French connection: A slice of Gallic life in NZ

Owner Alvin Chan at Boulangerie L'epi in Ellerslie. Photo / Babiche Martens

This time last year I was in France filming the TV series World Kitchen. Ooh la la, that was hard work! All day, every day I had to front up to eat and talk about food, visit numerous speciality food stores and markets, where I was directed to eat some more. Such a difficult job!

My mornings in Lyon started with throwing the shutters open from my third-storey room to view the day and watch as people made their way to work along the cobbled streets. I'd join them with a walk down the river for my morning cafe au lait. Of course my schoolgirl French lessons had taught me the important things to be able to ask for: "Avec un croissant s'il vous plait". Aah, a buttery feather-light croissant to make my morning complete.

For lunch I liked to visit one of the many restaurants offering two and three-course lunches. So civilised. One of my most memorable lunches was a gently poached chicken breast draped in a creamy tarragon sauce and served with a simple lettuce salad, made with iceberg lettuce and sliced tomatoes and drizzled with a basic vinaigrette dressing. I followed this up with a slice of still-warm apple tart. Heavenly.

Dinner was often an informal affair consisting of purchases made earlier at the number of markets, bakeries or delicatessens we visited throughout the gruelling day of filming. Delectable cheeses, a slab of fabulous terrine, crisp French bread. I was in foodie heaven, surrounded by people who never got bored with eating, cooking, shopping for ingredients or talking about food.

Needless to say coming home is the tough part of making a travel and cooking show, or travelling in general. It's when the longing can set in. So, I set about creating my own "Feeling French for a Day" right here at home. It's easy with the multitude of suppliers and eating establishments that focus on great French food nestled right here in our own neighbourhoods.

To begin I start early in the day, donning red lippy and a cheeky little neck scarf. I head out in search of coffee and decadent pastries. In central Auckland there are choices galore. My pick is Paneton French Bakery in Halsey St. Easy parking. Great croissant - spun layers of butteriness.

Or try their quiche lorraine with its crisp pastry and simple, unfussy filling with just the right amount of cheese and thinly sliced ham. If you're more North Shore than Central City, try La Tropezienne Bakery in Browns Bay. Count yourself lucky if you're out east where you can visit Boulangerie L'epi in Michaels Ave, Ellerslie - but be warned, they're only open Thursday to Sunday. Southern Auckland residents can try Le Moulin French Bakery in St George St, Papatoetoe.

Feeling replete I'm ready for stocking up on all the supplies I'll need to put together a true French feast. Incredible cheese can be had from one of the three C'est Fromage stores. Don't be afraid to ask to sample the cheeses before you purchase - it's entirely acceptable and even expected. Last time I was seduced by the Brie a la Truffe - beautiful gooey, creamy brie infused with truffle - and I can never go past their cute Le Mini Chevrot for a taste of the goat.

Then it's off to Mt Albert to Pyrenees. This French delicatessen has baguettes with just the right balance of crisp crust and inner softness. There's an old French "law" that bans walking more than seven paces from a boulangerie (bakery) without pinching open and tasting a just-bought baguette. I easily abide by this law every time I visit Pyrenees. Here I also pick up some dried morels - prized mushrooms that will lend a truly earthy French flavour to any hearty meal - and a thick slice of terrine, with its layer of jellied parsley, to serve as a starter.

Swing in to Phillipe's on Great North Rd to take care of dessert - chocolates and cakes to seriously consider breaking any diet for. Then it's off to La Cigale for my final stop. On a Wednesday or weekend this French market is the place to stock up on fresh produce as folk mill around shopping, discussing ingredients and generally "feeling French".

By now my lippy has begun to fade and it's time to head home to my kitchen and get cooking. A big pot of Coq au Vin steeping on the stove-top for the rest of the day will truly cement that French feeling.

If you want to embrace the French way but prefer instant gratification I suggest making a booking at your local French restaurant! Try Winehot if you're central, Long Table and Narrow Room if you're north, or the French Cafe if you're within a 200-mile radius of it. Bon appetit!

WHERE TO FIND THE BEST FRENCH FOOD SUPPLIERS AND BAKERIES

Paneton French Bakery: 21 Halsey St, Auckland. Ph: (09) 309 5338.

Boulangerie L'epi: 64 Michaels Ave, Ellerslie. Ph: (09) 579 5240.

C'est Fromage:
5 Maskell St, St Heliers
5 McColl St, Newmarket
585 Remuera Rd, Remuera

Pyrenees: 756 New North Rd, Mt Albert 1025. Ph: (09) 846 8561.

Il Forno: McKelvie St, Ponsonby.

La Tropezienne: Clyde Court, Browns Bay, North Shore. Ph: (09) 478 8798.

Phillipe's Chocolates: 293-295 Great North Road, Grey Lynn.

La Cigale: 69 St Georges Bay Road, Parnell 1052, Auckland. Ph: (09) 366 9361.

Le Moulin French Bakery: 25 St George Street, Papatoetoe 2025. Ph: (09) 279 3082

OTHERS

Voila: Amazing for breakfast and lunch.
573 Sandringham Rd, Sandringham Ph (09) 846 8393.

Winehot: 605 New North Rd Kingsland. Ph: (09) 815 9463.

Long Table and Narrow Room: Dining delight
435 Beach Rd, Mairangi Bay, Auckland. Ph: (09) 479 5374.

Estragon: Soon to relocate to over the road.
22/28 Jellicoe Rd, Panmure 1072. Ph: (09) 527 5080.

French Cafe: Worth moving heaven and earth
210 Symonds Street, Newton 1010, Auckland. Ph: (09) 377 1911