share this with you. For those of you who mourned the closing of the Tuesday Morning store, Encinitas location, the silver lining is that Antique Mall is opening in that exact location.

I don’t have a lot of information to share with you, other than it is another business and retail location for the owners of Consignment Classics and Consignment Classics Decor in the same retail mall (also the same retail mall where LA Fitness in Encinitas is located). Consignment Classics has two other locations in San Diego and the Sports Arena area. Judging by the success and the type of inventory offered, this antique mall too, should be a great success.

If by chance, any of you are interested in renting a space at this antique mall, please contact, Frank and Ruth Ann, with information about what you would be selling at the Antique Mall, along with your phone number and email address. Consignment Classics in Encinitas is located at 201-D South El Camino Real, Encinitas, California 92024, (tel) (760) 635-0730.

I have gotten many a reasonably priced treasure, for my home and garden at Consignment Classics. Inventory turns over quickly, so if you like something, buy it. On the other hand, if a piece has been on the floor for a certain time, it might be eligible for a 20% mark down.

The thrill of the hunt lives on!

Bon Appétit et Bon Weekend…Bonnie

Fabulous Bareroot Selection of Fruit Trees and Roses

From time to time I write about “Places to Know” around San Diego. This time of year with bare root season in full swing for garden roses and backyard fruit trees, Green Thumb Nursery in San Marcos is a great place to know. Prices are reasonable. Garden product is well marked and organized. Nursery staff is very helpful.

Recently, I picked up a couple of my favorite climbing rose—Eden, for $24.99 each. That is a very reasonable price for that rose. Besides climbing roses, you can find all kinds of rose varieties for $24.99 up to $39.99.

The fruit tree selection is incredible with many varieties you don’t often see. I splurged on a bare root Chocolate Persimmon, which is a little smaller tree in size than the more well known Fuyu. Chocolate Persimmons are known for their brownish flesh and outstanding flavor.

Besides roses and fruit trees, Green Thumb Nursery offers many varieties of bare root berries, wisteria, nut trees, and a great selection of vegetables and herbs. If there is something you are looking for to plant in your garden now, chances Green Thumb Nursery has it.

Sign up for the weekly Green Thumb Nursery newsletter on their homepage website. Most weeks there is a nice coupon at the bottom.

Bon Appétit et Bon Weekend….Bonnie

Incredible Holiday Beauty And Photo Opportunities At Longwood Gardens

In 1906, at the age of 36, Pierre S. du Pont bought the Pierce Farm and its surrounding forest outside of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, saving it from an impending sale of trees for lumber. These were no ordinary trees, but a collection of magnificent heritage trees planted and carefully tended to for decades. He confided in a letter to a friend that he had a moment of insanity buying this property, but he couldn’t stand the thought of the trees being cut down for lumber. As with many rescue situations the rescuer is the one that is saved back. This property which eventually became Longwood Gardens and part of the du Pont family legacy, became a spot for du Pont and his family to relax, entertain, and step back from his successful business world.

Starting small, and with no initial plan, du Pont began adding and and creating areas on the property heavily influenced by his world travels, and love of beauty. Many generations have helped create Longwood Gardens, but du Pont made the most enduring contribution, and ensured its future through the Longwood Foundation created in 1946 to handle his charitable giving, operating it “for the sole use of the public for purposes of exhibition, instruction, education, and enjoyment.” It is a fascinating history story, past, present, and moving into the future.

Topiary Garden Walking Up To The Conservatory

Recently, I visited Longwood Gardens during their “Longwood Christmas” December festivities program with indoor and outdoor lights, decorations, and flowers in full swing. Here are a few photos from my visit that I thought you might enjoy. If you have the opportunity to visit Longwood Gardens, you will be astounded, and absolutely love it. Longwood Gardens is worth a visit, no matter what the season.

Entrance to Longwood Gardens Conservatory

I enjoyed seeing the different floral designs, color combinations, and ideas used this year. A great way to gain new ideas, and stimulate your senses. Would this work in my garden? Could I make this display for my holiday home? How do the floral designers do this?

Close Up Of Conservatory Entrance

Mass plantings and repetition, one of my design mottos, create this wintry wonderland.

Ballroom With Christmas Trees Decorated By Children

Rows of Christmas trees decorated with ornaments made by children groups filled the elegant ballroom in the Conservatory. I was thinking—if these walls could talk. There is a massive pipe organ in this room where a lot of concerts were held. I loved the how the original wall sconces were decorated so elegantly.

