On these dreary winter days, I have been thinking about food that I have experienced in our travels. There is something to be said for infusing flavor into a dish. French bistros offer dishes that are well known for simplicity and big flavors. The countryside of France is full of cozy bistros nestled in picturesque villages. We had the pleasure of visiting many on our last two trips to France.
In St. Remy we had a lovely lunch at Bistrot Decouverte. The French blue shutters are so typical of Provencal buildings. Our lunch of braised chicken and salade verte with a glass of chilled rose’ wine was perfect.
Unfortunately the only picture we took was of my empty plate and my satisfied expression.
We spent a week in the charming village of L’Isle Sur la Sorgue. This village has been called little Venice because the waters of The Sorgue river flow around and through the town. It is also known for its Brocantes or antique stores. One of the most popular antique’s fair in France is held every Sunday in the Market Square. There are also numerous small bistros to enjoy.
We enjoyed many fine meals and aperitifs along the cobbled streets.
David was pleased to find braised rabbit on the menu of L’Aparte, a Bistro with a water view. It was served with baked ratatouille and a green salad.
In remembrance of all the fine meals we had in French Bistros, I made this flavorful dish of Chicken Thighs in Raspberry White Balsamic Vinegar. It is studded with cherry tomatoes. The ingredient list is short. The cooking time is also. But the flavors are big. It is an adaptation of a dish from Bistro d’a Cote in Paris that Patricia Wells wrote about in her book Bistro Cooking. If you want to be transported to a warm sunny clime while the snow flurries swirl, this is just the dish to serve for dinner. You won’t be disappointed.
BISTRO CHICKEN THIGHS WITH RASPBERRY VINEGAR
Serves 2 to 4
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
4 chicken thighs, trimmed of some of the skin
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2/3 cup Raspberry Blush Vinegar ( I used “Alessi” which may be available in your local store for no more than $4.00)
Small container of cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon butter to finish
Chopped parsley to garnish
In a nonreactive skillet, heat the oil and butter over high heat. Season the chicken thighs liberally with and salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook until the skin side is golden brown (Approx. 5 minutes). Regulate the heat so that you do not burn the chicken. Turn the pieces and brown them on the other side for an additional 5 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and pour out the cooking fat. Return the chicken to the skillet and very slowly add the vinegar. Lower the heat to medium and reduce the vinegar by half, turning the chicken from time to time to coat it with the mixture, about 10 minutes.
Add the tomatoes and chicken stock. Cover and simmer gently over medium low heat until the chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes.
Remove the chicken to a platter and whisk in the 1 tablespoon of butter. Pour the sauce over the chicken, sprinkle with parsley and serve with mashed potatoes.
That looks and sounds wonderful Penny! I loved the bistros in France….Good, flavorful comfort food!
xo
Penny
Lovely photos of your fabulous trip, Penny. Yes, you do look satisfied with your meal!
And this dish looks fabulous. I use a (light) raspberry vinaigrette on my salad every lunch. Love raspberry. Will look for that vinegar in my market next trip.
I love how the French people take a few simple ingredients and turn it into the best gourmet you ever ate. This looks like a winner. btw, it is difficult to beat mashed potatoes, but this is delicious over soft polenta if you are feeling Italian. 🙂
M.
It looks great..You had me at Bistro though..I loved L’Isle Sur La Sorgue..next time we would like St-Rémi:)
You look perfectly French there:)
The brocante was so nice! To see the water while browsing:)
This dish sounds delicious Penny and your presentation of it is awesome. I could hang out in a small French village for awhile.
Sounds divine Penny and your presentation is so lovely. Wish I was at a bistro in Provence right now, except it’s too cold there and I’m glad I’m in Florida. I always have a bottle of raspberry vinegar and will definitely give this a try.
Sam
It seems that French bistros are a favorite because of simple but tasty dishes just like this…it looks great.
I can’t think of a more pleasant way to spend a winter day than to think reminisce about your lovely trip. The photos are beautiful and you both look very happy 🙂 I love chicken thighs and would love to try this recipe.
Oh, Penny, this dish looks so delicious. We have had the most wonderful meals in the bistros in France and I’m forever trying to recreate them in my kitchen. You look very content after your lunch. Thighs are my favorite part of the chicken.
How I envy you!!! I feel like I’ve had a mini vacation just looking at your pictures -my girls would LOVE that chicken dish – also love Patricia Wells cookbooks!
Mary
I need to get my hands on some raspberry vinegar, not only for this dish but for use in BBQ sauces.
I do know that restaurant in St. Remy…and also the view in Isle Sur La Sorgue. Just looking at these pictures I get that longing…….to be there again! Your chicken thighs look just delicious; and love that napkin also!