L'Entrecote

One of the things that was on my 'Bordeaux Bucket List' was eating at the infamous L'Entrecote. I had heard so many good things about it and Abby and I had decided it would be a fun dinner to commemorate my time in Bordeaux.

We knew that it was a popular place, and we were anticipating the line that had accumulated outside the restaurant. L'Entrecote opens for dinner at 7:15 pm and we were told to get there around 6:45 pm to guarantee us a seat.

There was a good amount of people waiting outside and I like to think we weren't all just tourists. Promptly at 7:15, they began to usher people inside and Abby and I scored a seat on the second level next to the window.

Our waitress asked us two questions: how do you want your meat cooked? And what do you want to drink? L'Entrecote only serves steak frites (steak and french fries).

We ordered our meat well done (aka medium rare in France) and opted to not drink the L'Entrecote brand of wine. Just some water s'il vous plait.

The entire restaurant was like a well oiled machine. Minimal talking to customers and quickly bringing the food out. Within 10 minutes, we had our steak. Meat sliced thin with a big portion of fries and then a tray that contained the rest of our steaks and a delicious, green, buttery sauce on top.



With only a couple bites of fries left, our waitress came over and offered up more. With no room for dessert, we didn't even need to ask for our bill. By 8 o'clock, we were walking out of the restaurant: 45 minute meal.

It was one of the best meals I had in Bordeaux and I don't think I've ever felt so full. It was nice to walk off our heavy meal and L'Entrecote is definetly someplace I will take future visitors!

Pas de Soucis (No Worries)

Returning to the States was an adventure unto itself. The morning started early with my alarm going off dangerously close to my head.

(Thoughts inside my head: 1. What is that noise?! 2. Why is my phone right by my head? 3. This has to be a mistake, it's still dark outside. 4. Why is my alarm going off again? 5. I'm going home today! 6. How long can I snooze for? 7. Not enough time to hit the snooze button. 8. Why didn't I leave myself enough time to hit the snooze button? 9. I need coffee.) 

After triple checking that I had packed all my prized possessions, Abby and I lugged my bags to the tram at Quinconces. As we were walking up, we saw the tram leaving. Typical, but "pas de soucis" I thought, we will just grab the next one.

I am already an anxious person when it comes to traveling and was feeling extra nervous as we realized that the next tram would get me to the train station too late. Don't worry, Abby to the rescue! In a matter of minutes, we were on our way to the train via cab. Whew, anxiety subsided for now.

Saying goodbye was no fun at all but no tears were shed because the French were watching. One musn't show emotion in public.

The train ride consisted of me sleeping the whole way and before I knew it, we had arrived at Roissy airport! Mind you, we were 30 minutes late. Again, "pas de soucis" I thought, I will still make my flight. 

By the time I had carried my bags up the two broken escalators and found the ticket counter, it was 11:30. While doing the math in my head, I realized I had 45 minutes to make it through the MASSIVE line and then through security before my flight was scheduled to leave. 45 minutes simply wouldn't be enough time. Full blown anxiety attack on the way.

One final "pas de soucis" and a giant sigh, I braved my way to the Business Class line where there was no one waiting. A woman in a nice, trim suit beckoned me forward and I tried to explain my situation in French

"Uh excusez moi...mon train etait en retard... uh.....je ne suis pas en classe d'affairs... erm... j'ai peur de manquer ma vol?" (wait, that can't be right)

She looked at me like I was crazy and asked if I spoke English. After explaining that my train was late, I'm not in business class but I'm afraid that I'll miss my flight, she asked what flight I was trying to check in for. She didn't flinch when I explained that I was supposed to be on the 12:15 flight to Chicago. She checked with another woman and seemed genuinely sorry when she explained that it was too late, the gate was closed but she would help me find another flight.

As the tears started to well up, I asked if she was sure that the gate was closed. (Thoughts inside my head: 1. Do not cry 2. Do not cry 3. Do not cry 4. Please, God, let the gate be open still!)

One more check, and oops, she was mistaken (a word I have NEVER heard the French utter), the gate hasn't closed yet, but I would need to hurry.

