Nice is not only a beautiful coastal city with beaches and yachts galore. It is a city overflowing with culture and incredible food. The people have such pride in their local produce, evidenced by the heaving market that happens daily just seconds from the ocean and the cafes and restaurants that are always full. I was smitten immediately. Here is just a taste of the tastes I had in my far too short 6 day stay.
-This olive oil has been produced in Nice for over 140 years. It has a nutty, rich flavor and is absolutely addictive. After I took this photo I immediately ran to the tiny shop in the Old Town and bought a big tin to take home with me!
-Socca, a local delicacy. It is a very thin pancake make with chickpea flour, water and olive oil. These crepe like goodies are served piping hot fromt he oven with a sprinkle of fresh black pepper. Such a treat!
-Pissaladiere. A pizza-like dish popular in the French Riviera. It’s topped with dark, caramelized onions and has a thick, crispy crust that crunches gloriously when you bite into it. Delish!
-Nicoise Salad. Fresh, local deliciousness. Enough said.
-Pizza Napoletana. A paper thin base with almost burnt edges, topped with a tart tomato sauce, black olives, salty anchovies and mozzarella. Warning: Only consume with large glass of Sauvingon Blanc.
-Coca Cola Light and Ice Tea Peche. Uber refreshing.
-Croque Monsieur!
-Clever English translation.
-Possibly my favorite dessert of the trip, because it had little versions of everything I wanted to try! An espresso, vanilla meringue, white chocolate mousse with raspberry, pistachio macaron and creme brulee. Perfection.
-Our table was about 3 feet from the open kitchen at this italian restaurant in the Old Town. There was a young man at the counter there making fresh gnocchi all evening. Not only did my meal blow me away, I got a free cooking lesson! I had gnocchi with shrimp, puttanesca style. Bon appetit!
-One of my favorite meals. Seared tuna with local vegetables, jasmine rice and the most delicious, spoon licking lemon sauce I have ever tasted. I will not spend years trying to replicate it. If you’re in Nice, I suggest searching out Rue Biscarra, a road set behind the main shopping street that is packed full of lovely restaurants and a wine bar. L’Authentic will not let you down! (Same place as the selection of desserts above! Sold you yet?)
-Beautiful French red. Heaven.
-Nicoise style tapas. Pissaladiere, onion rings, spinach frittata, olive tapenade, tomato sauce and bread sticks.