Veronique Godbout blog about food, cooking and art

Everyday fun to-go wines

2012-02-24T11:11:00.006-05:00

I will suggest some everyday wine that i truly love. Those are staples for me. I just hope you will enjoy them as much as i do. Good for the happy hour or a mid-day meal, they are also great wines to bring to a party or a simple fun dinner with friends.

Grüner Veltliner
Let me introduce the grape variety Grüner Veltliner from Austria. It is a wine with a high acidity, flavors of citrus and white fruits and, especially, a great minerality.

Like the Riesling wines, Grüner Veltliner have this ability to capture the soil characteristics. If you enjoy very dry and very straight wines, you will really enjoy this wine. The vast majority of Austrian wines, unlike German wines are dry. Grüner is an excellent example and a great introduction to grape with aromas of green apple, lemon, white flowers, and a mineral side. It really gives the impression to taste a rock (yes, yes, it smells like it: stones after the rain, you will notice that they have an odor). This wine will honor fine fishes, cooked simply with light sauces with herbs or citrus. Avoid anything that is too spicy or fruity.(Retail $ 8.99)

Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2011
A bright color with a green light. A nose that gives some aromas of citrus and tropical fruits supported by herbaceous notes, typical of Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough region.
On the palate, it is an exuberant wine, bursting with tastes of pineapple, passion fruit and herbs. It offers a fresh finish, tangy and persistent. This wine is ready to be tasted immediately but also has an aging potential of 3 or 4 years. To be enjoyed at any time, for happy hour, it is terrific. It will be delicious with fresh oysters, asparagus, lobster or a summer salad.
(Retail $ 8.99)

Torres, Sangre de Toro, 2008
In 1954, Miguel Torres father, is in search of the best red grapes of the region of the Garnacha and Carinena. He wants to develop a different wine that will reflects the authenticity of the soil. The Sangre de Toro was born and it's name was inspired by Bacchus, Roman god of wine, once called the son of Taurus. Today, the Sangre de Toro receives the care and attention that made his reputation of a great wine. This is a rich and complex red wine with exuberant notes of spices and black berries. The tannins are silky and the wine is elegant. It also has hints of licorice. Fantastic with paella. Vero's husband adores this wine for the everyday.
(Retail $ 6.99)

Cantina Zaccagnini - Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2008
Just the name is a journey, "il vino dal tralcetto". Cantina Zaccagnini, is produced locally in Bolognano in the province of Pescara in Italy. The vineyard covers 80 hectares in the heart of Abruzzo.
Ruby color and fruity nose. The mouth is round with ripe cherry. It brings a slight smoky flavor, it is velvety on the palate.   Finale of fruits and hints of hazelnuts.
A wine that shows the qualities of this beautiful Italian grape. It tastes vaguely like a Pinot Noir. An everyday favorite.
(Retail $ 11.99)

Chinon Domaine de la Semellerie 2010
We simply adore the Chinon. It is evidently a wine we chose for celebration.
At a cocktail with us, there is always a good Chinon.
I fall in love... Of Chinon.
A supple, fresh and fruity wine with sweet notes of red fruit and delicious nuances of spice and licorice ... Excellent price-pleasure.
($12.99)

Vouvray vieilles vignes 2010
The Vouvray name is certainly one of the most fascinating of France. The Vouvray wine is quite delicate, subtle, and it must be taken into account with food pairing: it will do wonders with delicate dishes rather than powerful meals.
Nose of dried herbs, grapefruit, pear with notes of yellow fruit. Well built, the mouth is pleasant, it is upright and straightforward. You will enjoy this wine.
($ 14.99)

Villa Maffei Pinot Grigio Venezie, 2010
I always love a glass of Pinot Grigio for the apéro.
The color of the Pinot Grigio is rather pale, straw yellow in color. The aromas are characterized by notes of apple and pear, it has distinctive personality with a refined structure. It is a wine of elegance with a satiny texture. Sometimes i taste the salt of the Italian seas.
Ideal  with hors d'oeuvres made with seafood, it is especially tasty with shrimp and shellfish.
($ 11.99)

Everyday fun to-go wines - list

- Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2011
- Torres, Sangre de Toro, 2008
- Cantina Zaccagnini - Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2008
- Vouvray vieilles vignes 2010
- Chinon Domaine de la Semellerie 2010
- Villa Maffei Pinot Grigio Venezie, 2010
- Grüner Veltliner

An amazing trip to France - Paris

2012-02-23T10:02:00.003-05:00

We are just coming back from France. A 10 day trip that was absolutely wonderful. How can it not be ! We went to Paris, Versailles, Loire Valley, Brittany and Normandy. We saw a lot but took our time and chose what we wanted to see. Clearly, we didn't have enough time in Brittany and Normandy. We just simply adored Brittany. Here are the highlights of our trip and some suggestions. Tremendous places to stay and eat.

