A Taste of France in Michigan
Pretty much everyone is watching the Paris Olympics right now. What’s not to love about these legendary games taking place in the city that truly means love? What’s cool is that we can find a taste of France in Michigan. There’s a Michigan restaurant I’ve dined at a few times that truly offers a taste of France right here in the Mitten.
A Taste of France in Michigan
Before we get to that special spot, let’s look at what French food entails. According to the food experts at Toast, French food “a sophisticated and refined style of cooking that is known for its rich flavors, elegant presentation, and use of high-quality ingredients.” I think the words “sophisticated” and “refined” certainly fit the French mold. Going more in-depth, Toast describes French food as using a lot of different ingredients. “It’s also known for its use of sauces, which are often made with butter, cream, and wine,” they state. I’ve definitely seen a lot of wine-infused sauces that come from France. According to FoodandWine.com, French food “showcases best-quality ingredients in technique-driven recipes to produce elegant dishes that allow simple flavors to shine.” So, the quality of the ingredients has a lot to do with why these French dishes are so perfect.
One of the most popular French dishes is Boeuf Bourguignon, which CNN.com describes as “combines a nice, fatty cut of beef with a dry pinot noir and plenty of fresh vegetables to create a hearty and indulgent stew.” A tip is that “the most important ingredient for success is patience – like any good stew, boeuf Bourguignon is best when left overnight before serving.”
Now, onto the Michigan restaurant that offers a taste of France in Michigan. The restaurant is EnVie, a bistro located right in downtown Lansing’s historic Washington Square at 210 South Washington Square. Walking into this restaurant, I really feel like I’m walking into a small Paris eatery. The spot seats just 60, since it’s very quaint, and offers food, cocktail and wine menus. Even though you can be casual here, the restaurant’s upscale vibe makes me want to dress up when I go. The menu features a lot of authentic French food, as well as some familiar food for those who are less adventurous. They also have seasonal dishes and cocktails, so that’s one reason to go at least four times a year. So, the next time you’re looking for a taste of France in Michigan, try EnVie. Contact me with your favorite spot for French food in the state.
Fun and Affordable Staycation Ideas
Netflix and Chill
Have a vacation in your living room or bedroom. Make it a movie-watching marathon. Watch a string of your favorite guilty-pleasure movies or binge-watch a brand new series. Either way, it’ll be cozy and comfy.
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Visit a Local or National Park
If you have a state or national park nearby, use your vacation time to go adventuring. Being at a local park can offer some breathtaking scenery, especially in the summer. Have a picnic out there, too. If you don’t have a state or national park close by, try a local park.
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Visit a Local Museum or Art Gallery
Nearly every town has a local museum or art gallery. Perhaps you’ve never really had the time to visit your local museum or art spot. Use your vacation time to explore those local spots, and you might find a new favorite place.
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Stay at a Local Hotel, Airbnb or Bed-and-Breakfast
If you’ve driven by that new hotel for a while and wondered what it’s like inside, why not book it for a night? You don’t have to be traveling to say at a hotel, Airbnb or local bed-and-breakfast. It can make for an exciting adventure right in your backyard.
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Have a Party
Using vacation time to plan a big party for friends is a good use of that time. Instead of traveling around the world, bring to world to you. Invite lots of your good friends, and spend some of the cash you would have on a vacation for your party. It’ll be the party of the year. Make that decade.
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Have a Spa Day
Pamper yourself. Maybe you think having a spa day is too much of a luxury, but if you’re saving money by not taking a big trip, why not use that money for a spa day? It’s not just for ladies, either. Guys can book a spa day for a variety of services. It’ll make for a day of bliss.
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