Savoir-vivre: What does that mean specifically, to you?

The French have an epicurean way of enjoying life. To me, it’s all about the good food and the French cooking their meals from scratch with fresh produce. Even the younger generation with their busy lives, still go to the market to get seasonal stuff from the local producers. It’s meeting for drinks under any/no pretext, at any hour, in bars and restaurants, often. It’s doing what you want to do, when you want to, with not much fuss. I’m not sure that the French always know how cool, lucky and laid-back they seem to the rest of the world! It’s living in the moment and not rushing, rushing all the time.

What brought about your interest in working with Bordeaux wines?

I’m almost ashamed to admit how little I knew about wine when I moved to Bordeaux in 2000. But you know, we live right in the middle of the legendary “Bordeaux” vineyards. After Paris, I thought a career shift to the wine business would be perfect. After a job interview in the very prestigious Chateau Latour, I learned quickly that I would need wine schooling. I signed up for night wine classes after work in a hurry! That’s what ignited the whole wine passion and – later – a career in the chateaux. Best job ever!!

Fast forward 2018, what about Bordeaux attracts you the most?

When we moved, Bordeaux was nothing like Paris. Everything was run down. Beautiful 18th century buildings were disgracefully black from neglect and pollution. Under our noses, the city began a bold – and expensive – transformation. Facades were sandblasted, ugly warehouses along the docks were torn down, a sleek tramway was created, and, a beautiful promenade along the river was born. Bordeaux now stands like a lovely small-scale Paris with historic monuments, boutiques, bars and restaurants (lots of plazas) and it’s very walkable. It’s only an hour’s drive from the Atlantic Ocean, local oyster farms, and two hours away from the mountains and Spain. Today, I have no regrets leaving Paris – at all!

What kind of work did you do at the vineyards? What made you decide to create B for Bordeaux?

There are about 10,000 chateaux producing wine in Bordeaux. The name is globally famous, and people have been attracted to Bordeaux wines for ages. However, 8-10 years ago, it was almost impossible to do a wine tour. Chateaux were reluctant to let visitors in, especially the prestigious Grand Cru Classé estates. Something needed to be done. I’ve been building up and/or facilitating wine tourism in the three chateaux I worked in. Making wine tours possible, making reluctant estates more approachable, and most importantly, making complicated wine information more comprehensible to visitors, is really what I’m doing with my own company “B for Bordeaux”.

What’s the most exciting thing in planning these tours?

Listening to what people want and then setting up their perfect tour. There are legendary and prestigious chateaux, but also small individual producers in Bordeaux; historic and beautiful buildings, but also old, dark and moldy cellars with just one brave man doing all the work. There’s traditional viticulture, there’s organic, or even biodynamic viticulture in the region. Ideally, I like to show people all sides of Bordeaux winemaking, but my tours are tailormade. So, if guests want “bling” for 3 days, we do Grand Cru Classé chateaux nonstop; or “all green”, we do a 100% organic tour. Both are great! There is so much to discover in Bordeaux! I love giving people the tour of their dreams.

How do your tours work?

I plan the entire tour (one or several days) based on my clients’ requests and pick them up at their hotel. We then spend the day(s) together in the vineyards. I suggest a great restaurant in one of the wine regions to fit their taste and budget. Unless people are well informed about Bordeaux beforehand (or are jetlagged and just wish to sleep ), I give them background info on Bordeaux on the way to the chateaux. In my experience, people in the chateaux tend to talk to visitors as if they are knowledgeable about wine and Bordeaux. So, I make sure throughout the day, that they are comfortable with all that they hear and see. No such thing as a silly question!

How can people get in touch with you?

The best way to get in touch with me is email (bforbordeaux@gmail.com) and tell me about yourself and what you expect from a wine tour. You can also check my homepage (www.bforbordeaux.com) and fill the contact form. To speak with me directly, please call + 33 6 01 96 01 37. I look forward to it.

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Author: Melissa Rindell 

“It was love at first sight,” Deborah says, remembering the first time she saw flamenco, when Centro Flamenco performed at her high school in Vancouver. “I loved how visually arresting it was, even more than the music. I loved the skirts, the costumes, the colours, the intensity of it all.”

Deborah went home and begged her mum to sign her up for lessons, who agreed reluctantly. Deborah, after all, like most 14-year olds had started many things only to lose interest a few months later.