Decorating with Purple Orchids, Christmas Trees, Lemon Cypress and Ferns

A sensational vignette of Christmas trees decorated with silver, gold, and purple orchids, softened by a base of more purple orchids, tiny lemon cypress trees, and ferns. Alice du Pont, wife of Pierre du Pont loved orchids.

One of My Favorite Spots in the Conservatory, Acacia Passage

I loved these living holiday orbs, made with dried grapevines, white moth orchids, textured Tillandsia, and Spanish moss. Cinnamon Wattle Trees, or Acacia leprosa, are trained to arch and drape over the walkway.

It Wouldn’t Be Christmas Without Poinsettias

Longwood Gardens grows over 1,000 poinsettias each year for their Christmas displays. Incredible sizes, varieties, and colors—not just red.

Close Up in the Orangerie

In the end, it is all about the details. Poinsettia-decorated Christmas trees hold court with Grapefruit trees in the Orangerie.

At Sunset The Holiday Lights Begin To Appear

At sunset, dusk, and into evening, Longwood Gardens becomes dressed in outdoor holiday color. You can sense how massive these trees are in relation to the people walking through them. So beautiful!

The Moon And Red Holiday Lights Reflecting On The Water

Seeing “red” was ruby beautiful with the moon joining in and all reflecting on the water.

The Italian Garden Showing Off

“Longwood Gardens is the living legacy of Pierre S. du Pont bringing joy and inspiration to everyone through the beauty of nature, conservation, and learning.” —Visitor Center Lobby, Longwood Gardens

Bon Appétit et Bon Weekend…..Bonnie

Julia Child’s Affectionate Top Two Floor Apartment, “Roo de Loo” at 81 Rue de L’Université

This Monday, August 15th, is Julia Child’s birthday. I have had it noted on my planner for some time. She means so much to me, as I am sure she means so much to all of you too. Her life and accomplishments are well documented and cemented in history, as well as her loving marriage to Paul Childs. What a duo!

Visiting Paris back in spring of 2015, I walked to the street, and sought out the apartment building, the two top floors where the Child’s resided in their post World War II days and Julia embarked on her culinary passion and adventures. It was really important for me to see their building in person, and my husband thankfully was very obliging in this walkabout. To my knowledge, there is no plaque mentioning Julia Child near the building for various reasons, the French bureaucracy, and Julia Child was much more revered in the United States, ironically than in France. Truthfully, I think Julia Child would have preferred it that way. One only has to use your imagination to scan your memory for all the book and movie details made on her glorious life. Knowing she was here, is enough for me.

Rue de L’Université in 7th Arrondissement in Paris, France

I love so many aspects of Julia Child, and her quotes on food and life always give me a chuckle. By the way, Julia Child who cooked everything, yet it is well known her favorite lunch at home was tuna fish salad on a toasted English muffin.

Wonderful Julia Child Quotes:

“People who love to eat are always the best people.”

“I believe in red meat. I’ve often said red meat and gin.”

“A cookbook is only as good as its poorest recipe.”

“It’s so beautifully arranged on the plate, you know someone’s fingers have been all over it.”

“The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook.”

“I am not interested in dishes that take 3 minutes and have no cholesterol.”

“This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook—try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless and above all have fun.”

“With enough butter, anything is good.”

“Cooking well doesn’t mean cooking fancy.”

“Life itself is the proper binge.”

“You’ll never know everything about anything, especially something you love.”

“If you are afraid of butter, use cream.”

“A party without a cake is just a meeting.”

“I enjoy cooking with wine, sometimes I even put it in the food…”

“The measure of achievement is not winning awards. It’s doing something that you appreciate, something you believe is worthwhile.”

This Monday, please make a special culinary nod to Julia Child in celebration of her birthday, and touching us all with her passion.

Bon Appétit et Bon Weekend…Bonnie

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Entrance to an art gallery in Snug Harbor, Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada

Recently, while on vacation visiting a dear friend on Bowen Island, British Columbia, (a stone’s throw from Vancouver), I happened upon this wonderful art gallery in the little town of Snug Harbor. The entrance, colors, and chalkboard quote drew my attention. This is what I love about traveling, the unknown to explore and experience, coincidences that are not really coincidences but subtle messages, the culture and people to immerse yourself with, and new things in general to try and acquaint yourself with. Traveling expands your horizon, and it expands your life.

