Trader Joeโ€™s to the Rescue

On a recent flight across country our stewardess sauntered down the aisle to bring a veritable fare of stale pretzels and bottled waterโ€ฆโ€ฆyum, which I might add was not satisfying. ย Iโ€™ve always been the one who has snacks tucked away in a tote when traveling, until two weeks ago, when suddenly my brother turned and asked, โ€œwhere are the snacksโ€? I couldnโ€™t believe I was without โ€ฆ right there on the plane! I wanted to hide, and couldn’t believe I left home without treats. The only thing that kept us going was knowing upon landing, we would have margaritas and shrimp/fish tacos from โ€œPink Tacoโ€.

>> These “trail mix” crackers are a must, made with raisins, cheese, cashews and mung beans- perfect for that 10:00 AM snack at work. >> The cashews, fig cookies, and olive & herb mixed nuts are perfect for lunches during a busy work week or weekend snacks. >> Veggies with lemons and limes. >> Ciabatta and boules- breads for weeknight dinners or lunches. The Thai Shrimp dumplings and Kung Pao chicken are a perfect quick meal after a hard day at work.

The thing about traversing the neighborhoods of Los Angeles are seeing a plethora of Trader Joeโ€™s on every other corner. I was thrilled upon entering the store when a salesperson approached and suggested trying the “trail mix” crackers. These tasty crisp have raisins, mung beans and cashews. I purchased a few bags for the return flight, and couldn’t wait to hit our neighborhood store the following week.

I’m already planning for our next trip to purchase a few seasonal treats that are always delicious and fun.

Travel stylishly,
Kathleen


L’auberge Chez Franรงois

Medallion of beef tenderloin, Bรฉarnaise Sauce, organic vegetables and Quy enjoying raspberry soufflรฉ for dessert.

Quy is one of my oldest and dearest friends. Weโ€™ve matured through the trials and tribulations of life, while maintaining a fabulous sense of style and โ€œside-splittingโ€ humor.

We are consummate โ€œfoodiesโ€, who share an ardent interest in food outside of hunger. Lately, weโ€™ve challenged ourselves to choosing restaurants written up in the Washington Post, social media, or word of mouth to critique and analyze. I enjoy finding dishes on the menu, which we taste, then write down the ingredients to take home and remake.

First on our list was Lโ€˜Auberge Chez Franรงois in Great Falls, Virginia. This Alsatian restaurant is famous for its authentic pasta, tarte flambรฉe [which is equivalent to pizza [but much better], cabbage dishes, charcuterie or their bake specialties. These recipes are from this Germanic region of France, lying on the west bank of the river Rhine along the Vosges mountains.

The medallion of beef tenderloin with Bรฉarnaise Sauce and the onion soup gratinรฉe are two dishes I want to recreate.

Here are two articles regarding Alsatian cooking-

Saveur
Home-Style Alsatian Dishes
Saveur, Sep 18, 2009

Washington Post article by Laura Chase de Formigny

Stay stylish,
Kathleen