“I had no idea what to wear and showed up to the first day of class in shorts, a baggy t-shirt , and clogs. At the end of the class, the teacher told my mum where we could go to buy a skirt and shoes and it was more expensive than we had thought. My mum said, ‘I don’t think we’re going to do this,’ and Rosario (Ancer, the director of Centro Flamenco) overheard and offered to give me a pair of her old shoes. I still have them today.”

Ancer’s generosity was well placed and 2 years later Deborah was the youngest member accepted to Centro Flamenco’s professional training program. 2 years after that, she was on her way to Spain to study with the masters.

“By my last year in high school, I knew I really wanted to go to Spain to study. I had been accepted at UBC (University of British Columbia) in a political science/social geography program, so I deferred for a year.”

If Deborah’s parents had objections, they were nothing compared to her determination, besides she had their history on her side. Deborah’s parents moved from Malaysia and to Canada so they could work with more freedom as journalists and her mother’s parents had left India for Malaysia. In her immediate family, only her brother, remains in the country in which he was born.

At 18, with a year of high school Spanish, Deborah moved to Seville, taking classes in the morning and working as an au pair in the afternoons and evenings.

“It was kind of naïve, looking back on it, but I’m glad. If I knew more, I might have over thought it and talked myself out of it.”

After five months in Seville, Deborah met her future husband, flamenco singer, Alejandro Mendia at a flamenco show and a month later they travelled to Portugal together. Their next trip took them to France, where Deborah performed with Mendia’s group, “Les Noces Gitanes.”

“That’s when it hit me. Before, I thought I would go back, go to University and teach on the side. But performing with Ale’s group made me think, ‘I could do this, I could really just do this.’”

Deborah has been dancing professionally ever since and has performed in Portugal, Malaysia, Russia, France, Switzerland, Ecuador, Morocco, Spain and at the Winnipeg, Calgary and Vancouver Folk Festivals, where her shows reached more than 15,000 spectators.

Deborah has been granted a residency this Fall at Le Cuvier in Artigues-près-Bordeaux to develop a show that explores her Indian roots and how she looks at flamenco, “It is said that the Gypsies who established, and continue to guard the essential character of flamenco, came from India. This show integrates the influences of classical Indian dance into flamenco. It’s a project that’s been festering for a while and is coming together with the right musicians. I’m working with people I really admire.”

The show, which is not yet named will première on October 26th, 2018 at Le Cuvier.

In Bordeaux, Deborah is part of Le Projet Téléphone, a cross-genre/cross-cultural game of artistic telephone featuring local expat and French artists. Deborah watched a long-form monologue and was called upon to create a dance based on what she saw before sharing her work with the next artist in line (The line-up includes a writer/actor, flamenco dancer, DJ, illustrator, songwriter, costume designer, theatre company, filmmaker, painter and mixologist.).

Performance – Le Project Telephone

“I’ve never been part of something like this and I’ve never created a piece using flamenco that is so far from flamenco. Seeing someone else’s work and knowing I was going to pass it on made me be as clear about my intentions as possible. The first decision I had to make was whether or not I was going to use music and I decided not to, because that would tell its own story. Then I had to decide if I would tell it as a non-verbal monologue or take pieces from it. I decided to do it as a non-verbal monologue from beginning to end, taking the ups and down and the emotions and show it as a story. It’s not simultaneous, like with flamenco where the story evolves in harmony with the musicians. Here, I have to keep the energy going by myself.”

Deborah moved to Bordeaux 3 years ago and says, “It wasn’t buzzing yet. It’s just in the last 2 years. There’s an influx of expats and it’s incredible that we’re getting support from places like Les Vivres de l’Art and Le Cuvier. The expat community makes such a huge difference and being in Bordeaux right now is really exciting. For the first time since I left Vancouver I feel I’m in a place that I can call home.”

Performance – Le Project Telephone

One is immediately reminded of another young woman who received a fateful pair of shoes and the phrase she was called upon to repeat, “There’s no place like home.”