Part 1 - Paris

Paris

Lodging:
We stayed at Hotel Left Bank Saint Germain. My favorite neighbourhood in Paris is called Saint Germain des Prés. Wonderful place with great rooms. The location was perfect and everybody was very nice. For us it was the perfect place to stay in Paris. We also noticed that the Best Western in France (this hotel is one) are really great, they look like nice boutique hotels. Good thing to know.

The hotel is in the heart of the Latin Quarter near the wonderful Buci Market, Place de l'Odéon, church of Saint Germain des Prés, church of Saint Sulpice, art galleries and fashion boutiques. And a 10 minutes walk from the Louvre. Perfect.
http://www.parishotelleftbank.com/

Eating:
We ate at the great Polidor just 5 minutes from the hotel. It was a fantastic experience and since you are seating right next to each other (big tables with chairs). We also met wonderful people. A truly great parisian dinner.

The Crémerie-Restaurant Polidor is a historic restaurant in the 6th Arrondissement of Paris. Its predecessor was founded in 1845, and it has had its present name since the beginning of the 20th century. The interior of the restaurant is basically unchanged for over 100 years, and the style of cooking remains that of the late 19th century. The waiters are charming.
http://www.polidor.com/

MENU 22 €

Crème de Potiron
Crème de lentilles blondes au foie gras
Tomate mozzarela di buffala
Confit de foie de Porc
________
Boeuf Bourguignon
Rognons sauce madère, riz
Joues de Porc au curry de Madras
Carpaccio de Boeuf
Plat du jour (sauf samedi et dimanche)
________
Glaces ou sorbets maison (2 boules)
Tarte aux fruits au choix (sauf la Tatin)
Bavarois cassis

Some food again :

Again, right next to our hotel, was the fantastic Chocolaterie Georges Larnicol. So, as snacks, day and night, we ate macarons, galets of chocolat, orangettes ... so lucky to have discover this truly great place. Georges Larnicol creates chocolate masterpieces.
http://www.chocolaterielarnicol.fr/

next, part 2. Loire Valley

Creation of the day - butterflies and flowers

2012-02-22T14:28:00.000-05:00

This is my creation of the day. It is not over yet. I am still not sure about the decorative frame and i think the composition needs some white texture. I was inspired by a photo given to me by my friend Sara about a cherrytree.

Catch me if you can

2012-02-21T09:43:00.001-05:00

There is one of the collages i have created based on my paintings.

Painting of a Dragonfly

2011-11-17T13:37:00.000-05:00

I saw the Dragonfly sleeping deeply, 2011
Ink, Acrylic, Chlorophyl, Gold leaf

The Dragonflies Poem
I saw the Dragonfly.
He was flying way up high.
I saw the Dragonfly.
Early in the morning,
early without warning.
Down by the water,
early without warning.
I saw the pretty dragonfly;
he was flying way up high.
I suppose they eat all day:
what do you think they eat.
I suppose they eat all day:
is it bread or is it meat.
I suppose they eat all day.?
No, not like ewe and eye.
We are the dragonflies.

