Travel – Page 6 – C'est le Brie

Japanese Matcha Shortbread Cookies

Published on March 7, 2016April 3, 2025 by C'est le BrieLeave a comment

By Natalie Anne ❤

I’ve been so obsessed with my Thailand Box from Try the World that I accidentally neglected my Japan Box, which has so much to offer. So yesterday during a lazy Sunday, I decided to get out my Japan Box and make a recipe. I saw one for these Matcha Shortbread Cookies and knew I had found my answer. My mother gave me a Totoro rolling pin for Christmas I had been dying to use so this was the perfect recipe!I cut the recipe in half, since I was low on butter and didn’t need want to tempt myself with 24 cookies in my apartment.

I followed the recipe, with one small twist of using half brown sugar/half white sugar for the sugar portion of the recipe. Other than that, I followed the same ingredients and directions from TTW’s recipe and they turned out so cute and delicious:

INGREDIENTS

2 cups flour, plus more for rolling
2 Tbsp. matcha green tea powder
½ tsp. salt
2 sticks butter, at room temperature
½ cup sugar

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine the flour, matcha, and salt in a small bowl. In a medium bowl, beat the butter until creamy, about 5 minutes. Add the sugar and continue to beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes more. Gently stir in the flour mixture until just incorporated.

2. Place a piece of parchment paper on a work surface and dust with flour. Roll the cookie dough to ¼-inch thick. Chill until firm, about 30 minutes.

3. Preheat the oven to 325°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Cut out cookie rounds using a cookie-cutter and transfer to the baking sheets. Gather, roll, and cut out the scraps once more. Chill until firm, about 10 minutes.

4. Bake until a knife inserted into the middle of a cookie comes out clean, about 15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack and serve. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

The Top Peaceful Paris Picnic Spots: A Local’s Guide

Published on March 3, 2016March 31, 2025 by C'est le BrieLeave a comment

By Natalie Anne ❤

I know there are sooo many blog posts and recommendations of what to do, see, and experience in Paris. As there should be! Paris is one of the most magical places in the world and in my opinion, is certainly not overrated. My sister and I studied abroad in Paris together one summer and it transformed our lives one Pom’Pote at a time.

One of our favorite parts of living in Paris briefly, was finding the perfect Parisian spots to seek peace and feast on pastries and picnic food. So here we will invite you to discover our favorite spots in Paris to seek solace while munching on croissants and macaroons:

1. Parc de Buttes Chaumont

Myles and I lived in the 19th arrondisement right beside the Ourcq metro stop. It is perhaps not the most well-known area, but it offers some great Patisseries and one of our favorite parks in the world. The Parc de Buttes Chaumont has an incredible view of the city, a beautiful lake, and multiple pathways and trails winding throughout. It is hilly and has a beautiful bank by the river to pull out a blanket, lie down in the grass, and indulge in Parisian bliss. You’ll find Parisians reading books, playing music, hanging out with friends, and enjoying their pastries.

2. Le Petit Palais

In the middle of Le Petit Palais is Le Jardin du Petit Palais, a cafe, inside a beautiful, open atrium. This oasis has floors with beautiful mosaic tiling and there are large marble columns and little tables and chairs set up. It is incredibly decadent and idyllic, plus the art collection inside the Petit Palais is one of my favorites in the world, and surprisingly enough, there never seems to be an overwhelming crowd.

3. Square du Vert Galant on the Île de la Cité

While the Notre Dame de Paris is one of the most beautiful and well-known cathedrals in the world, the island that it sits on is just as special. The Île de la Cité is an island on the Seine right in the middle of Paris. The Square du Vert-Galant is a miniature park area right on the tip of the island underneath Pont Neuf (the oldest bridge in Paris). It provides a perfect hangout area for locals and tourists alike to sit on the river and marvel at the architecture as boats pass you by. Luckily enough, it is also right beside a port where you can hop on a boat for an hour trip up and down the Seine (Vedettes du Pont-Neuf).

4. Jardin des Tuileries

Located right beside the Louvre and running along the Seine in the heart of Paris, Tuileries is a centrally-located gem that is home to the Musee De L’Orangerie (one of our favorite museums in Paris), multiple fountains, and rows of trees with benches. It offers a slower pace than the city streets while still offering beautiful scenery.

5. The Grassy Lawn beside the Eiffel Tower

Just because this may be one of the more obvious places to go, does not make it any less special. Who doesn’t want an awe-inspiring picture of themselves lounging in front of the Eiffel Tower and relishing in its splendid beauty? Perhaps not one of the more peaceful locations, the grassy lawn in front of the Eiffel Tower is still a popular spot to lie in the grass with a baguette and some brie.