Deborah will be performing in Le Projet Téléphone on April 29th at Les Vivres de l’Art at 9:00pm and at La Grande Poste on May 3rd at 8:00pm.

www.lacaramelita-flamenco.com

www.facebook.com/deborahlacaramelita

www.instagram.com/lacaramelitaflamenco

About the author: 
Melissa Rindell moved to Bordeaux from New York, where she worked as an actor, playwright and director. Before that she was a sports journalist for the Associated Press and did public relations for the Sydney Blues of the Australian Baseball League, Boston Red Sox, United States Olympic Committee and International Management Group. Melissa has been living in Bordeaux since 2015.

The post DEBORAH DAWSON – There’s No Place Like Home appeared first on Bordeaux Expats.

The Choclo Project is the brainchild of Australian born, Bordeaux resident, Roland Wimbush. He and his team plan to travel to Mexico with a clear goal: to use art to transform the lives of children in need.

Please read on from a word from Roland..

Hola amigos,

I am sending you this message because you have always supported and followed my other baby, Choclo Project. Today we need your help to finance a trip to help the abandoned and homeless children of Misión México. We are not asking for a simple handout however so please read on.

This summer we will travel to Mexico with a clear goal: to use art to transform the lives of children in need. By nourishing their creative skills, teaching them new artistic techniques and giving value to their work we will present art as a means to improving their situation, by providing them with an education. Aside from building their confidence and self-esteem through art we will also encourage their creativity and self-expression through surfing, skateboarding and yoga. These activities are not only vital in teaching them life skills but also improving their health and well-being. During these sessions they will be able to forget their past and simply enjoy the moment.

Currently 20 million children live in poverty in Mexico. These children often come from dysfunctional families with major economic problems and as a result are far more likely to drop out of school, and are often victims of abuse and violence. Many of these children and adolescents end up living in the streets where they are exposed to drugs, alcohol and crime. In Mexico the streets are often run by the drug cartels making their chance of survival even more limited.

We are not asking you to make a simple donation as we are offering product packs in return for your contribution. And even if you decide not to participate financially you can help by simply sharing this with friends and relations. The more awareness we can create the more chance we have of making this trip happen. To find out more about the project, participate or simply see what we are offering in return for your highly appreciated contributions please go to:

http://www.kisskissbankbank.com/choclo-project-free-the-creativity-of-the-mexican-children

Thank you so much once more for your ongoing contribution to the Project and the children we support. We will of course send regular updates and photos of the trip to all the people that contribute. We have set a high objective so really your help is fundamental.

Muchisimas gracias,
Roland.

www.chocloproject.com
https://www.facebook.com/ChocloProjectClothing

The post Choclo Project – Mission Mexico appeared first on Bordeaux Expats.

Was it easy finding work?
It’s easy finding English teaching hours, but not finding a full­time contract – well nigh impossible, so it means a certain amount of instabililty, especially if you’re single. Setting up as an autoentrepreneur is not particularly difficult BUT the status has changed since it first started up and the government keeps changing the goalposts, so you’ve really got to keep on top of changes in legislation. For anyone who’s an autoentrepreneur, I’d recommend the French website which keeps you up­to­date on all the changes that might affect you and gives loads of (free) ideas on how to promote your business etc. www.planete-auto-entrepreneur.com

I work with Cancer Support France, a volunteer­run association that provides support in English for cancer patients and their carers in the Gironde. www.cancersupportfrance.org

Do you have a business / website / blog?
My business is called Just Massage, it provides a home massage service around Mérignac, Pessac and the surrounding area. I have a blog/website ­ there’s a Facebook link on the blog, monthly massage offers (one coming up soon for French Mother’s Day on May 31st) and lots of homemade beauty recipes I share, among other things.
https://justmassage33.wordpress.com

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Established in 2010, Gasconha creates an exciting range of traditionally brewed craft beers. They produce additive and preservative free brews based on the English real ale tradition as well as German brews and the Bières de Garde of Northern France. The equipment is sourced in England and they can produce between 800 and 1000 litres a go. The beers are refermented in the bottle as with many Bières de Garde giving them extra fizz and mousse and are available in 33cl and 75cl bottles as well as by the barrel.

The master brewers are Vincent – with a corporate financial background he was initiated into the artisan beer world at the Brasserie des Gabariers in Cognac. And Nathanaël – originally from Lille, the French heartland of beer, he has experience in winemaking, homebrewing and has the diploma in masterbrewing from La Rochelle University.

