My travels started in Paris where I went on the amazing LVMH tour of Champagne with my friends.  We explored the Krug Cellars, sipped champagne and dined at the Jardin restaurant.

I was away for two months on a journey of indulgence, food and adventure. These are just some of the highlights of my trip.

My travels started in Paris where I went on the amazing LVMH tour of Champagne with my friends.  We explored the Krug Cellars, sipped champagne and dined at the Jardin restaurant. I ordered the Parma Ham and Melon starter which was overwhelming and delicious at the same time. I went to the food market in Cannes and chose delicious products for my lunch that I was going to prepare for my friends. One of my favourite things is going to markets and taking in all the smells, colours and tastes.

St Tropez is a combination of glamour, wealth and fun! One of my favourite restaurants is Le Voile Rouge. The crayfish and the vongole pasta are outstanding and I recommend it to everyone.  The mouth watering mille-feiulle with macaroons was served at a friends house and I had to show you this(photo above)

I would walk to the markets most sundays, tasting olives, smelling the flowers and buying fresh produce for my lazy lunches and dinners. St Tropez has a quaint feeling about it and a sense of innocence. Walking in the streets allowed me to absorb this calm, light energy.

Le Club 55 is the hot spot of St Tropez. They are famous for the crunchy crudite platter that is served with boiled eggs and a delicious anchovy and mustard dip. Since I have come back I have been perfecting this recipe at home....and it might be featured in our new tashas menu!

The freshly boiled artichokes with a lemon dip is another favourite of Le Club 55. We ordered the best grilled line fish with fennel and roasted potatoes....it was out of this world!

The slow cooked lamb with fresh garden green vegetables was succulent and tasty. I was introduced to the latest Moet et Chandon Piscine that is served with ice.

Now St Tropez is known for her Tarte Tropezien which is a sponge cake filled with 3 different creams. There are queues outside the shop and I'm still having dreams about the tarte!!

My house in Cyprus(Droushia) is a traditional home that is filled with loving memories of my family and especially my father. I prepared a traditional lunch for my family and served them koupes, nuts, breads, and pies. Koupes are served as a meze as we call it in Greek or a snack, which is usually eaten by the hand. Its  crust is made of bulgur wheat, flour, oil, salt and egg (optional) and stuffed with ground meat, lots of onions, parsley and spices.  Actually the ones sold by street vendors were mostly with lots of onions and parsley and less minced meat.

In the photo above, It's me and the specialsit baker(George) of the Anassa Hotel. He is well known for his breads.

This was my first time in Turkey and I must say I loved it. I enjoyed the grilled fish sandwich in a roll with lettuce, onion, salt and lemon. Mussels stuffed with savoury rice and a squeeze of lemon is enjoyed as food 'on the go' in Istanbul.

The spice bazaar, was a treat and as you know markets are my favourite place to be. Here the nuts, turkish delights, dried fruits and dates are abundant and worth buying for friends and family back at home.

My favourite meal was at this local restaurant in Istanbul called House Cafe. I loved these giant artichokes with lemon and dill sauce, served with potatoes, peas and carrots. The fried brinjals with yoghurt and green peppers were delicious.

In Istanbul they eat this cold soup which has chickpeas, bulgar wheat, yoghurt, dill. paprika and mint, and it has now become a favourite of mine. The cheese pida (folded flat bread with cheese) is worth going back to Istanbul for.

I had an incredible time overseas and it got my creative juices flowing. I experienced different tastes and flavours, which have now influenced my new menus for tashas. I hope you all enjoy what I have brought back with me.

tasha

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