Lemon Frozen Yoghurt

After spending a week in the French Capital of Lemons --and not a day went by without each of us having something lemon-y, from fresh citronnade to desserts, cocktails and the complimentary (often generous!) glass of Limoncello we were brought as digestif after dinner!-- we returned with our suitcase full of Citron de Menton delicacies. Notably, a delicious Lemon Marmalade, delightfully sharp, with that hint of sweetness characteristic of the Menton lemon, and very little sugar; absolutely delectable on morning toasts. It also makes a delightfully refreshing Lemon Frozen Yoghurt! Happy Thursday!

Ingredients (serves 2):

1 cup thick Greek Yoghurt

1 heaped tablespoon Menton Lemon Marmalade (Confiture de Citron de Menton)

2 teaspoons Limoncello

In a small bowl, spoon Greek Yoghurt and Lemon Marmalade. Give a good, energetic stir until well-combined. Gradually stir in Limoncello, mixing well.

Place bowl in the freezer, at least a couple of hours for a soft-serve sort of texture, longer if you want firmer scoops.

Serve Lemon Frozen Yoghurt with Lavender and Vanilla Biscuits.

Menton, the Hidden Gem of Southern France

The city with the golden gardens; the lost Eden

The golden city of Menton, France.

Follow the divinely scented breeze, it will lead you to a remote corner, on the edge of two worlds. What you will see next will take you by surprise.

A pastel-coloured historical city, surrounded by a bright yellow paradise garden. It is from here that the fragrance originates, and when you find this golden garden you realise you have found the secret.

While tourists from everywhere flock around the famous French Riviera, anxious to see the glamorous and glittery cities of Nice and Cannes, they are just footsteps away from an undiscovered gem. Passing by its vicinity they remain oblivious to the hidden charms of Menton, one of the small forgotten villages dotting the Azur blue Mediterranean.

Menton is special in all aspects; it is a tiny bit too small to be called a city, but somehow also too big to be a village. Simply put, it is a city under a village coat!

Caught between two worlds

Lemon trees. 

Menton is a lovely small town in the southeastern most corner of France, that has the best of everything; a warm climate year-round, beautiful gardens, excellent French and Italian cuisines, sandy beaches at the foot of the aqua blue Mediterranean Sea, and a colourful historic old town. The old town offers an uphill climb, something in between a walk and a hike.

It forms the borders between Provence in France and Genoa in Italy. The city was Italian until the disputed French plebiscite of 1860 when it became French. Every location has its special qualities, individual traits, and unique attributes that make it suitable for distinctive purposes. The truth is that Menton lies on the edge of two completely different worlds; exactly on the borders between France and Italy, we can sincerely say that it has got the best of two worlds!

It is blessed with the perfect environmental circumstances needed for optimal lemon cultivation. According to locals, it all began when Adam and Eve were thrown out of paradise, and had brought with them a magnificent “golden” fruit, the lemon.

As they feared retribution and wanted to get rid of the fruit, they searched everywhere for a suitable location worthy of planting their lemon. Finally, they chose Menton and called it “the lost Eden”.

The special Menton lemon.

A more modern idea is that Menton’s lemon rise started with the fruit’s arrival from Spain in the 15th century. It quickly adapted to the beneficial and suitable temperate microclimate created by the unique combination of a protective mountain range and the close proximity to the sea. It started as small, intimate family cultivations only to later grow into a large-scale commerce.

Menton has the warmest climate in France, a much-needed attribute for the sensible lemon tree that cannot handle cold weather, frost and ice. The countryside around Menton became gradually covered in an authentic “lemon forest”. By the 18th century, the region was estimated to produce one million lemons annually.

The lemon has been the fortune of Menton, lemons were exported all the way to the United States and Russia, and became a production on a global scale. The Menton lemon was world-renowned, and its peels were perfect for producing exclusive perfumes and essential oils. These perfumes also contain essential oils from neroli and orange blossoms produced in Menton. Just as luxurious were their jams and marmalades, not to forget their uniquely famous “Tarte de citrons”, or lemon pie, from Menton.

Menton falls into oblivion

The mediaeval streets of Menton.

But when disaster strikes it seldom comes alone. Mishap after mishap kept coming to the little pastel-coloured city.