So on a chilly November afternooon and a cycle down from the tram stop a couple of kms away I arrived at the Gasconha brewery.  My visit began with the friendliest welcome possible – I was instantly poured a glass of 6% Gasconha Christmas beer..! The tour began with a demo of the brewing process and the equipment used…

The malt, stored on the 1st floor is funnelled into the range of tanks to be mixed. Bordeaux water is used (less acidic explained Nathanaël, meaning extra malt has to be added to raise the alcohol levels), malt, hops, yeast and some spices are all skillfully combined to produce a selection of 100% Girondin local beers.

Gasconha mixing tanks

Non filtered and non pasteurised the ingredients are sourced in Germany and the style of brewing is based very much on the Anglo-Saxon tradition. Nevertheless Gasconha remains a beverage firmly rooted in Aquitaine and continuing in the footsteps of the Brasserie de l’Atlantique – THE main local Bordeaux brewery dating back to the 19th century.

The selection of brews is fairly comprehensive and designed to meet all tastes. From the Gasconha range brewed with a complex variety of flavours to the Alouette beers with a more modern stylish image. There are also side products such as beer vinegar, gift box sets, glasses and beer mats.

A Christmas stocking filler !!

As for how marketing a local Bordeaux beer fits in with the city’s image as the international wine capital, Nathanaël explains that “(trans) We are very well received.. the beer market has changed over recent years. With the advent of local craft beers it has become more of a luxury product for sampling and tasting.”

He explained that the target market for Gasconha is the more sophisticated beer drinker who will be looking to discern certain flavours and appreciate the product as an aperitif. As for the market base, they are aiming for a strictly local production and to keep supply regional. Not only does this reduce the carbon footprint but also keeps the beer rooted in the culture of the Sud Ouest. The company voicemail treats you to hearty local Gascon village singing!

The website in both the French and Gascon languages is user friendly as well and has great sections such as recipes for cooking with beer – ‘Civet de bœuf à la bière’ (beef and beer stew) being a personal favourite from the UK..

They also have a strong eco-friendly ethic – The residue from the malt after brewing is given as to local farmers as cattle feed, the brewing process uses recycled hot water, biodegradable cups are used (in conjunction with the Bordeaux Unikeco company) and all packaging is reused as much as possible – “ecology and economy go hand in hand“

As for the future of Gasconha.. They have a stall on the Sunday marché des Chartrons and are forever increasing the number of local outlets. They have recently taken on extra staff and are looking to expand. The brewery is in a state of constant evolution as are the brewer’s future projects. There was a small local beer festival this October and this week they are giving a lecture to Bordeaux university Oenology students on brewing techniques. 

Oktoberfest at the brewery – 2013

 

The Gasconha range :

Gasconha Seigle – A 6% Rye beer it has rustic wheat beer characteristics and dried fruit overtones. Best served from 8°C to 11°C.

Gasconha Brune – Traditionally brewed, at 7.5% it hits hard. With caramelised and roasted malts as well as a hint of bitter orange it has a generous flavour not to be taken lightly!

Gasconha Ambrée – 6% with roasted and smoked malts it has caramel and coffee flavourings. Superb as an aperitif it also goes well with red meat and is best served at 8°C to 12°C.

Gasconha Blonde – A moussy lager and at 5.5% it goes perfectly with cheese and white meats. Using a combo of 4 malts and English and German hops it has character!

Gasconha Blanche – A 5.5% German style wheat beer it is described as rounded and velvety with floral and aniseed notes. Goes well with seafood and salads and served between 6°C and 8°C.

Gasconha de Printemps – Evoking Spring there are hints of Jasmin as well as caramel and dark malts. 6% and only available in 33cl.

Gasconha de Noël – A rich festive 6% Christmas beer made with Aquitaine honey. Traditionally brewed with spicy overtones this baby is guaranteed to warm up the winter. With the 2013 brew recently finished the Gasconha Christmas beer is available from a range of stockists including on their Sunday market stall on the Quai des Chartrons. A Christmas stocking gift pack is also on offer with 3 bottles and its very own Gasconha glass. What better way to wash down a roast turkey with all the trimmings!

Merry Christmas…

The Alouette range :

L’Alouette Ambrée – 5.9%, aromatic with caramel and roasted overtones.

L’Alouette Blonde – A well balanced and flavoursome 5.4% lager.

L’Alouette Blanche – 5.4% with a complex palate and floral hints.