The journey from checking my bags to boarding my flight is a bit of a blur, but I have my guardian angel in her nice, trim suit to thank for getting me to my gate. I was able to fly through security with my priority boarding card and was full on sweating when I arrived at my gate. One mustn't sweat in public. Damn, why don't people in France sweat?!

I went straight to the desk, fully ready to be met with rolling eyes and annoyance.

"Hello, I am so sorry but I am checking in for the 12:15 flight to Chicago? I think boarding might be closed? Maybe? My train was late and the line was really long at the ticket counter, but luckily I went to the business class line and..." (I'll save you the story again, but just know that the rambling continued for another 5-10 minutes)

It took a minute for the man behind the counter to respond. I thought for a minute he was going to call security. No way were they going to let this crazy, sweaty lady on a plane.

He was neither pleasant nor rude as he explained "Flight 280 to Chicago has yet to begin boarding. If you would please move to the waiting area, we will begin boarding shortly."

As he motioned me to the waiting area, I let out a huge sigh. All anxiety was gone, even though I was still sweating.

Now, where is the duty-free shop? I need a drink.

Bergerac, France

Above is a picture of the Bordeaux train station (aka my 2nd home in Bordeaux). It is crazy to think about how often I'm at this train station, whether going to Paris, or Poitiers, or really anywhere in France. Rosie, Abby and I decided to take a visit to Bergerac. It was about an hour and a half away and we had assistant friends who had lived there for the year. They raved about how cute Bergerac is and persuaded us to take a day trip visit.

I've come to the realization that every town in France has a cathedral and of course, Bergerac was no different.

I think it's no secret that I love farmer's markets. I could spend hours and hours looking at fresh produce, artwork and clothing. The hats at the Bergerac market were so fun to try on and play pretend with!

We had heard lots about Plus Que Parfait (or PQP as the cool kids call it). We had a nice pint of blonde beer with grenadine (our new favorite summer drink).

We also went to La Bodega for a nice tapas lunch. Lunch consisted of red peppers roasted over a fire, chorizo, potatoes and spanish rice. We were so full and only spent 5 euro each on lunch!

It was such a nice day to walk around. Good thing I put on some sunscreen because the sun was blaring! We went and sat by the river and watched kids learn to crew. A young boy yelled at us that he would be back in 30 minutes if we wanted a boyfriend.

Bergerac was full of windy streets and very easy to get lost in! It was perfect for a day trip and nice to discover a new little town.

5 Things (I'm Really Going to Miss)

1. Balconies in France

2. Living really close to vineyards

3. Any and all houses in France

4. Rosie's Punch (vodka, wine and fruit juice? yes please!)

5. Elise's Haricot Verts

Things are winding down in Bordeaux. Tonight is the last night we're going out all together, and then tomorrow is going to be spent packing and cleaning. Last night, Rosie had a dinner party involving a couple assistants, Abby and I. The theme was french food (so of course I made ratatouille). It was a bittersweet night, so nice to spend time with everyone, so sad to think that it's one of the last times that we'll all be together. 

I DIE

Viyella black tank top, Miss Selfridge short short, TopShop black wedge heels, Beaded jewelry, Bounkit turquoise earring

I absolutely LOVE the above outfit for a summer night out. These types of shorts are really popular in France right now. And black is always in style. Black is the new black.

Just A Normal Sunday in Bordeaux

It has been a part of the weekly routine to stop by the Market on Sundays. There is a wonderful market along the Quai. It's fun to people watch and see families getting together to eat oysters and drink wine and buy their fresh produce for the week. The other part of our tradition is to walk down the Quai and eat whatever we bought at the skate park. There is always something to watch there and today was no different. There was a competition going on, sponsored by Red Bull and Vans shoes!

FINALLY! French strawberries are in season!



Fresh cheeses

Paella

Fresh flowers

Nectarines and look at how big the asparagus is! 

Olives (I always get some spicy ones and garlic ones) 



And the skate competition!

5 Things

Things I Am Loving RIGHT NOW

1. Vanzetti's Pizza

There is no set "bucket list" for my last couple of weeks in Bordeaux. However, we have been trying to do things that we've been talking about for a while. We had heard a lot about Vanzetti's pizza (thank you Elise!) and thought we would give it a try. I can't say that it was better than Peppone's (reknowned pizza and pasta in BDX) but it was still a really fun night.

