Runner’s Lunch

I unabashedly love bread! After visiting France last April and eating baguettes almost everyday, I continued the tradition as often as I could upon my return. During the week if I’m in downtown Nanaimo and especially after a yoga class at OmTown Yoga, I often zip across the street to Mon Petit Choux to enjoy the French ambiance, sip a latte, and munch on a croissant with homemade preserves. And what else does one do at a French bakery? Why, of course one should buy a baguette! And what better carrying case is there for these lovely long loaves? Why a yoga mat bag!
I have recently discovered a lovely grainy baguette from Boulart called Ciabatta multigrain, available at my local Thrifty Foods. It does not come from the in-house bakery, but is shipped from Quebec. That kind of makes it closer to France, but unfortunately does not make it local or fresh daily! However, it is quite marvellous toasted and served with butter and honey for breakfast. It is also perfect for one of my favourite lunches, especially after a run – see photo at the top of this post.

To make this Savoury French Toast, slice a few pieces of the baguette, dip them in a mixture of egg, flavoured with salt and pepper and some oh so wonderful Herbes de Provence. Fry them in a pan with either butter or olive oil, depending on your decadence level, flipping once. They should be soft from the egg dipping and golden brown. Serve with tomatoes tossed with a dressing of seasoned rice vinegar, olive oil and basil and some fresh cucumber slices, also drizzled with vinegar. Ummm, ummm, good and I think this lunch just about covers most of the major food groups.

Today I followed this savoury lunch with a bowl of Greek honey yogurt covered in pomegranate seeds (oh so Mediterranean), to add even more nutritional value. If it is summer, eat this lunch on your deck in the sunshine with a crisp glass of rosé.

As a footnote, I apologize to those gluten, lactose, and alcohol intolerant and vegan readers. I do know that there are gluten-free breads, non-dairy soy-based yogurt and butter, egg-replacements, and non-alcoholic fruit juice substitutes are out there. So a similar tasty experience can be had.