Gasconha Vinaigre de Bière – popular in the UK, Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands beer vinegar has a malty taste and is a fantastic way to spice up a salad and intrigue your guests… 

Brewing tank

 

The brews are available on draught at the Vintage (Quai de Richelieu) and the new Vintage Bar near the Grosse Cloche as well Chez le Pépère near Place Gambetta. By the bottle there are an increasing number of suppliers all over town such as Angelique at the Caisse de 12, Cave Oenolimit, Le Perdi Tempo (near Porte Caillou), Paul’s Place in Chartrons, Centro Do Brasil  (rue du Port), La Grange (Cours de L’Argonne) and tons of others. Their beers can also be bought directly at the brewery, on the Chartrons Sunday market or by rendezvous in Bastide. Gasconha also offer the renting out of a beer bar with all the equipment, ideal for an outdoor event or festival as well as workshops to create your own tailor made brew. Check the website for merchandise, recipes and more details. 

Gasconha outlets in central Bordeaux

 
Both passionate masterbrewers and beer aficionados Vincent and Nathanaël welcome visitors to the brewery all year round Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm. For the latest product and event info check the facebook page… https://www.facebook.com/pages/Brasserie-Gasconha/158266614266191

or simply give them a call…    Cheers!

Brasserie Gasconha

Chateau Bersol – Bat. 5

218/228 Avenue du Haut Lévêque
33600   PESSAC
Tel : 05 56 08 93 32 – Fax : 09 72 16 21 11
Mob : 06 70 12 61 14 or 06 51 43 15 49

The post The Beerdeaux Chronicles: A visit to the Gasconha brewery appeared first on Bordeaux Expats.

TED (Technology-Entertainment-Design) is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to “Ideas worth spreading“. The TEDx events are independently organised locally, giving greater focus to community orientated conversation and connections.In 2012, there will be over 5000 TEDx events around the world, with 33 of them taking place in France.

TEDx conferences all have similar ambitions in common. These ambitions tend to be to shake, energise and thrust creative thought and new ideas into the world. This year’s TEDx Bordeaux theme is “Terr (his) tory“
For the TEDxBX conference, there will be 12 speakers who will broach notions such as terroir, history, territories… a notion included in the ad-hoc word “Terr(hist)oires”. Most of the talks will be given in french, so you best come with at least the basics!

WHEN: 1st December, 2012
WHERE: Théâtre national de Bordeaux en Aquitaine, Place Renaudel, Bordeaux, 33000
COST: Invitation Only

www.tedxbordeaux.com
www.facebook.com/pages/TEDxBordeaux
www.twitter.com/tedxbordeaux

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Photo – Anne-Sophie Annese

This is how Expat Ben came up with the idea in opening West Coast Gourmet Burgers!

“After many years living and travelling abroad,  I fell in love with the south west and settled in Bordeaux.
Frustrated by the lack of proper burgers, I decided to sell burgers like the ones I tasted on my travels, not a 20€ extravaganza that you can’t even lift, just the best quality meat, a proper bun, fresh home made ingredients.”

West Coast Gourmet Burgers is situated in the heart of Bordeaux, close to the Place Saint Pierre, and offers pure race Limousin beef, proper buns, back bacon and real English cheddar among other things! They also also do a BYO drinks policy (almost unheard of in France!) for those who want to bring a nice bottle along, with a 7€ corkage fee. Check out their menu.

If your in a hurry, their take away service is now up and running!!

NOW HIRING: They are currently looking to expand their team and are looking for an Anglo Saxon Chef! Minimum cooking experience is desired however training will be provided. If your interested in applying you can contact them here.

Address: 31 rue du Cancéra, 33000 Bordeaux

More info:  
www.westcoastburgers.fr
www.facebook.com/westcoastburgers
www.twitter.com/benwestcoast

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La Sauzaie, one of the best reefs of France renowned to deliver some consistent and hollow waves when the surf reaches 1 to 1.2 meter range, will welcome some of the world’s best surfers competing for the valuable 1500 ratings’ points and US$ 85,000 prizepurse on offer.

Bretignolles sur Mer is a commune in the Vendée department in the Pays de la Loire region. It is around 300km from Bordeaux and 110km from La Rochelle.


When: 21 – 25th April 2010
Where: La Sauzaie, Bretignolles sur Mer

http://www.protestvendeepro.com/

Facebook

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