Thursday, 12 November 2015

THE GREAT FOOD ON THE ROAD TO RHONE-ALPES




In 2013 I was fortunate to travel a little known French region: Rhone-Alpes. This relatively little known treasure has a variety of attractions, so should not be missed. One of them, most certainly is the cuisine is one of them, no doubt. 

Browse the landscapes and towns of the French region of Rhône-Alpes is close to the most traditional flavors, this brings you back to home cooking with innovative touches using regional products.

The experience begins with the arrival in Lyon, your gateway and one of the main cities of France. It is also a city renowned for its haute cuisine, world famous seat of chef Paul Bocuse and where their awards are given each year.

The meadows, planted with vines, result in a fine, delicate wine, fruity in any of its versions: red and white ... and a pink. Ideal to accompany a picnic near the vineyards, such as those offered at the Domaine Rocheville winery that produces wines and olive oil.

Ardeche near Queen chestnut. Here you'll find all kinds of preparations chestnuts from sauces to accompany delicious meats, to sweets, creams and exquisite marrons.

The châtaigne d'Ardeche has its own appellation since 2006 and applies to fresh chestnut and its 5 types: dry, chopped, chestnut flour, whole peeled and mashed chestnuts. Each year, 5,500 tons are produced here (50% of national production).


Among the appellations of origin of Rhône-Alpes we can not forget the black olives of Nyons. Base exquisite tapenade or "tapenade" that accompanies the table every day. Its large olive, black and rough skin, tasty meat, also give a fragrant extra virgin olive oil. In the town of Nyons Vignolis you can also take a trip to the Oil Museum.







In the La Drôme we find a variety of fruits such as apricots and plums or apples and cherries. And a separate chapter for its truffles, the best in Europe and that flavor many regional dishes.

If the landscape of Rhone-Alpes is dyed with lavender, so is your table. Lavender is also present in the gastronomy and it is not unusual for perfumed drinks and dishes to be served here. We recommend you to visit the Distillery Bleu Provence, also in Nyons, where lavender, thyme and other herbs are processed to produce essential oils and products for the pharmaceutical, perfumery and food.

There is much to be tasted in Rhône-Alpes: sweets, fruit, typical drinks, dishes with history. Back through this area, halfway between the Riviera and Paris, Provencal is just crying out to be discovered and relished. This is a peaceful atmosphere in a relaxing trip through France.





I leave here the detail of the restaurants we visited on this trip to Rhone-Alpes, France, to have them in mind when you organize your next trip.

* In the charming village of Labeaume: Le Bec Figue, right on the church square.
* In Pont d'Arc on the Ardeche river and facing a beautiful beach: Restaurant Ardeche
* Dinner at the Hotel Digoine, Bourg-Saint-Andeol
* In Valence, the restaurant Les Negociants
* The restaurant La Charette, a classic in Romans.

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