An experienced composer, musical director, and lecturer, Simon Whalley has worked in a number of environments, from churches to universities. Also an avid traveler, Simon Whalley enjoys experiencing new cultures through their food. One of his favorite destinations, France is particularly well known for its fine cuisine.
One of the must-try foods in France is the croque-monsieur, a warm ham-and-cheese sandwich made extra decadent with bechamel sauce. Travelers can also ask for a croque-madame, which adds a fried egg to the top of the sandwich.
Duck remains one of the most popular proteins in France and is often served as confit, meaning it has been cooked in its own fat until it is extremely tender. When it is served, chefs often sear the skin so that it is crispy.
When in the south of France, seafood fans should seek out some bouillabaisse, a stew made of fresh shellfish with vegetables and potatoes.
People with a sweet tooth need to try macarons, which are crunchy cookies made by filling an almond meringue shell broken in half with either chocolate ganache or buttercream. The cookies come in many flavors, so it is worth heading to a few different bakeries to check out the local options.