6. Sacré-Coeur

Another popular location, the Sacré-Coeur is a dramatically stunning cathedral situated on the hill in Montmartre and offering one of the most famous view of the City of Love. The streets surrounding the Sacré-Coeur are filled with painters, artists, vendors, restaurants, and picturesque corners. You could spend an entire day wandering through these streets, visiting the cathedral, enjoying the stunning view, and taking millions of photographs. It’s one of our favorite places to visit in Paris. We’ve been there a handful of times now and it’s impossible for us to visit Paris and not stop by this beautiful part of the city.

7. Jardin des Plantes

The Jardin des Plantes is not the most popular destination for tourists, which makes it ideal for peace and an undiscovered treasure. Its Alice in Wonderland-like pathways, hedges, and trees create an enchanting experience that feels almost secretive. This botanical garden is home to the Museum of Natural History and houses a small yet delightful zoo. If you’re looking for a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city, this is the perfect spot.

Best Dessert Restaurants in Portland, Oregon

Published on February 19, 2016April 3, 2025 by C'est le BrieLeave a comment

by Myles Katherine ❤

I’m obsessed with sugar. It’s bad. On every birthday, holiday or weekend day I treat myself to something extra sweet. As you’ll probably tell from the list, chocolate is my go-to. Plus, my birthday is on Valentine’s Day so it’s absolutely necessary and understandable to indulge in dessert. So, if you’re in the mood for a decadent treat, check out some of my favorite Portland dessert spots.

Petit Provence‘s ANYTHING – One of my favorite places to go in Portland if I have the travel bug and want to feel like I’m in Europe. The Brioche Banana French Toast is incredible, and they give you a free tart on your birthday (photo featured above)! They have multiple locations throughout Portland but the one on NE Alberta is my go-to. Their dessert case is beautiful and colorful and delicious. Fleur de Lis Bakery comes in a close second. I’m biased to this bakery because they are in my neighborhood and hello, convenience. But in my opinion, they have the most authentic tasting croissants this side of France.
Chocolate peanut butter pie from The Pie Spot – This is my I’ve-had-a-terrible-day-I-just-need-a-dang-chocolatey-treat dessert. Whenever I’m sad I need one of these or I can’t move on with my life. I like to take it home and warm it in my toaster oven. The chocolate and peanut butter combination is perfection.
Bourbon Ball from Papa Haydn – My boyfriend and I go here every so often for the Bourbon Ball because it’s enough for 2. It doesn’t look gigantic but it is so rich and filling. Plus, it has bourbon in it, and is there anything better than alcohol and chocolate? And if you don’t like chocolate, there are TONS of delicious options to choose from here. A lovely date night spot.
Cookie Monster Babycake from Petunia’s Pies & Pastries– This bakery is gluten free AND vegan. This cupcake is the best one I’ve ever had. EVER. ANYWHERE. So good. And sugary.
Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache Ice cream from Salt & Straw – In my opinion, the BEST ice cream in Portland, and possibly in the world. They rotate their flavors every month and use local ingredients. They pair up with restaurants around town to create completely unique flavors depending on the time of the year. I’ve been meaning to head down there this month to try their February flavors. They’ve paired up with a few chocolate shops around town to make flavors like Maple and Rose Chocolate and PB&J. CAN’T WAIT. The Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache is my go-to flavor but you really can’t go wrong. The Snickerdoodle is AMAZING too.
Chocolate lava cake from Pix Patisserie – Another fabulous date night spot. A wine bar AND dessert bar?! Count me in. The atmosphere is amazing. Everything I’ve had there is incredible. Macaroons, chocolates, cream puffs, etc. It’s like going to Paris without spending $1300 on a plane ticket. They also give free birthday desserts!
Alma Chocolate‘s Boozy Box – I make my boyfriend buy this for me every year for my birthday. These chocolates are the best in Portland (in my opinion, of course). They are intensely flavorful and rich. I’m a dark chocolate person, so I crave the bitterness and simplicity of a strong chocolate. The boozy box is filled with alcohol-infused chocolates. Their drinking chocolate is also incredible.
Saint Cupcake‘s Classic Vanilla Cupcake – In case you don’t like chocolate and want a simple, delicious basic cupcake, Saint Cupcake has you covered. I don’t typically enjoy simple cupcakes because I’m one to go for the cookie-dough-caramel-chocolate-coconut-peanut-butter all-in-one deals. But the vanilla cupcake with vanilla icing is everything you’d ever need in a cupcake. SO GOOD.
Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai – Made to order, these miniature doughnuts are a MUST every single time I’m in Portland. There is truly nothing better than a warm doughnut.
Blue Star Donuts Original Buttermilk – Yes. BETTER than Voodoo Doughnuts. Obviously, Voodoo Donuts is a nice tourist spot and fun to visit (I still go there for an ODB when I need oreos and peanut butter in my life). But Blue Star is where I go for quality and pure bliss.