The Menton lemon decline began at the end of the French Revolution. The sun king (Louis XIV) and his advisers had long protected the little city’s lemon commerce, but towards the end of the revolution, the laws that protected it against competition from rival lemon-producing regions were lifted.

The second blow came when Menton was discovered to have a healing effect on tuberculosis sufferers, because of its beneficial climate, which also attracted an army of Russian and British aristocrats. These aristocrats erected extravagant mansions, palaces and luxury hotels, many remaining until today. The arrival of these winter tourists prompted the construction on land that earlier was used for citrus terraces.

The third and final blow came in the 1950s when an unusually cold winter with an inclusive cold snap spelled the Menton lemon’s demise. The big freeze killed the remaining lemon trees and put an end to Menton’s once-prosperous lemon commerce.

The secret was forgotten, no one remembered neither Menton nor its lemons.

In the 1980s the city began its slow comeback, thanks to several locals that saw the potential in the Menton lemon and relaunched its production. Cultivating lemon trees is a cultural heritage in Menton, and as a sign of their lemon heritage, they celebrate a citrus festival every year in February.

The Menton lemon is drastically different from other lemons, simply incomparable. Its scent and sweetness are perhaps what distinguishes it the most, it is so mild it can be eaten directly off the trees as a fruit. It is a rare product with a different flavour and texture from all other lemons you find elsewhere. It has a vivid golden yellow colour and a strong scent that makes its peel very suitable for essential oils. The white albedo or zest is thick, thus keeping the juiciness of the fruit for a longer time, preventing it from drying out and simultaneously giving it a lovely, perfume-like, smell of freshness.

A second bright yellow secret

The golden mimosa flower of Menton. 

Menton’s historical centre, the old town, is home to a maze of narrow and steep mediaeval streets. Roads that echo the pirates that founded the town in the 13th century, the old town contains a concentration of seven centuries of history.

Nevertheless, Menton has another yellow secret apart from the lemons, it doesn’t belong to two worlds for nothing.

Just as the sensitive lemon trees need full sunlight and warm temperatures, another tree, with the same needs, has also found sanctuary here and put its roots in the earth of Menton and its surroundings. It is the Italian Mimosa Púdica or simply mimosa tree. This exotic and aromatic tree gives masses of fragrant yellow flowers in late winter- early spring. They are abundant in this area around Menton and have become like a second symbol of the region, after its lemon.

The mimosa flower has an intense scent, but it tastes very different to its fragrance. It is frequently used in making chocolate, ice cream, desserts, vines and perfumes in the region. It has long been used as a natural medicine for burns, skin disorders, healing wounds, colds and coughs, as a booster for the immune system, depression, and as a blood coagulant.

The bright yellow mimosa tree also has a nickname: “touch me not”, and is not only stunningly beautiful but its smell is just as divine as its appearance. Together the French golden lemon trees and the Italian bright yellow mimosas have given Menton the best of both worlds.

Personal thoughts

View of Menton from the Mediterranean. 

When passing by or walking through the narrow charming streets of Menton what stands out the most is the fragrance of its divine, sweet mimosa flowers, the fresh, strong scent coming from their citrus terraces mixed with the salty aroma from the Mediterranean.

Menton’s little valleys leave it to the breeze to allure travellers and to get attention. The breeze that passes through these valleys carries the divine fragrance of lemon trees and mimosas to far away places, as a reminder of its existence through its unique and distinctive perfume.

Have you ever heard of this city before? Have you visited it before, or would you ever consider visiting?

Never have I seen so many oranges and lemons as I did at the fantastic Lemon Festival in Menton 🍋🍋🍋🍊🍊🍊 #feteducitron #lemons #oranges #menton #vistmenton #visitfrance #opera #rock #lemoncello #travel #vacation #vanlife #vantravel #vanlifevirgins #sunlightcliff #mobilephotography #samsungphotography #samsungs22ultra #photography #pic #picoftheday #cheerfulheartphotography #sculptures #instatravel (at Fête du Citron - Menton) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpITt0bIM_R/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Menton, France

Located at the eastern end of the French Riviera near the Italian border is Menton, the so-called Pearl of France. It’s known for its beauty and incredible weather, with an average of 316 days of sunshine a year, which helps Menton to grow the amazing lemon crops that are celebrated at the annual Fête du Citron, or Menton Lemon Festival. This 17-day extravaganza in February features sculptures created out of lemons and oranges. More than 200,000 visitors marvel at the nearly 150 tonnes of fruit used in the festival.