Bowen Island, by the way, is a “Places to Know” kind of place, but that is another post for another time. The sheer beauty of the water on Howe Sound, snow capped peaks, and a chance to do nothing but stare into the water and Douglas fir landscape mesmerized is an idyllic setting to listen to your thoughts. If you are lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a soaring bald eagle, a bobbing seal, a water’s edge heron, or a few curious orca swimming with the current. Truly a very special and beautiful place, and a place to know.

Outside the art gallery on a chalkboard was this touching quote by an unknown person which really resonated with me. A perfect message for me now, and to remember. Perhaps this quote might touch you too. I happily share this quote with all of you. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give something a try that you have been wanting to do, dreaming of doing, aligns with your bliss, and listen to your heart.

Listen to Your Heart Quote

Past Related Posts

Brunch With A View

Oceanside’s The Seabird Resort

The Floral Palette

Bon Appétit et Bon Weekend…Bonnie

Entrance to Viewpoint Brewing Company

From time to time I write about “Places to Know” around San Diego County which are special. Viewpoint Brewing Company is one of them. I had heard about this Del Mar brewing company located near the water, but never explored it until recently. Located across from the Del Mar Fairgrounds, and along side the San Diego Lagoon and trails of the San Diego River Park, it is a very well done 7,000 sq foot restaurant and experienced brewery offering 20 tasty beers that is a real surprise.

A Partial Glimpse Inside Viewpoint Brewing Company

The menu is as diverse as the crowd that sips the beer and soaks in the view. Open Tuesday through Friday noon to 9pm, Saturday and Sunday 10:00am to 9:00pm, and closed on Mondays. When I walked into Viewpoint Brewing Company for the first time, it was packed for one thing, but I thought what a great place for weekend brunch before or after a walk on the river trail. The valet service confirmed that before noon on weekends is a good time to come.

Can’t Go Wrong with the Food, Flatbread and Caesar Salad

Viewpoint Brewing Company Has Great Views

After you have had your brunch and hike around the trail, if you are heading north for home, why not stop at the Sunday Solana Beach Farmers Market on the south end of Cedros Avenue, noon to 4pm, for fresh vegetables, flowers, and more.

Solana Beach Sunday Farmers Market on Cedros Ave.

A Few Related Past Posts on “Places to Know”

The Flower Palette

Oceanside's Seabird Resort

Wicked Maine Lobster

Bon Appétit et Bon Weekend….Bonnie

Pipes Cafe in Cardiff, California

From time to time I write about “Places to Know” around San Diego County which are special. Pipes Cafe in Cardiff is one of them. Pipes Cafe is a breakfast and lunch hot spot, open 7am to 2pm daily, where one can rub elbows with locals, visitors, and surfers. Friends, neighbors, and foodies all meet up here. Dogs are welcome too. Pipes Cafe has indoor and outdoor seating, take out, and a full service espresso and smoothie bar. If you have family or out of town friends visiting you, this is the place to bring them for a bit of friendly local vibe and color. Pipes Cafe, 121 Liverpool Drive, Cardiff, California 92007, (tel) (760) 632-0056.

I think the original concept of Pipes Cafe, was to feed hungry surfers after a morning riding the waves. The food is great, prices are reasonable, portions very generous, and the wall décor is famous waves and surfers. Right or wrong on that hunch, it is a great spot for everyone. My husband and I like to go there for Sunday breakfast and then hit the scenic coastal walking Rail Trail nearby for fresh air and panoramic coastal views.

Casual Dining with Great Food

From the Rail Trail on the south end, you can cross over Coast Highway 101 at the San Elijo Ave. light and walk up the coast to Swamis Seaside Park, a great view point and internationally known surfing spot. After your walk on the Rail Trail, stop in at Cardiff Seaside Market for something special from their extraordinary meat and seafood counter to take home.

Surfer Breakpoint at Swamis Seaside Park

Take the time to relish a delicious breakfast, take a brisk walk admiring the coastal beauty, listen to your thoughts, breathe in the wonderful sea air, and soak up some golden sunshine. A great way to start a relaxing day, any day of the week!

Beautiful Coastline from Cardiff Down to La Jolla

Bon Appétit et Bon Weekend….Bonnie