Saint Paul de Vence

This week Q found an article in the NYTimes travel section about a couple who went back to Provence for vacation forty years after having lived there. Since C is in the area, she decided to check out one of the towns that is nearby Nice, Saint Paul de Vence. http://travel.nytimes.com/2011/06/19/travel/provence-seen-in-youth-and-40-years-later.html?emc=eta1

Saint Paul de Vence is a lovely fortified old city, both with a touristy area, and with a section where people actually still live. Many of the first floor apartments have been turned into a shop, restaurant, atelier (artist's space) or a gallery.

C enjoyed the afternoon walking around the town and exploring the different alleys. At every corner a picturesque old house was waiting to be photographed.  All the flowers were blooming, the sun was shining and it was a perfect day for an excursion.

After a little while, C found a true gem of a restaurant, Le Caruso. It is located just a little bit off of the main touristy area and was excellent. C's lunch included a salad with goat cheese melted over a toasted slice of bread, drizzled with balsamic vinegar, pork slices with a sauce forestiere (mushroom), rice and veggies, and finally, a little piece of heaven for dessert, "Sabayon gratine aux fraises." This simple yet tasty dessert is strawberries covered with a marscapone and cream sauce, sprinkled lightly with sugar and grilled to get just the taste of the creme brulee crust. The combination of the excellent food and very friendly waitstaff gives this restaurant a MGB rating, for Must Go Back!

Le Caruso