Due to its strategic location, Menton and its surrounding locale have been coveted by various powers for centuries. The princes of Monaco, Napoleon III, German Nazi forces and the King of Sardinia among others have all held power over this jewel of the Côte d'Azur. These days, Menton has something for everyone – gorgeous gardens, pastel-painted architecture, beaches, cafes, nightlife and, of course, lemons.

La Véritable Eau De Menton

(Depuis 1947, Prestige de Menton)

Fragrance notes: Bergamot, Lemon, Petitgrain

(Divider by @plum98 )

Sculpture of lemons and oranges during the Menton Lemon Festival parade, France

I went to a garden today and they had all these lemon/ orange trees of different kinds from different regions and even had KUMQUAT TREES and look at all the KUMQUATS ON THE GROUND YES I PICKED THEM UP AND ATE THEM…. Wooow i never had a kumquat before so. It was really good just thinking abt it is making me salivate 😂😂😂 man Menton is really the land of Citrus like their whole shtick is Lemons its so cute 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 i wanna live in a town known for lemons wtff

Niche Mirèlha headcanons

Yacht-ie Babe : You can't spell Monaco without 'yacht.' Mer has experience being on superyachts (when she has time to kill she likes to be a deckhand), but does not own a superyacht herself. She prefers smaller sailing yachts and participates in a lot of races along with it. She is an established member at Yacht Club Monaco and teaches schoolkids how to sail in the summer. Prince Albert I's Hirondelle was the first boat Mer learned to navigate alongside the Prince.

Sun-kissed : She spends most of her day out in the sun. It may be research, teaching classes, playing tennis, sunbathing, swimming, you name it. Mer LOVES to be outside and prefers it. It's not a surprise that when you see her, she has a tan with various level of shades.

Fruit fruit fruit : Monaco is well known for its citrus. Lemons are life there, but oranges? Don't even get me started. There are so many orange trees, you can pick them and take them with you for free. Mer, a child of nature, always has an orange in her purse to consume. She just loves fruit--but that's because she had a bad case of scurvy in the 1500s during an expedition until Spain told her to eat some oranges and she's been obsessed since (and fearful of scurvy). Lemons hurt Mer's feelings because of the lemon revolts in the 1800s with losing Menton and Roquebrune (but she will go crazy on a lemon meringue)

Transportation: You would think she has the nicest cars, but she doesn't lol. She takes the bus or bike around town. It's a pain-in-the-ass to drive around Monaco due to the winding pathways and constant construction--so the bus it's where it's at.

Identity crisis: She thinks she does not have the right to be a nation due to her small size and relance on France. She has a tendency to view herself below everyone else despite being so successful. She cannot for the life of her accept the fact that other nations want to be friends with her and thinks it all out of politeness. That's why she tends to find herself inching towards cities and regions-beings, finding more similarities with them and often hides herself in very big international matters (unless it's environmental related).

Language: Prefers Italian over French. Even though French is her national language, but for most of her life, she spoke Italian. Which makes sense due to her closer relationship to the Northern Italian regions in comparison to the French regions. You would think she knew English well with Alice Heine and Grace Kelly being iconic American Princesses, but Mer barely knew anything and only smiled and nodded in conversation. She still can't comprehend the language for the life of her. If she did, she thinks she would have an American accent lol (she wants a Texan accent so bad).

desultory: 1) lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm; 2) occurring randomly or occasionally.

600 words of food porn and Aziraphale and Crowley enjoying each other's company under the cut~ 🍋🍰🍷

Preview: Brunch became luncheon became afternoon tea, their familiar ritual of finding excuses to linger.

Between them, the tarte au citron meringué de Menton with thyme gelée and honeycomb crystals disappeared in desultory bites. Aziraphale savored every dainty forkful, his expression melting into bliss each time the airy, whipped peaks kissed golden via brulée torch and rich, tart-sweet filling atop crumbly pie crust touched his palate.

