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Snacks and Nibbles - Eating in Nice
13.10.2023
I start this article with my one and only namely Peixes https://www.peixes.fr
There two of them and you can't make reservations in either. So go on lunchtime or queue up cos its worth a little wait.
The food is somewhere in between modern peruvian and mediterranean but without loosing credibility. Simple yet endless tasty dishes, like the chickpea salad, with aubergine and a heavenly foam of hummus which I never tasted before. Creamy and light at the same time. Served with and unique sourdough bread with a good crust and soft inside.
The Ceviches are fresh and well combined with figs, aubergine caviar, fresh veggies and of course the characteristic lime marinade which is never too sour but enough to make you wanna eat more.
Streetfoods
What's next on my list? SOCCA! This flat slightly oily savory cake is sold as street food and is a mixture from olive oil, chickpeas, salt and water. Is baked at wooden ovens and it gives it not only a heavenly crust but also a smokey taste. Sometimes they are seasoned with Pepper, Piment or Herbs.
Like many street foods, this recipe goes back to roman times and was invented from the poor people, who cooked with ingredients they had - wich was not much. Nevertheless its also the proof that often, less is more ;)
Nice has, unlike most other regions or cities in France, not much patisserie or sweet specialities to offer. Typical though is "Tarte de Blettes", which might appear a bit unusual at first sight. "Blettes" is swiss chard, a vegetable more known for salty dishes.
Give this unusual sweet Tarte a try, you'll be swept away by the buttery bottom, the sweet yet slight bitter taste of the chards, finalized by the crunchy taste of pine nuts at the end. Sometimes, the Tarte is covered with dough again which makes it richer and sweeter.
Last delight I gonna introduce to you is called Truchia or Trouchia, its savory and some kind of Omelette or Frittata.
Made with Eggs, thinly sliced Chard again of course, parcel, garlic and onions, its sold in different versions, with olives, grated cheese, some veggies or even potatos, even closer to the spanish tortilla.
Things to do in Nice away from tourist paths
11.10.2023
Although Nice feels sometimes overrun with tourists in summer, the city is a place where people live all year round. This is evident in the cultural offers, as well as the markets, stores and restaurants.
Candlelight Concerts at Observatoire de la Côte d'Azur (Nice)
The Observatory offers a variety of Concerts in this special venue. Already the view down on the city is worth the trip up there.
Find more about the program here
Centre Universitaire Mediterranéen
This place has not only one of the most beautiful buildings of a University I have ever seen they also have a big variety of Lectures, of course related to the region and wich are free for every one. Give it a try and learn something new :)
Where the Artists live - Saint-Paul-de-Vence
https://www.saint-pauldevence.com
Fed up with the city life? Take a trip to Saint-Paul-deVence, 15 Minute drive from Centre Nice. This pittoreske little medieval village is just stunning to see, even if you don't have the change to go shopping in one of the many Galleries.
Hiking to the Parc Forestier du Mont Boron
The Park offers about 11 km hiking trails, Picnic places and Pétanque runway. From the Fort Mont Alban you have a spectacular view over the harbor and of the weather and Villefranche sur Mer. Start your hike at Nice old town to the Fort, it takes about 45 Minutes.
Menton
20.09.2023
Menton ekes out a bit of a shadowy existence on the Cote d'Azur. Why is that? Maybe it's not sophisticated enough, too close to Monaco or too far away from the hustle and bustle? I don't know, but I think the pretty town near the Italian border is worth a visit.What to do!
1 Marché des Halles As usual, the place where you find me and i feel the most at home, COS there's FOOOD!
Cvered market with great (often Italian) food, bread, cheese, seasonal vegetables and fruit. Stop at one of the surrounding cafes and have a "Barbara Juan". The fried salty pastry with leeks, spinach or similar vegetables is typical of Menton and very very tasty.
2 Musée Jean Cocteau The Museum by the Sea shows the artist's works from 1910 to 1950 in all their diversity. I never made it there, it was flooded or in renovation and i felt rejected after a while. Jean Cocteau does not like me. But people keep saying its worth a go. If its open, once in a decade.