by Charles Hince

Beginning of a dragonfly

2011-10-04T09:39:00.000-04:00

A juicy tomato, ideal food for hot summer days

2011-07-13T09:29:00.000-04:00

Ode To Tomatoes by Pablo Neruda

The street
filled with tomatoes,
midday,
summer,
light is
halved
like
a
tomato,
its juice
runs
through the streets.
In December,
unabated,
the tomato
invades
the kitchen,
it enters at lunchtime,
takes
its ease
on countertops,
among glasses,
butter dishes,
blue saltcellars.
It sheds
its own light,
benign majesty.
Unfortunately, we must
murder it:
the knife
sinks
into living flesh,
red
viscera
a cool
sun,
profound,
inexhaustible,
populates the salads
of Chile,
happily, it is wed
to the clear onion,
and to celebrate the union
we
pour
oil,
essential
child of the olive,
onto its halved hemispheres,
pepper
adds
its fragrance,
salt, its magnetism;
it is the wedding
of the day,
parsley
hoists
its flag,
potatoes
bubble vigorously,
the aroma
of the roast
knocks
at the door,
it's time!
come on!
and, on
the table, at the midpoint
of summer,
the tomato,
star of earth, recurrent
and fertile
star,
displays
its convolutions,
its canals,
its remarkable amplitude
and abundance,
no pit,
no husk,
no leaves or thorns,
the tomato offers
its gift
of fiery color
and cool completeness.

For sale :http://www.etsy.com/listing/77709712/the-juicy-tomato-original-painting

Some turtles in Hawaii

2011-07-08T08:55:00.000-04:00

Here is one my creation that i created while living in Hawaii. Seeing turtles on the beach of Lanikai surely inspired me.

Here it is : http://www.etsy.com/listing/42135249/beautiful-large-24x18-original-fine-art

Invitation to a Girly Party

2011-07-07T09:39:00.000-04:00

I am in the process right now of reworking all my paintings to make new concepts with them. Here is an example with an invitation card. So basically, i decompose all my paintings bit by bit and create new ones.

Here is the link to see the card. Click here : http://www.etsy.com/listing/76399315/girly-party-invitation-card

Arise and Meet the Day - Another Rooster Painting

2011-07-01T09:24:00.000-04:00

All Around the Barnyard

All around the barnyard
The animals are fast asleep.
Sleeping cows and horses,
Sleeping pigs and sheep.

Here comes the cocky rooster
To sound his daily alarm.
"Cock-a-doodle-doo!
Wake up sleepy farm!"

This Original Painting is on sale here :

http://www.etsy.com/listing/77001568/arise-and-meet-the-day-original-painting?ref=pr_shop

Finch Perch Moose Painting

2011-06-30T10:19:00.000-04:00

Mooses Come Walking
by Arlo Guthrie

Mooses come walking over the hill
Mooses come walking, they rarely stand still
When mooses come walking they go where they will
When mooses come walking over the hill

Mooses look into your window at night
They look to the left and they look to the right
The mooses are smiling, they think it's a zoo
And that's why the mooses like looking at you

So, if you see mooses while lying in bed
It's best to just stay there pretending you're dead
The mooses will leave and you'll get the thrill

Of seeing the mooses go over the hill

Original Painting by Veronique Godbout for sale here : http://www.etsy.com/listing/76941875/finch-perch-moose-original-painting

Gone fishing rod painting

2011-06-29T09:54:00.002-04:00

Your Fishing Pole

There is something about you, something in your soul
something that seems to surround your fishing pole….

You moved to the coast, now that’s no lie
And we had a hard time with that little goodbye
But no need for heartache, no need to console
You had your boat and your fishing pole.

You know everyday you go out to fish
it’s like a genie granting every little wish
every time that bobber goes out of control
we know you are happy with your fishing pole.

Now on birthdays it’s special out on the water
I hear if you’re there, they’ll jump for the slaughter
You’ll be piling them in like your lucks on a roll
Reeling them in with your fishing pole

So today of all days take heed and relax
Pack up a cooler with drinks and some snacks
put on your shoes and go take a stroll
Down to your boat with your fishing pole.

Kathleen J. Shields

The painting is now available here : http://www.etsy.com/listing/76876252/gone-fishing-rod-original-painting

Painting of a Deep Calm Sea

2011-06-28T10:49:00.000-04:00

Moving with ease,

In gentle breeze,
Now you can dream,
Under sun beam,
...Of distant port,
A journey made short,
Thank-you calm sea,
For carrying me

New painting Deep calm sea for sale

http://www.etsy.com/listing/76813072/deep-calm-sea-original-painting.

Caught Between Roses and Doves

2011-06-27T13:33:00.000-04:00

Caught Between Roses and Doves - Original painting

Two doves meeting in the sky. Two loves hand in hand,
eye to eye. Two parts of a loving whole. Two hearts and a single soul.
Two stars shining big and bright. Two fires bringing warmth and light.
Two songs played in perfect tune. Two flowers growing into bloom.
Two Doves gliding in the air. Two loves free without a care.
Two parts of a loving whole. Two hearts and a single soul.