Lambrusco + Goat Cheese Pizza = Heaven on Earth

2. Aux Quatre Coins du Vin

My favorite wine bar in Bordeaux, where guests can choose from a wide variety of wines-whether they want a taste, a half glass or a full glass. You put money on a card and then serve yourself. It helps that I have Abby and she can point me in the right direction.

3. Biscuits from Ikea

My nanny kids eat these biscuits everyday for snack. It makes me laugh because they always try to make new words with the letters. But Ikea biscuits only use the letters 'I', 'K', 'E' and 'A'. It's so funny because there are not a lot of other words that you can make with just those letters!

4. L'Autre Petite Bois

My new favorite restaurant. Abby and I went there and split a tartine and a bottle of wine. And with each bottle of wine, you can choose between a "sucreé or salé" plate, so we had a nice plate of cheese and meat too. And you have to love a place that has fake trees inside!

5. Hanging Out At The Miroir

For some reason, this past Wednesday night, the Miroir was hopping with people! There were fire dancers and drums and lots of people dancing. And I just have to say it, but Place de la Bourse around midnight is GORGEOUS

Out and About in Bordeaux

Dear 'Men Who Took Our Shutters To "Fix" Them', they do look better. However, when you say you will bring them back after two days, please don't make it be two weeks again

Dear Symbol for Bordeaux, you remind me a nuclear plant or something scientific.  

Dear Roomie, I really really want you to work at the CIVB. Look at how pretty it is. AND just look at all that wine!

Dear buildings in Bordeaux, I love that you are covered in flowers. That is all. 

Two Weeks Left

The past week was spent saying goodbye to everyone leaving. The next two weeks are going to be filled with saying goodbye to everyone that's staying. I leave to return to the States in two weeks (but don't you worry Bordeaux, I'll be back in the fall!)



Dear Cinco de Mayo party (that turned into a Seis-o de Mayo party): even though we had to move you inside, and have a Seis-o de Mayo picnic indoors, you were still fun. Everyone brought their 'A' game when it came to grillin and takin tequila (or tekla) shots. And I'm so happy we emptied out the "Mexican" aisle at Auchan for you.

Dear "New Mom I Nanny For": You almost made my cry when you gave me this necklace. You are so sweet! And I know you're going to have a blast at Cannes this weekend!

Dear "House Cocktail": even though I could've dranken you in one sip, you were delicious. And for only 4 Euro? I will drink you again.

Rue de Lurbe, I will miss you

Dear man watching the concert from up above, I see you!

80 Degrees and It's Only May

Roomie, congrats on passing your exams!!!!! (Even if you don't know what your grades mean) And thanks for introducing me to 'Monacos' (pictured above)

Rebecca Blackout/I will miss you more than words can say!!! "It's not goodbye, it's bye bye" and I expect to see your shining face in Chicago!! I will give you a royal tour :) And I'm so happy we were able to see you off and help you pack. I would've done it even if it was earlier than 7 am!

Creme Brulee, you are my favorite dessert. I like you better when I'm sharing you with my mama though

Place de la Bourse, one of these days I'm going to write a poem (or maybe a silly limerick) about how much I love you

Cinco de Mayo came and went. No celebrations tonight but we ARE celebrating Seiso de Mayo with a bbq tomorrow. Abby and I will be making cilantro-lime rice (can you tell we're craving Chipotle?) and we will be grilling and drinking my favorite, Desperatos!!

 

Dear 'Kids I Nanny For'- I love walking into your gated community and seeing the GORGEOUS flowers that are growing! (And thanks for behaving this weekend)

Gucci, why do you make such beautiful sunglasses? And why do you make them so expensive??!!



Dear Grand Theatre, thank you for being the perfect backdrop to a perfect night

L'Autre Petit Bois, you are my new favorite restaurant. I DIE for your food/wine and cute waiters



The rest of this week has lots of highs and lows. Tonight and tomorrow are filled with goodbyes. It's too soon for all these wonderful people to be leaving. A possible to trip to Cognac should help cheer me up and I am meeting with a new family to discuss nannying!