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Paris - often described as one of the most romantic and beautiful cities in the world. I had the opportunity to visit as a teenager, shortly after I graduated from high school. I spent a few months working in Sweden that summer as the official (and only) dishwasher at a beautiful, historic restaurant on the North Sea. After I'd washed enough dishes to reach to the moon and back, I had a bit of time left to travel with some dear friends before heading back to the States. Paris was one of the favorite places that we visited, and I still have wonderful memories of exploring "the city of lights".
Ever since, I dreamed of returning to Paris; but life has a way of taking you down different roads. Raising children and working a "real job" filled much of my time for many years and, though I loved that phase of life, thoughts of distant, romantic cities were relegated to my fantasies. Then, two years ago, my daughter surprised me in the most delightful way. She lives in London and while we were there visiting her, she took me on an unexpected, birthday trip - to Paris!
We got on the high speed train that runs under the English Channel early one morning and headed to France. It was a cloudy, grey day, not the prettiest for sure, but we didn't care. We spent the day in Paris, walking, talking, laughing, eating, climbing the Eiffel tower and cramming in as many sights as possible. That evening we boarded the train once again (just as the skies opened up and poured torrents of rain). We dined on delicious Parisian bread, cheese and wine while heading back to London, and were tucked in our little beds before midnight struck. What awesome memories were created that fun spring day.
I guess, being a hopeless romantic, I'll always be dreaming of Paris. I hope to be able to visit again one day and explore the beautiful city with my best buddy (aka husband), Scott. Until then we have a fun way of recreating a bit of France without ever leaving home. Scott puts on some romantic French music like this or this (you can hear the songs by clicking on the little arrow below the image) and I make tartines!
Tartines? Yes, tartines are common fare in cafés and restaurants throughout France and make a fun and unique lunch or dinner entree. Tartines have as many variations as .......... well, at least as many as the number of dishes I washed that summer in Sweden!
A tartine is, in essence, just a fancy French word for an open-faced sandwich, there are a few differences that set tartines apart. First, it’s essential to use good bread; a sourdough or rustic-style loaf is perfect. Second, the tartine bread is usually brushed with butter or olive oil and toasted before topping. The toppings? The sky’s the limit and, as you can see in the pictures, I had a lot I slow-roasted the mushrooms and tomatoes with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then used pesto and fresh mozzarella for the toppings on my golden, pan-toasted sourdough slices. A short stint back in the oven to melt the cheese and a scatter of tiny basil leaves made my tartine look gorgeous with melting cheese and pesto oozing over the crisp edges. When everyone went crazy over the lunch, I knew this recipe was a keeper.
If you’re looking for something delicious, fun and quite out of the ordinary, be sure to try this wonderful Balsamic Roasted Tomato & Mushroom Tartine. It might just make you feel as if you’re dining in a charming French bistro, without ever leaving home—though you might want to practice pronouncing tartine with a French accent to be really authentic. Bon Appetit!
P.S. One other idea: these tartines also make fantastic appetizers. Just make them as directed and cut each slice into 4 or 5 individual, bite-sized portions. Voila!
- 1 lb multi-hued tomatoes halved
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 1½ tablespoon good quality balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lb large mushrooms halved
- 3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon good quality balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 4 slices sour dough or rustic bread
- olive oil for brushing
- 6 tablespoon pesto
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella
- fresh basil leaves for garnish
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Preheat oven to 325˚F. Line 2 sheet pans with parchment paper.
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Spread tomatoes out in a single layer on one of the prepared pans. Drizzle tomatoes with 3 tablespoons oil and 1 ½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sugar, ½ teaspoon sea salt and a generous grind of freshly ground black pepper.
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Spread mushrooms halves out in a single layer on the second prepared pan. Drizzle mushrooms with 3 tablespoons oil and 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon sugar, ½ teaspoon sea salt and a generous grind of freshly ground black pepper.
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Roast tomatoes and mushrooms for 60-75 minutes or until most of the liquid has disappeared. Gently stir every 15 minutes during roasting time. Mushrooms will be finished about 10-15 minutes before tomatoes. Remove from oven when veggies are deep golden and caramelized. Set aside, but leave oven on.
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Brush both sides of bread slices lightly with olive oil. Place in a sauté pan and cook over medium heat until golden on both sides. Cook in batches, if needed. Place bread slices on a sheet pan.
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Top each bread slice with 1 ½ tablespoons pesto. Spread pesto to edges of bread slices. Slice or tear mozzarella in to small pieces. Top pesto layer with torn mozzarella. Add tomatoes and mushrooms, dividing evenly between the tartines. Return to oven and bake till cheese is melted, about 6-8 minutes.. Scatter with fresh basil leaves and serve.