The big fat cat

2011-06-25T09:39:00.001-04:00

My friend cat's name is Bod,
He's... really very fat.
His stomach's on the floor,
And he can't get through his flap.
But he spends most the time
Curled up in his favourite place

I painted a picture of The big fat cat and the link to buy.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/76633359/beautiful-large-18x24-original-fine-art

A painting of a pear

2011-06-24T15:23:00.000-04:00

Here is one of my latest creation on sale. Here's the link http://www.etsy.com/listing/66351963/the-fresh-cut-pear-original-painting.

Pears

Some say
it was a pear
Eve ate.
Why else the shape
of the womb,
or of the cello
Whose single song is grief
for the parent tree?
Why else the fruit itself
tawny and sweet
which your lover
over breakfast
lets go your pear-
shaped breast
to reach for?

Linda Pastan

Painting of a girl with all her best things

2011-04-13T12:12:00.000-04:00

I have just finished a new painting called The girl and all her best things. Basically it is kind of a self portrait. Me surrounded by all the things that i love and that are so important to me. I like creating those kind of images because they are so joyful.

The girl and all her best things by Veronique Godbout

I painted a similar image a couple of years ago, i used to call the painting the small biggy (it was my nickname for the painting).

When painting the image, i did some research online and found tons of websites, blogs with lists of awesome, great best things in life. Here is a list written by Neil Pasricha that i really liked on the website http://1000awesomethings.com

The Top 1000

A cat painting for spring

2011-04-04T09:04:00.000-04:00

Here is my latest creation. A cat painting with flowers inspired by a previous painting that i did a couple years ago. This is acrylic and ink.

A lot of creations

2011-03-28T09:39:00.000-04:00

As i told you before, i am completely immerse in my creation, upcoming shows, gallery representation... My production is still going strong. Here all my latest creations.

This is a final painting

First draft of the painting

Step 2

Step 3

I am also working on a cat creation reminiscent of an earlier painting.

Also working on a chicken that still needs a lot of changes and improvement.

Flower painting to be continued

2011-03-15T09:33:00.001-04:00

A couple weeks ago, i began painting a bouquet of flowers and i was really not satisfied with the outcome. There was a lot of things that i didn't like : the shape of the flowers, the colors, the composition.

Usually, when i don't like the first steps of a creation, i leave the painting behind for a couple of weeks, and something, in my mind, something will come out of it. So, yesterday, i started anew with this painting. Here is the result. I changed the orientation of the composition as well as the colors. It is not over yet, but i am beginning to see the end of it.

A lot of new paintings

2011-03-11T10:05:00.000-05:00

I am currently in the process of creating a lot of new images, that is why i am less ponctual with my blog. But i am fully working on my production. Here are the images that i created in the last couple of weeks.

Pâté chinois, the national dish of Quebec

2011-03-03T10:28:00.000-05:00

Pâté chinois is a great family recipe. With his historical roots, this comforting meal is reproduced on a regular basis in kitchens across Quebec. The Pâté chinois is certainly the national dish of Quebec. It's a recipe that our grandmothers and our mothers did. It is democratic, easy to make, cross generations and social classes.

This meal is eaten with pleasure and, importantly, with pride. It is the perfect comfort food among Quebecois who, after a long stay abroad, are returning home to eat a Pâté chinois.

This dish seems to have emerged in the late nineteenth century, during the construction of the national railway by the Canadian Pacific. At the time, the workers, mostly Asian, were fed with ground beef, potatoes and corn.

Another explanation: it was brought back from South China, Maine, by the French Canadians who emigrated to work there in the heyday of the industrial revolution. And the China pie, a local specialty, would have been translated to Pâté chinois.

Here is my own recipe of Pâté chinois

Pâté chinois

There is a lot of different variations for Pâté chinois. Some people eat it with ketchup, beets, paprika ... me, i like it au natural. And strangely, it is better when you reheat the dish.

Ingredients

-1 tsp (5 ml) oil
-1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 5 potatoes
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 can (14.75oz) of creamed corn

- 1 can (15oz) of whole kernel corn

How to make it

1. In a small saucepan, boil salted water to cook the potatoes
2. Peel the potatoes, rinse and cut into quarters, cook until tender.
3. Meanwhile, peel and chop onion and garlic.

