Made famous by two Tatin sisters, who ran a restaurant in the village of Lamotte-Beuvron early in the 1900s, this delicious caramelized upside-down apple tart is served in most bistros.

Upside-down French Apple Tart

Pastry
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup butter, cut into small pieces
1/4 cup sugar
2 eggs

Filling
5-6 Golden Delicious or Granny Smith apples, about 2 1/4 lb. (1 Kg), peeled, cored and quartered
2 cups sugar
1/4 cup water
2/3 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Crème fraîche, whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving

To make the pastry: In a blender or food processor, add all the ingredients and process until the dough begins to form a ball, about 20-seconds. Alternatively, put all ingredients in a medium bowl and use a fork to combine. Work with your fingertips until the mixture can be formed into a ball.  On a lightly floured board, knead the dough a few times until smooth.  Flatten the dough into a disk, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 45-minutes, or up to 2-hours.

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).  To make the filling: In a medium, heavy saucepan over high heat, combine the sugar and water.  Bring to a boil and cook until a deep golden brown.  Remove from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla.  Quickly pour the caramel into a heavy ovenproof 9-inch (23-cm) skillet; let cool.  Cut the apples quartered in half lengthwise.  Arrange the apples in a neat, tight spiral over the caramel; top with all the remaining apples to form a single layer.  The apples will shrink down when they cook so be generous.  Bake in a preheated oven fore 45-minutes.

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into a 10-inch (25-cm) circle.  Lay the pastry over the apples, tucking the dough down into the skillet. around the edges..  Cut 4 vent holes in the center of the dough and bake for about 25-minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.  Carefully remove from the oven and let cool.  Place a serving plate on top of the skillet and invert to unmold the tart, giving the bottom a whack to release the apples.

Serve warm withCrème fraîche, whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Serves 8 to 10

A host of talks and lectures, including sculptor/ceramicist Jun Kaneko (9/19) and acclaimed artist Chuck Close (10/1) are scheduled at VMFA, so check the schedule when you plan your getaway to Richmond to expand and diversify your knowledge and understanding of the arts and artists. Plan to stay at the premier Fan District bed and breakfast where you’ll experience the Fan District at its best, spacious guest rooms with private, en-suite bathrooms, a hearty gourmet breakfast for two, and a host of other amenities to complete your urban retreat.

The Historic Fan District is an 85-block Victorian residential neighborhood immediately west of Richmond’s downtown commercial area, and is said to be the largest intact Victorian neighborhood in the United States. The Historic Fan District, named to the National register of Historic Places in 1986, followed the tracks of a late 19th century electric trolley line. It takes its name from its tree-lined avenues and streets that “fan out” from downtown. Best described as architecturally diverse, the over 2,300 classic turn-of-the-century Fan town homes feature bay windows, turrets, high ceilings, parquet oak and pine floors, mahogany woodwork, stained and leaded glass, and varied porch and balcony designs. Most homes are brick or brick and brownstone. However, the William Miller House Bed and Breakfast, one of the earliest homes in the neighborhood, is a more modest clapboard. Much of the unique character of the Fan is derived from the fact that it remains a self-contained community of homes and apartments, restaurants, outdoor cafes, shops, galleries, markets, and service establishments. Fan residents—and visitors, too—have all the necessities of life: food, drink, entertainment, schools, museums, shops of every type and parks within walking distance of their homes. Come see for yourself!

The Science Museum of Virginia is just across the street from the historic Fan District and several blocks from Richmond’s premier bed and breakfast inn.  So the next time the Science Museum of Virginia is on your list, make it an overnight, reserve a room, and have  a great in-town stay!  Remember, we have been certified as a Green Lodging Facility by Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality – we go green every day!

Don’t wait to make your plans to attend until all the other acts are named. Make your plans now to visit Richmond and attend the Third Annual Richmond Folk Festival – right in the heart of Richmond’s downtown. For just the right lodging option, check our on-line reservation system for our bed and breakfast in Richmond’s Historic Fan District.

Recent Raves August 19 2010

And, this list of Recent Raves appeared in the August 19th edition of the Times-Dispatch.  Guests last week had such a wonderful time that they dined there 2 evenings of their stay. A single traveler felt so comfortable she also went back both nights of her visit to Richmond.  We dine at Six Burner ourselves with friends and/or to celebrate special occasions and often run into our Fan District neighbors. We view it as one of Richmond’s best-kept secrets. Ry and Beth Marchant, owners of Six Burner, have created and developed a neighborhood asset that draws guests from near and far. Chef Philip Denny relies on fresh ingredients to create his culinary delights, so menu choices vary by what is in season. Check out the menu! But, realize that it changes weekly!

Guests who choose our gourmet bed and breakfast for their in-town get-away are definite foodies as is indicated by our focus on a hearty gourmet breakfast.  After all, breakfast is more than half our designation: bed and breakfast.  So, Six Burner restaurant is right up their alley and a great end of the day.  Make your plans today!

