Welcome

Reaching the final of Masterchef 2007 was a rollercoaster of emotion, with huge highs and lows, but I loved every minute and learnt a huge amount. I owe a great deal to John and Gregg who had faith in my ability when I did not believe in myself. Since competing on the programme my life has changed considerably. I now write cookery columns for two magazines, give cookery demonstrations and am just working on my 13th cook book - unlucky number for some but not for me!!! I love all forms of country cooking, using seasonal and locally sourced produce. This blog is to enable me to share with you a few of my recipes and baking ideas. Enjoy Hannah xxxx

Wednesday 30 April 2008

If you are ever looking for a nice day out, I would definitely recommend Lille in France. Amazingly it is now only 1 hour 15 minutes from Kings Cross so is quicker to reach for us than going to Brighton for a day out. Tina and I had such a nice day - lovely shopping and delicious food. It is a true foodie mecca with lots of chocolatieres (our favourite was Guillaume Vincent which had a kitchen behind the counter making the most amazing chocolates - the salt caramel chocolates were our favourites together with the honey chocolate with popping candy in it - genius!), lots of bakers and wonderful food shops. A definite must visit is the tea room at Patissiere Meert founded in 1761 . Not cheap but definitely worth a visit and they sell violet tea (which is impossible to find in the UK so I bought lots!!!), macaroons and home made marshmallows. This is Tina enjoying a very rich chocolate fondant pudding - our fourth course of our lunch and a bit of a struggle - we managed it though!

5 comments:

Milhan said...

It would be a considerably longer trip for me I'm afraid - I guess I'll have to be happy with a day trip to NYC instead :)

But I am jealous, I wish I could just spend the day in France - my daughter is learning French in school, she would love to go.

Anonymous said...

Hi Hannah, I am addicted to reading your blog - it's great! I enjoy reading about your travels and all the interesting foodie things you come across. Can't believe it's only a 1.5 hour trip to France for you. I'm extremely jealous!

Marie Rayner said...

That looks like a great day out Hannah! I am off to France in about two weeks for the day. I may just decide to take in Lille! I love salted caramel chocolates.

Anonymous said...

Nice photographs Hannah! I really like the one of the bakers!Sparky

Angela said...

Sounds like you had a great day out. Hannah, I have passed an award on to you because I love seeing what delicious looking things you have been making, and your travels.