Review: Why you should Try The World!

Published on February 19, 2016April 3, 2025 by C'est le Brie4 Comments

By Natalie Anne ❤

Ever since moving into a studio apartment by myself in Washington, DC, I have felt lonelier than usual. I have resorted to writing letters and trying out new subscriptions that I have found on Pinterest which offer free deals for signing up. I first became intrigued by Try the World when I was able to get a Japan box (a $39.99 value) for free by subscribing to the company and thought why the hell not. I had the option to cancel after receiving my first box in the mail, but there is no way I could ever part with this magical box of love. I immediately told my sister about it and now we are devastatingly hooked on our subscriptions.

Try the World is a subscription box of treats that comes right to your door once every 2 months for $39.99. Every box comes with 7-8 food items from a particular country, all of which are unique and thoughtful and with a wide array of nutritional content. The flavors range from sweet and sugary to salty and zesty. They are also sure to throw in something starchy to tie it all together too! Every element offers something different but at the same time the box remains cohesive. Every colorful box offers a country guide too that tells you about the chef and food professionals they teamed up with and offer recipes and ideas to send you on your way to creating your own personal yet exotic culinary haven.

My Thailand box has certainly been one of favorites! Thailand has always been at the top of our travel bucket lists and being able to explore the flavors of the country made me want to go even worse. My box included a packet of organic Tom Yum soup ingredients, a bag of dried Jack Fruit (so delicious), Thai spicy flavor rice balls, red curry paste, Jasmine rice, coconut flower syrup, Chaidim tea, and sweet orange coconut crispy rolls.

I absolutely fell in love with the coconut flower syrup as it adds an extra bit of sweetness to any dessert or treat. My favorite use for it is to drizzle it on waffles or pancakes. I recently made Mickey Mouse waffles with dark chocolate morsels and topped them off with this coconut syrup and it melted in my mouth.

Best Brunch Restauarants in Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia

Published on February 19, 2016April 3, 2025 by C'est le BrieLeave a comment

By Natalie Anne ❤

I moved to Northern Virginia less than a year ago, and in this short time, have brunched as much as possible. Luckily, in my neighborhood there are plenty of delicious restaurants that know how to brunch well. For my brunching experience, I almost exclusively order some combination of Eggs Benedict, my absolute favorite dish of all time. So if you really don’t like poached eggs topped with a creamy, delicious Hollandaise sauce blend, then this list may not be for you, unless of course I can change your mind.

Bayou Bakery

The first morning I woke up as an official Arlington resident, I walked down the street to check out the nearby bakery and cafe, Bayou Bakery. I was hoping for a trendy, fun experience with tasty food, and it definitely fulfilled my expectations. Their beignets are warm and rolled in a generous portion of powdered sugar. And if you want to try a bit of heaven catch a slice of their Quiche du Jour.

Fontaine Caffe and Creperie

Old Town Alexandria is the most idyllic location for brunching. The brick buildings and waterfront offer a pristine atmosphere to wake up and smell the coffee to. Fontaine’s had a bit of a wait when we arrived on a Sunday morning due to limited space, but their menu was worth it. Although it is a creperie, and I love crepes, I was dying to try their “Breakfast Bruschetta” on the menu. It is composed of brioche bread topped with two fried eggs, pancetta, tomato, and drizzled with a pesto aioli and olive oil. It was amazing to say the least.

Fuego

If indulging in a surplus of Mexican food and margaritas is your idea of a perfect brunch, then you absolutely have to try Fuego in Clarendon. It offers a three course brunch menu for a fixed price with everything from tacos, queso, guacamole, enchiladas, omelettes as well as savory desserts. Their portions are no joke so be ready to take some boxes home. I of course recommend the Mexican Benedict with Chorizo and Chipotle Hollandaise. Their Churros are an absolute must as well.

Del Ray Cafe

Del Ray in Alexandria is situated in a quaint two-story country house and emphasizes an organic farm to table experience. It feels like you’re eating at a neighbors house and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. Myles and I were on our way out of town to our grandmother’s annual Christmas party and stopped here for a little detour. We split the Eggs Benedict on a Croissant and the French Toast topped with Strawberry and Rhubarb Compote. It’s always so hard for us to decide between savory and sweet, so we opted for both.

Fireworks Pizza

I wasn’t really expecting a pizza-focused restaurant to have the best brunch options, but I was gladly proved wrong by Fireworks Pizza. They have a smaller brunch menu, but I usually like this better so I don’t have to make so many decisions. I went one morning with a friend who was visiting for a weekend from New York. I texted her the brunch menu and when we saw the description of their Eggs Benedict served over Parmesan Polenta and topped with avocado, we knew we had to try it and we suggest you do too.