Complimentary evening refreshments between 5 PM and 7 PM

But remember, after a long day of museum-hopping, sight-seeing, and shopping, we offer our guests the chance to partake of complimentary refreshments between 5 PM and 7 PM, then walk over to one of our neighborhood eateries for a local dining experience. Local neighborhood dining spots include upscale dining options, casual dining, trendy hotspots, and even a sports bar or two. Fare includes seafood, Italian, Cuban, grilled American, Mediterranean, bar food, salads and sandwiches – even a college hangout featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Dives, and Drive-Ins, as well as hot dog joint.  Bound to be something for every appetite!

So plan your getaway now and confirm your reservation with our on-line reservation system, your guest room with its own private en-suite bathroom is waiting!

Susan Greenbaum will perform in Meadow Park on (Sunday August 22:postponed) now scheduled for Sunday September 26 between 6 and 8 PM.

Susan Greenbaum performs at Meadow Park Sunday August 22 6 - 8 PM

This FREE concert was previously scheduled for Sunday August 15th and August 22nd, but predictions of scattered rain and imminent thunderstorms led the Fan District Association to postpone the concert.  Meadow Park, one of the City’s triangular parks, is located in the heart of the Fan District, at the intersections of Park Avenue, Meadow Street, and Stuart Avenue.  Seating is not provided so bring your own lawn chair; picnics are welcome. Adult beverages are not permitted in Richmond’s parks.

According to Billboard magazine, Richmond-based singer-songwriter, ” Susan Greenbaum’s voice is a delight…strong, clear, and drenched in pleasing harmonies.  A startlingly adept writer…ripe for national airplay.” Click  Susan Greenbaum – Virginia the Home of My Heart for a sneak preview of Susan’s style!  Susan’s background includes positions in Fortune 500 companies, before she followed her heart, quit her job and devoted herself full-time to her music. Susan Greenbaum Website.

Meadow Park is only a few blocks from our Fan District bed and breakfast and we hope we’ll see visitors and neighbors alike at one of Richmond’s best-kept secrets – the Fan District Associations’s Summer Concert Series. It will provide a unique peek into the vitality and cohesiveness of our neighborhood!

Jazz Festival planners thought of everything, amazing for a first time event in a first time venue. You could rent a tent for your family and friends, free shuttle service from multiple remote parking areas so no parking hassles, even wine tasting for the adventurous. All in all, it was a wonderful experience for Richmond – and Richmond’s visitors who came from as far away as New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.  Thanks to all who planned and executed this great event! We’ll see you again next time! We promise!

And, if you plan to come from out-of-town for the next Richmond Jazz Festival, consider our historic Fan District bed and breakfast as your accommodations.  You’ll be close to Maymont and you’ll get a taste of living in an historic neighborhood!

Proudly connecting both the historic Fan District and Richmond’s Museum District, the VMFA has just been newly expanded and renovated. Even the architecture is a sight to see! So, while our Tiffany Glass special has expired, we invite you to book a stay at our Fan District Bed and Breakfast, called by a recent guest “the Tiffany of Inns” on TripAdvisor, enjoy southern hospitality at its finest and indulge in our hearty gourmet breakfasts. As for on-going specials, we do offer a military discount special and a discount for a two-night stay on weekdays in our posh Regency Room with its private en-suite bathroom and whirlpool tub. Start planning now!

Pescados China Street is now open in Oregon Hill serving lunch and dinner.  Dinner service begins at 4:30 Monday through Saturday. Pescados China Street, to differentiate this new neighborhood dining spot from its Midlothian counterpart, serves a vibrant mix of Caribbean and Latin flavors in a bevy of seafood choices.

Newly Opened Pescados China Street in Oregon Hill serves up a bevy of seafood choices

Pescados China Street’s specials last night included a barracuda entree – FABULOUS! It was served atop rice that was a fiesta of flavors dancing in your mouth! Happy Hour specials until 6:30 PM included economical wine by the glass and a choice of two special small plates for only $4. DINNER MENUhas an assortment of entrees inspired by the sea, but if there’s a meatlover in your party – have no fear! the menu includes a ribeye, pork chop, and duck breast, too. Chef Todd Manley’s dishes deliver a unique twist on his favorite ingredients – local, organic, and wild caught ingredients.

Todd and his partner in this endeavor, contractor Bob Windsor, have renovated Pescados’ Oregon Hill space into a trendy, fun eatery with vibrant colors and fun wall art with booths and tables, as well as a bar in the rear. Both partners were in-house greeting guests and creating a welcoming vibe. Think Caribbean, think Latin.

Pescados China Street was brought to our attention by guests from North Carolina – isn’t it supposed to be the other way around? The Midlothian Pescados was featured on a PBS broadcast for their use of local salad greens so our guests looked them on an internet search and found out about the China Street location less than 1/2 mile away from our Fan District bed and breakfast. They went, they dined, and they raved. China Street had only been open 12 days!

So choose your room and make a reservation at our inn for an in-town getaway and dine at Pescados China Street for a taste of the Caribbean…..