Or so that was what Crowley imagined Aziraphale’s taste buds were experiencing. For him, it was enough that the aroma of citrus and lightly burnt sugar wafting in his direction blended nicely with the notes of his rather excellent sauvignon blanc. If somehow the wine in his glass had miraculously traveled back in time to become the particular vintage served at King Charles II’s table celebrating the end of Cromwell’s reign in 1660, well, the Ritz Carlton sommelier would never have to know. The poor woman was no doubt doing her best with the selections available to her.

A few bites of pie remained on the plate, but Aziraphale seemed to have forgotten them. He was lost in a story, recalling to Crowley the exact sensation of warm afternoon sunshine on his skin and the breeze off the sea in his face as he strolled through the lemon groves along the Côte d'Azur in 1905. Crowley had his own stories from those days, fond memories of the marble-and-gold Casino de Monte Carlo in all its glory. When he closed his eyes and pictured it he could still taste the cigar smoke and avarice in the air, could still hear the rustle of bills being counted and exchanged and the clinking of chips.

But he was content to let Aziraphale talk, to listen to him describe the absolutely exquisite lemon meringue éclair he’d found at the most darling petite boulangerie in Saint-Tropez, and how the dessert today reminded him of those sultry, languid summer days on the coast.

Crowley, too, remembered them fondly, and let Aziraphale’s vivid recollection tempt him into sniping the last bit of pie from the plate and popping the forkful between his lips. He couldn’t help grinning as he chewed, far too pleased with himself.

When Aziraphale’s reverie for the Riviera at turn of the last century gave way to the positively scandalized indignation Crowley expected from him, Crowley simply signaled for the waiter.

“Another tarte au citron meringué de Menton, please.” He gave the dessert’s name in melodic, flawless French. Just because he could. Then with a sleight of hand that would have made even lauded Professor Hoffman proud, he miracled their wine glasses full again without a single human noticing.

Having taken an indulgent sip of his newly refreshed Haut-Brion circa The English Restoration, Crowley settled more comfortably into his plush dining chair. Seated on the same side of the round table, it was easy to lean his long-limbed body into Aziraphale’s space with the feigned grace of casual movement.

”We’re not in any hurry, after all, are we, angel?”

"You wily old serpent.” As he said it, Aziraphale’s lips quirked up in that mischievous grin that suited him so well. He clinked their glasses together, and they drank.

To afternoons at the Ritz that would never end.

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Olive and Lemon Baked Ling

Your Sunday Roast doesn't necessarily needs to be meat, especially in the Summer. This Olive and Lemon Baked Ling, with its generous citrus-scented coat of black olive tapenade (both brought back from our holiday in Menton!) makes a more-ish lunch! Happy Sunday!

Ingredients (serves 2):

1 large Green Onion

1 1/2 heaped tablespoon black or Green Olive Tapenade

1/2 (Menton) lemon

1 tablespoon olive oil

680 grams/1.5 pound fresh ling, cut into thick fillets

1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Preheat oven to 200°C/395°F.

Spoon Tapenade in a small bowl. Grate in the zest of the lemon halve, and thoroughly squeeze in its juice. Stir in olive oil; set aside.

Thinly chop Green Onion.

Scatter chopped white part of the Green Onion at the bottom of a large baking tin.

Sit ling fillets onto the Green Onion. Season each fillet on both sides with black pepper.

Then, generously coat ling fillets with Tapenade and lemon mixture.

Place in the middle of the hot oven, and bake, at 200°C/395°F, 25 to 30 minutes.

Serve Olive and Lemon Baked Ling hot, sprinkled with reserved chopped green part of the Green Onion, and a side of Creamed Spinach.

Hello to all,

Fresh and thirst-quenching on flavors of lemons and kumquat sweetened by a touch of milk and enhanced by a Cuban rum.

Between Menton (France) and Trinidad (Cuba) let yourself be rocked by the sun.

Sweet Citrus

Recipe :

20 Ml Cream of Limoncino (Lemon)

30 Ml Milk

40 Ml Rum Santisima Trinidad (Cuba)

20 Ml Kumquat liqueur (Briotter house)

90 Ml Mandarin juice

1 teaspoon of homemade lemon jam

Pour all ingredients into the shaker filled with ice cubes.

