Blog

Well it’s been a strange month. For the first three weeks of June the weather was rather dull and cool and then we got a shock!

We were delighted to find a local cow’s milk cheese that’s produced just half an hour away from us. Petit Troo is going to make a regular appearance!

A simple summer recipe from Nigel Slater that makes a great warm summer evening dinner. It serves 2 generously or 4 if you have a pud afterwards.

Franco/American couple Matt and Katie Perradeau are brewing American craft style beers using French ingredients. We popped in yesterday to have a taste and to wish them good luck.

The large red table that gives its name to the domaine, nestles among the ancient vines jostling alongside fruit trees and wild flowers, herbs and vegetables.

So, we’re off again here in the Loire. We have floraison or flowering in the vines!

A super easy side dish that is great served with a griddled chicken breast or as part of a veggie meal. Make sure you have lots of crusty bread to mop up the juices!

The beginning of May saw another few days when the temperature dropped below zero. Growers were out in force all through the night lighting fires, burning candles and pumping water from the Vienne trying to minimise the damage.

Cremet d’Anjou is a very well known dessert in the Loire valley. Here’s my take on the classic dessert which is perfect after a richer main course.

What is grattage? The literal translation from French would be ‘scratching’ but what does that mean when related to vineyards?

Chateau Gaillard is a beautiful Renaissance chateau in the centre of Amboise that has been lovingly restored and has delightful gardens.

I can’t get enough of asparagus when it’s in season. This easy summer recipe is tangy and fresh and is excellent accompanied by a Touraine Sauvignon Blanc.