Lisa {AuthenticSuburbanGourmet} says
Ooo la la - Paris! What a fantastic dty - need to go back! Your tartine is a simple reminder of how wonderful the city is. Love the photos!!
Jodee Weiland says
I love Paris, too, and always talk about going back! This looks so delicious and like what i remember seeing there! Thanks for sharing!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
What a gorgeous tartine, I love the roasted tomatoes. I could eat this for lunch every day!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
I LOVE Paris. I went there for the first time with my mother and I walked her shoes off but we enjoyed every minute of it. I've been there with John a few times and he likes it nearly as much as i do. I look forward to going back but until then, Tartines it is!
Sam @ My Carolina Kitchen says
How fun to be able to go to Paris for a birthday surprise. Love your tartines, so Parisian and balsamic vinegar goes so well with tomatoes.
Sam
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says
Chris: You are full of surprises. I have never thought that you lived abroad once. I am glad that a couple of years ago you had the chance to visit 'the city of lights' again -- this time with your daughter. What a great birthday surprise! This savory tartine looks super scrumptious. Wishing you a very Happy Mother's Day!
Norma | Allspice and Nutmeg says
Ah Paris. I'd love to visit again. Oh well, I can still enjoy your tartine and imagine that I'm there. This looks fantastic!
Sandra says
This tart looks amazing! Paris is at the top of my vacation wish list and Gabbi's. Oh how I would love to take her there.
Pam says
What a sweet daughter!!! Paris is on my bucket list.
I wish I could have this tartine for lunch - it seriously has me drooling.
Kathy says
Sounds like a marvelous surprise trip! I’ve made tartines several times and always think how lovely it would be to be eating one in a Paris cafe! Yours looks delicious…love the roasted tomatoes!
John@Kitchen Riffs says
Paris is such a wonderful city -- loads to see, even more loads to eat. I haven't been there in ages, and now I'm missing it. What a great gift from your daughter to take you there on a surprise trip! Oh, and the tartine? Amazing -- thanks.
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
How wonderful that you can just jump on a train and go to Paris for a day. That is possibly the best Birthday present ever!
Dawn @ Words Of Deliciousness says
That was so nice of your daughter to take to Paris. I have dreams of someday seeing Paris too. Your tartine looks delicious.
Debra says
What a fantastic surprise. Your daughter so too sweet. Checking out this recipe for summer tomatoes!!!
Ginny Hartzler says
I've said it before...gosh the two of you look alike! I would love to go to Paris! This is a perfect vegetarian meal, and looks very filling.
Angie (@angiesrecipess) says
Two pretty and sweet ladies 🙂
The tartines are droolworthy, Chris. Love how colourful and summery they look too.
Joyce says
My husband and I lived in Estonia for many years and traveled all over Europe. My favorite was Paris too. Truly the most romantic city in the world. We traveled all over France and it is such a beautiful country, but ah Paris.........the best part! Just breathing in the air was romantic. All we wanted to do was stroll the streets, eat the glorious food and just breathe in the air!
Sophia @ NY Foodgasm says
Absolutely gorgeous! Love eating colorful food like this!
Mary Hirsch says
Just read all about this tartine on your Parade site. We've made several in our French Fridays with Dorie adventures and I always wonder why I don't remember to make one for lunch (or, for me, dinner). This sounds delicious, Chris. I have all the ingredients "on site" (meaning in my kitchen) except the bread. Not hard to find great bread here in Aspen. Tonight I am going to "Le Week-end", a film starring Jim Broadbent and Lindsay Duncan. It's about a couple spending a week-end in Paris. Won't this be a perfect dinner (with a little wine, of course) before I leave for the film?
Chris Scheuer says
Sounds like a wonderful evening Mary, love it!!
Monique says
Pretty girls:)!
And this looks fantastic..Paris and the tartines!
cheri says
Hi Chris, what a wonderful time you and your daughter shared, you both look very much alike. Love tomatoes and this tartine is beautiful!
Vicki Bensinger says
I took my daughter to Paris for her 13th birthday - 11 years ago and that was my first time. We walked our legs off and had the best time ever. I doubt I'll ever get my husband to go so I'm glad the two of us went.
Your tart looks just like something they'd serve in Paris - it's beautiful and I know tasty.
Chris Scheuer says
That's so cool Vicki, Special trips that create memories are the best kind of gift!s! They can't be broken or become worn out. 🙂