Shake for a few seconds and strain into a long drink glass with a strainer.

Decoration (seasonal fruit)

"Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, consume in moderation

Bonjour à tous,

Frais et désaltèrent sur des saveurs de citrons et kumquat radouci par une pointe de lait et rehaussé par un rhum cubain.

Entre Menton (France) et Trinidad (Cuba) laissez-vous bercez par le soleil.

Sweet Citrus

Recette :

20 Ml Crème de Limoncino (Citron)

30 Ml Lait

40 Ml Rhum Santisima Trinidad (Cuba)

20 Ml liqueur de kumquat (maison Briotter)

90 Ml Jus de Mandarine

1 Cuillère à café de confiture de citron artisanale

Verser tous les ingrédients dans le shaker rempli de glaçons.

Secouer quelques secondes et filtrer dans un double verre à long drink avec une passoire.

Décoration (fruit de saison)

« L'abus d'alcool est dangereux pour la santé, à consommer avec modération »

When it comes to dining out, there are some restaurants that stand out above the rest. From Michelin-starred fine dining establishments to hidden gems serving up delicious local cuisine, the world is full of amazing restaurants that are worth a visit. If you're a foodie looking to indulge in the best culinary experiences the world has to offer, look no further. Here is a guide to the top 10 best restaurants in the world. 1. Osteria Francescana - Modena, Italy Osteria Francescana is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant located in Modena, Italy. Helmed by chef Massimo Bottura, this restaurant is known for its innovative and creative approach to Italian cuisine. Dishes like "Five Ages of Parmigiano Reggiano" and "Oops! I Dropped the Lemon Tart" have earned Osteria Francescana the title of the best restaurant in the world by the World's 50 Best Restaurants list. 2. El Celler de Can Roca - Girona, Spain El Celler de Can Roca is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant located in Girona, Spain. Run by the Roca brothers, this restaurant is known for its avant-garde approach to traditional Catalan cuisine. Dishes like "Charcoal-grilled King Prawn" and "Iberian suckling pig with melon" have earned El Celler de Can Roca a spot on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list. 3. Mirazur - Menton, France Mirazur is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant located in Menton, France. Helmed by chef Mauro Colagreco, this restaurant is known for its stunning location overlooking the French Riviera and its inventive Mediterranean cuisine. Dishes like "Oyster with tapioca, shallot cream and pear" and "Lamb with chard, beetroot and black garlic" have earned Mirazur a spot on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list. 4. Eleven Madison Park - New York City, USA Eleven Madison Park is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant located in New York City, USA. Helmed by chef Daniel Humm, this restaurant is known for its modern American cuisine and impeccable service. Dishes like "Honey lavender duck with apple and rutabaga" and "Milk and honey" have earned Eleven Madison Park a spot on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list. 5. Gaggan - Bangkok, Thailand Gaggan is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant located in Bangkok, Thailand. Helmed by chef Gaggan Anand, this restaurant is known for its progressive Indian cuisine and innovative approach to molecular gastronomy. Dishes like "Lick it up" and "Charcoal" have earned Gaggan a spot on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list. 6. Central - Lima, Peru Central is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant located in Lima, Peru. Helmed by chef Virgilio Martinez, this restaurant is known for its modern Peruvian cuisine and its focus on sourcing ingredients from different altitudes in Peru. Dishes like "Amazonian forest" and "Sea urchin with cacao" have earned Central a spot on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list. 7. Noma - Copenhagen, Denmark Noma is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant located in Copenhagen, Denmark. Helmed by chef René Redzepi, this restaurant is known for its innovative approach to Nordic cuisine and its focus on foraging and fermentation. Dishes like "The Hen and the Egg" and "The New Nordic Tart" have earned Noma a spot on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list. 8. Asador Etxebarri - Axpe, Spain Asador Etxebarri is a one-Michelin-starred restaurant located in Axpe, Spain. Helmed by chef Victor Arguinzoniz, this restaurant is known for its simple yet delicious approach to grilled cuisine. Dishes like "Grilled baby squid" and "Beef chop" have earned Asador Etxebarri a spot on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list. 9. Quintonil - Mexico City, Mexico Quintonil is a one-Michelin-starred restaurant located in Mexico City, Mexico. Helmed by chef Jorge Vallejo, this restaurant is known for its modern Mexican cuisine and its focus on using local and seasonal ingredients. Dishes like "Octopus with escamoles" and "Green mole with lamb" have earned Quintonil a spot on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list. 10. Blue Hill at Stone Barns - Pocantico Hills, USA