3 Walk through the narrow pretty streets to the higher cemetery, "Old Chateau". Yeah its a bit creepy but in other cities, people pay for such an experience. And apart from that, you have a great view of the bay, the mountains and the coast, as well as a beautiful old cemetery. Afterwards, walk through the maze of alleys back to the Promenade de Soleil, follow it eastwards and you can almost reach Italy.
4 Last but not least, Menton is also known for one of the best restaurants in the world, the Mirazur. Make sure to book in advance.
5 Menton, like the whole Cote, was turned into a tourist zone by the English. What remains are some of the most beautiful beaches in the region, some of which are open to the public. Val-Rahmeh-Menton Botanical Garden, Jardin Maria Serena, Les Jardine Bioves are some of them.
6 Ventimiglia is the town just after the border in Italy and is also worth a visit. Not because of its genuine border town charm, but because of its great coffee and especially the weekly market. Here the connoisseur's eye (and stomach) revels. and of course your weight scale.
Bistros at Côte d'Azur
14.09.2023
1 La Café de la Fontaine, La Turbie
Close to Hostellerie Jér'ome, a restaurant with two Michelin stars, this little legendary Gem is one of my favorites.
Regular customers and tourists mingle in this location with a relaxed but lively atmosphere.
Food served here offers a sunny bistro-style generous variety of fresh seasonal and of course, classics. Menus changes daily, depending what the chef finds in the morning on the markets.
2 Eden Plage Mala, Cap d'Ail
Not exactly a typical Bistro, but a good place to know. Stay for Lunch a Rosé soaked afternoon (they have sunbeads too), Dinner or all together.
Hidden in the beautiful bay Plage de la Mala, its accessible by boat (anchor) or car. But best by Taxi, cos parking spaces are rare, even in low season.
They serve good decent fresh, modern interpreted local food, Ceviche, Sushi, Seafood, Socks or even a charcuterie platter.
3 Le Café de Turin, Nice
This a bit old fashioned but beautiful and very dignified place serves all kind of Seafood.
You get a variety of different delicious Oysters, Crabs, Lobsters and all their yummy relatives, cooked or raw. All you Seafoodie Heart is wishing for.
4 La table de Kamiya, Cagne-sur-mer
https://www.la-table-de-kamiya.fr
Wonderful and unpretentiously but sophisticated Fusion Cuisine (Janapese-French)
Loved not only the food but also the atmosphere inside the restaurant, calm, friendly, tidy place.
5 Foodie Places in Nice, France
09.09.2023
1 Peixes
There are two of them underneath, a smaller place, more like a bar and the bigger is a classic restaurant. Both busy. Make a reservation, otherwise you have to queue up and that would be a shame. Little portions to share, fusion/southamerican/mediteranean approach, i'd say with an Asian touch. Super fresh and tasty.
2 Marché de la Libération
Although the marchers aux fleurs might be more scenic at first sight, give this market a try. Here's where Nice is authentic, you find fruits and veggies from the region, huge piles of Olives and Cheese, fresh flowers and fish and seafood from the Mediterranean. Its authentic, loud, on some corners a bit smelly but a feast for your eyes and your table, if you feel like shopping. Otherwise have a café au lait somewhere and enjoy the atmosphere.
3 Les Bains du Castel
https://www.castelplage.com/les-bains-du-castel/
You look at Nice plage and you have the Sea just next to you. And its almost like being on a Boat. Most of what they serve is Fish or Seafood and its not cheap, but they interpret many culinary classics in a modern way without too much fuss. I loved it, maybe also cos the atmosphere is relaxed and light.
4 Chez Davia
Classic, a bit old style bistro with authentic seasonal Food from the region.
5 La Petite Maison
no Webside
11 Rue Saint-François de Paule, Nice
Seasonal Food from Cote Azur. Fish and Seafood but also all time classics like stuffed Zucchini Flowers, Aioli and Anchovies.