For a gourmand, being in Paris for 2 weeks is like drinking from the fountain. Where to go, so many choices. I found the blog Paris By Mouth and using that as a guide, ended up at Au Passage, Frenchie, Septime, Pierre Gagnaire, L’EPICURISTE, Restaurant ES, and LeDoyen; some old favourites like Relais de L’Entrecote; and some I must save for next time: Pages, Akrame, Astrance, L’Ambrosie.
The places span different styles and it’s interesting that two of the hardest to book places, Frenchie and Septime, are not Michelin star places, but bistro-style casual eateries, serving beautifully prepared dishes that reflect what’s seasonal and available, rather than air freighting in ingredient. Au Passage also falls into that category of tapas-style plates, but cooked with care and flair. The two 3-stars (Pierre Gagnaire and LeDoyen) didn’t disappoint with impeccable service, ambience and complex food. L’EPICURISTE was also a lovely contrast, classic French bistro dishes, but modernised just enough to have it packed for lunch with locals. But, the biggest surprise and delight was Restaurant ES. A tiny restaurant with 6 tables, a Japanese chef, cooking French food that is easily Michelin 2-stars. Just 3 in the kitchen, the chef, a pastry chef, and an assistant, it was sublime. Dishes that can’t really be categorised except to say that it probably reflects what the chef likes to cook, I squeezed in a lunch there on the last day, and it was the most memorable of the trip. Here are some photo highlights:
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Paris dining 2015
French Open 2015 : Canon 5Ds
Canon Professional Services CPS had a pre-release Canon 5Ds at the French Open. I borrowed it late one day when it looked likely Tsonga was going to win an epic match on centre court. I wanted a loose shot with the crowd celebrating with Tsonga and CPS had a 100mm 2.8L lens that could do justice to the 5Ds. Here are some examples.
2015 Australian Barista Championship
A few images from the competition. More images here.
How to use Canon 600EX-RT with E-TTL at 12-14fps
I’ve been puzzled why I couldn’t get the 600EX-RT Speedlite flash to keep up with my Canon 1D-X at 12 fps when the flash is in E-TTL mode. There’s even a Canon video saying that it can (Action Photography with the Speedlite 600EX-RT). But try as I might, the flash slows down the fps to about 6-7 fps. If the flash is on manual, there’s no problem, but on E-TTL, no go.
I chatted with Scott from Canon Professional Service and he and his colleagues confirmed the following. E-TTL can’t keep up with a 1D-X because each image requires a pre-flash to meter. But, the good news is, you can use Flash Exposure Lock (FEL) to get E-TTL to meter the scene, hold that reading for 16 seconds, and then fire off a burst at full speed. You’ll need to press FEL again after you release the shutter, but this technique allows you use E-TTL at the full speed of the 1D-X. For more info, read Canon’s article on FEL and Compensation.
Update – for Nikon cameras, read about FV Lock for Flash Value Lock.
2015 Australian Formula One
Selection of photos. More here.
