Francis' Blog
The private dining diary of Chef Francis, a classically trained international French chef. Francis is offering private dining services, catering and cooking classes to the residents of New Jersey, Metro New York and Philadelphia.
Elegant Belgian Chocolate Teardrop Desserts: Rich Dark Chocolate Mousse with Kirsch-Soaked Cherries
While the “Belgian Chocolate Teardrop” as a specific dessert form may evoke modern patisserie elegance—often a teardrop-shaped chocolate shell filled with mousse, fruits, or ganache—its roots lie in the broader
Valentine’s Day Strawberry Crepes Recipe – A Romantic Breakfast in Bed
Enter Valentine’s Day Strawberry Crepes: thin, delicate French-style pancakes folded around juicy fresh strawberries, creamy filling, and a touch of sweetness. Valentine’s Day calls for something special, intimate, and delicious—something
The Rathausplatz Christmas Market: Vienna, Austria
When the first Sunday of Advent arrives, Vienna transforms into the undisputed queen of The Rathausplatz Christmas Market , and the absolute crown jewel is the Wiener Christkindlmarkt on Rathausplatz.
Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market, Copenhagen, Denmark
Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market (simply called “Tivoli” by Danes) is one of the world’s oldest surviving amusement parks and the second-oldest still-operating amusement park globally (after Dyrehavsbakken, also in Denmark).
Budapest Christmas Markets: Magical Vörösmarty Square & St. Stephen’s Basilica
A little history to tie-in the Budapest Christmas Markets: Budapest was born in 1873 when three distinct cities—Buda and Óbuda on the hilly western bank of the Danube, and flat,
Strasbourg: The Capital of France’s Oldest Christmas Market
Strasbourg, the elegant capital of Alsace and seat of the European Parliament, sits gracefully on the Rhine River where France and Germany meet, blending both cultures in its language, architecture,
Dive into 3 Electrifying Pintxo Recipes to Spark Your Basque Bar Journey!
Pintxo recipes, the soul of Basque gastronomy, took shape in the mid-19th century along northern Spain’s vibrant coast, particularly in San Sebastián (Donostia) and Bilbao. Derived from the Basque word
The Sweet Saga of the Basque Cake Recipe: A Journey from Rustic Roots to Global Glory
The Basque cake recipe, known as Etxeko Bixkotxa or Gâteau Basque, hails from the heart of the French Basque region, particularly Labourd and the villages of Cambo-les-Bains and Itxassou. Dating
Exploring the Arts and Basque Architecture in the Basque Region of France and Spain
The Basque Country, a vibrant region straddling northern Spain and southwestern France, is a cultural mosaic where ancient traditions meet modern creativity. Its arts and Basque architecture offer a captivating