Blue Hill at Stone Barns is a one-Michelin-starred restaurant located in Pocantico Hills, USA. Helmed by chef Dan Barber, this restaurant is known for its farm-to-table approach to American cuisine. Dishes like "Whole roasted chicken" and "Carrot tartare" have earned Blue Hill at Stone Barns a spot on the World's 50 Best Restaurants list. Frequently Asked Questions What makes these restaurants the best in the world? These restaurants are considered the best in the world for a variety of reasons, including their innovative and creative approach to cuisine, their use of high-quality ingredients, their impeccable service, and their stunning locations. How can I make a reservation at one of these restaurants? Reservations at these top restaurants can be difficult to come by, so it's best to plan ahead and book well in advance. Many of these restaurants offer online reservation systems, so be sure to check their websites for availability. Are these restaurants expensive? Yes, many of these top restaurants are considered to be on the higher end of the price spectrum. However, the experience and quality of the food make it well worth the cost for food enthusiasts looking for a memorable dining experience. Do these restaurants accommodate dietary restrictions? Most of these top restaurants are able to accommodate dietary restrictions, but it's best to inform them of any restrictions when making a reservation. Chefs at these restaurants are typically very skilled at creating dishes that cater to a variety of dietary needs. Are these restaurants worth the hype? While opinions may vary, many food critics and enthusiasts believe that these top restaurants are indeed worth the hype. The combination of exceptional food, service, and ambiance make dining at these establishments a truly unforgettable experience.

Best restaurants in the world

Best Restaurants in the World: A Culinary Journey Beyond Borders

Embarking on a gastronomic journey to explore the finest dining establishments across the globe is an adventure sought after by many food enthusiasts. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the charming alleys of Paris, the world is adorned with an array of restaurants that tantalize taste buds and ignite culinary passions. Here, we delve into some of the Best Restaurants in the World, where innovative chefs craft exquisite dishes, and ambiance complements the artistry of cuisine.

1. Osteria Francescana - Modena, Italy

Nestled in the heart of Modena, Italy, Osteria Francescana is a culinary masterpiece orchestrated by Chef Massimo Bottura. Renowned for its avant-garde take on traditional Italian cuisine, this three-Michelin-starred restaurant seamlessly blends creativity with tradition. Diners are treated to a symphony of flavors through dishes like "Oops! I Dropped the Lemon Tart" and "Five Ages of Parmigiano Reggiano", each meticulously crafted to evoke emotions and memories.

2. Noma - Copenhagen, Denmark

In the vibrant culinary scene of Copenhagen, Noma stands as a beacon of Nordic gastronomy. Helmed by Chef René Redzepi, this two-Michelin-starred restaurant is celebrated for its commitment to foraging and seasonal ingredients. Noma's ever-evolving menu showcases the purity of nature, with dishes like "Pickled Vegetables and Sheep's Milk Curd" and "Caramelized Milk and Malt". Dining at Noma is a harmonious communion with the land, where every bite tells a story of Denmark's rich terroir.

3. Eleven Madison Park - New York City, USA

Nestled in the heart of Manhattan, Eleven Madison Park epitomizes the epitome of fine dining in New York City. Under the stewardship of Chef Daniel Humm, this three-Michelin-starred restaurant offers a contemporary interpretation of American cuisine. From the iconic "Honey Lavender Duck" to the whimsical "Black and White Cookie", each dish at Eleven Madison Park is a testament to culinary innovation and precision. The restaurant's elegant Art Deco interior and impeccable service elevate the dining experience to new heights of sophistication.

