Today was the first day I had to wear a sweater when I went out walking. It had the feel of an early fall day. The weather was sunny so felt warm when in the sun but in the shade, you definitely needed a sweater.
While wandering around, I ran across an outdoor artisanal chocolate market. There were about 10 stands of chocolate makers from Toulouse. It was fun to look at the different offerings. I bought chocolate from Bello & Angelli. I love that you can find these random and quirky activities almost every weekend if not day in Toulouse.
After wandering around and enjoying the weather, I stopped at a Cafe (Le Bar Basque) in the Place St. Pierre and had a beer and read. It was not a place I had stopped before because I mainly saw it at night and it was packed with students. It was a nice place in the late afternoon to read and watch people as the Place is always busy.
As per the usual, I had dinner at Le Panache. I have a great time there and am really treated like family. I have become a taste tester of sorts. Enzo gave me an appetizer to taste that they tried out at lunch but was not on the menu. It was crispy ravioli with shrimp in an Asian sauce. It was very much like gyozas but with a thinner wrapping. It was fantastic. I think it is one of the best things I have eaten in a long time. Enzo said they would be on the menu next week. I am definitely have them again.
Le Panache is gradually changing the menu for autumn. They are keeping some favorites but adding other things. Enzo says it is going to be 3 seafood and 3 meats for the main dishes. I had the new offering of Saint Jacques (scallops) with leeks and orange. The presentation was beautiful and the taste was great as well. Enzo was funny as he said he liked the scalloped but does not like the leeks. He said he really did not like vegetables. We talked about how leeks are not as popular in the United States as they are in France.
As has become usual, they let me try various wines. The most interesting tonight was Blouge, it is a combination of the words for white (Blanc) and red (rouge) in French. It is a combination of red and white wine – Chenin and Syrah. The color is not really rose but more of a plum red. It would be a very good summer red when chilled.
The other was Iris. It is a hand picked grape and organic white. It is made of Grenache Gris. It is a very artisanal winery in the French Pyrenees. Another really good choice.
I love my Friday nights in Toulouse!