4. In a skillet, sauté the onion and garlic in oil until tender.
5. Add ground beef and cook until brown. Salt and pepper to taste
6. Remove excess fat. Transfer the meat in a small baking dish.

7. Spread the cans of corn over the meat.

8. Preheat oven to 190C (350F)
9. Drain the potatoes.
10. Mash the potatoes, Add milk and butter. Check the seasoning.

11. Cover the meat and the corn with the mashed potatoes using a rubber spatula, bake about 25 minutes until top is golden and the dish is bubbly.

1 hour to make
Serves 6/8

Beginning new painting with doves

2011-03-02T15:16:00.000-05:00

I began painting another small artwork today. The theme will be love as well as loving birds. Here is the first step of my creation. It is far from over. I am still wondering about the background color as well as the color of the doves. The ambiance still needs some work. I will keep you posted on the next development.

The name of the giveway winner for the month of february is Martine at girlbuzy@rocketmail.com.
Congratulations!

Some final paintings

2011-02-24T18:04:00.000-05:00

I have finished my creation on 3 paintings today, meaning that i can now begin some new images. Here is the final result. The paintings with the birds are smaller size.

5x7 A duck with some cherries

8x8 The cardinal and some berries

Still has no name yet

Evolution of some paintings

2011-02-22T15:07:00.000-05:00

I am cooking less as you can see and i am more deeply creating images.

Here is my later work, some early images that i modified, some that i continue creating.

First painting

Modified painting

First painting

Modified painting. Mostly the background but also, i feel the bird looks too angry, that is why i want to change the face, the eye.

First painting

Modified painting, i still have some work to do with the eye.

First painting

Modified. I love the flowers, the stained glass effect as well as the colors and the vase. But there is too much dragonflies and something is still missing.

Veronique Godbout blog about food, cooking and art

Everyday fun to-go wines

An amazing trip to France - Paris

Creation of the day - butterflies and flowers

Catch me if you can

Painting of a Dragonfly

Beginning of a dragonfly

A juicy tomato, ideal food for hot summer days

Some turtles in Hawaii

Invitation to a Girly Party

I am in the process right now of reworking all my paintings to make new concepts with them. Here is an example with an invitation card. So basically, i decompose all my paintings bit by bit and create new ones.

Here is the link to see the card. Click here : http://www.etsy.com/listing/76​399315/girly-party-invitation-​card

Arise and Meet the Day - Another Rooster Painting

Finch Perch Moose Painting

Gone fishing rod painting

Painting of a Deep Calm Sea

New painting Deep calm sea for sale

http://www.etsy.com/listing/76813072/deep-calm-sea-original-painting.

Caught Between Roses and Doves

The big fat cat

A painting of a pear

Here is one of my latest creation on sale. Here's the link http://www.etsy.com/listing/66351963/the-fresh-cut-pear-original-painting.

Pears

Some say it was a pear Eve ate. Why else the shape of the womb, or of the cello Whose single song is grief for the parent tree? Why else the fruit itself tawny and sweet which your lover over breakfast lets go your pear- shaped breast to reach for? Linda Pastan

Painting of a girl with all her best things

I have just finished a new painting called The girl and all her best things. Basically it is kind of a self portrait. Me surrounded by all the things that i love and that are so important to me. I like creating those kind of images because they are so joyful.

The girl and all her best things by Veronique Godbout

When painting the image, i did some research online and found tons of websites, blogs with lists of awesome, great best things in life. Here is a list written by Neil Pasricha that i really liked on the website http://1000awesomethings.com

The Top 1000

A cat painting for spring

A lot of creations

Flower painting to be continued

A lot of new paintings

Pâté chinois, the national dish of Quebec

Beginning new painting with doves

Some final paintings

Evolution of some paintings

Here is the link to see the card. Click here : http://www.etsy.com/listing/76399315/girly-party-invitation-card

Some say
it was a pear
Eve ate.
Why else the shape
of the womb,
or of the cello
Whose single song is grief
for the parent tree?
Why else the fruit itself
tawny and sweet
which your lover
over breakfast
lets go your pear-
shaped breast
to reach for?

Linda Pastan