4. Sukiyabashi Jiro - Tokyo, Japan

Tucked away in the bustling streets of Tokyo's Ginza district, Sukiyabashi Jiro is a culinary institution revered for its mastery of sushi. Founded by legendary sushi master Jiro Ono, this three-Michelin-starred restaurant embodies the essence of Edomae sushi, where simplicity and precision reign supreme. Diners embark on a gastronomic journey through the omakase menu, savoring delicate bites of nigiri meticulously prepared by Chef Ono and his team. Sukiyabashi Jiro is a testament to the pursuit of perfection in every grain of rice and slice of fish.

5. Mirazur - Menton, France

Perched on the French Riviera overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Mirazur is a culinary oasis that marries land and sea with finesse. Chef Mauro Colagreco's inventive cuisine celebrates the bounty of the surrounding region, with dishes like "Oyster with Shallot Cream and Pear" and "Squid, Red Pepper, and Olive Oil". Mirazur's lush garden, brimming with aromatic herbs and seasonal produce, serves as a muse for Chef Colagreco's creations, infusing each plate with a sense of terroir and terroir.

Embarking on a culinary pilgrimage to these esteemed restaurants is not merely about indulging in fine food; it is a journey of discovery, where flavors, textures, and aromas converge to create unforgettable memories. Whether savoring sushi in Tokyo or dining overlooking the French Riviera, these restaurants offer a glimpse into the soul of their respective cuisines, inviting diners to experience the pinnacle of gastronomic excellence.

Menton, France (Part 1)

Looking back on our trip last summer in Menton, France, I almost forgot how anticlimactic it was when we first arrived at the airport at Nice. There was so much stress involved into getting to the actual destination. Firstly, most local taxis do not provide car seats for children and second of all, the train leaving Nice was so jam-packed that it was absolutely impossible to get in when the doors open. Passengers looked like they were canned sardines. It was insane! Plus it was so hot that I regretted booking our flight early in the morning and arriving at mid-day. The best time would have probably been a late afternoon arrival to avoid the intense heat. Well, I honestly only remembered the stressful part of the travel as I write this blog and recollect the details. Otherwise, what I really remember actually were the beautiful, unforgettable moments captured by these images.

It was a relief when we finally arrived in Menton. The city was so vibrant. I instantly had the idea of making a Wes Anderson reel based on the pastel-colored buildings and the gorgeous hotel that we stayed at. Hotel de Londres aesthetic was all we every really need to make up for the bad start at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport.

Anywhere I go, chances are, I would notice the smallest of details that could instantly set me off. Our bed was not placed at the center of the wall and it annoyed me the entire time. Haha. But the wallpaper and the blush color of the whole room was gorgeous. Everywhere we turned were instagrammable corners.

We were offered a bigger room with an outdoor sitting area but we really never got to use it except a place to hang our trousers and swimsuits dry. And of course, for a little photo shoot. But it was also a charming corner.

The hotel's french salon was my most favorite part. The design was impeccable. The sun was generously streaming in from all corners and it just warms up the color of the interior a little bit more.

The little one had to do her signature pose on all the furnitures.

Coincidentally that afternoon, the corridor just outside our room had a leaky roof. The hotel manager let us into an afternoon fiesta at the bar with all-we-can-drink-and-eat care of the hotel management for the "minor inconvenience". We had a platter of smoked ham, cheese, ricotta, pickles, bread sticks, and olives. And we ordered cold drinks to beat the heat. I, of course, had to taste the lemonade. I think I tasted everything that was lemon-y the whole tour.

The whole afternoon was just spent on going around and looking for a place to eat and to get some refreshments. The beach was literally just a few meters away from our hotel and it was practically convenient to get to all the places we needed to go. Restaurants were everywhere, a grocery store was a few meters away, the bus stops were not that far either.

Here's a quick sneak peek of our travel from Oslo to France. We had an 7-8 hour overlay at Oslo Gardemoen that warranted us to sleep at an airport hotel. Was quite taxing with the long overlay, but we managed with a few entertainment here and there and a sandwich happily made by the boyfriend before the trip.

French Riviera town turns lemons into Olympic gold

Menton’s Lemon Festival is showcasing giant sculptures of athletes made of lemons. from BBC News https://ift.tt/v0whsmV via IFTTT

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