Tuesday, July 12, 2011

It's in the details



The devil is in the details, but these are the things that help make Paris so interesting. All you need to do is look up! Now, if I can only find a way to get this dolphin downspout off the Hotel Lausun, a 1657 hotel particulier on the Isle St. Louis, and into my carryon...

Monday, July 11, 2011

Table for two...


One of the things we love most about renting an apartment in Paris is being able to enjoy a "home" experience away from home. Though we only have a two-burner cooktop, it's perfect for steaming an artichoke. A good quality wine can be had for about the price of soda and you can find them at wine shops and super marches alike. All-in-all, the perfect paring!


That, followed by a fresh salad with a quick and easy vinaigrette, thank you Ina, (yes, with a raw yolk! And if you've never tried it, you owe it to yourself to do so! Just make sure your eggs are as fresh as you can get them!) and a gooey piece of chevre and a baguette makes for a wonderful supper for 2 for about 10 euros! 



Sunday, July 10, 2011

Mecca


It's all true- a shopper's paradise! The Paris Flea Market is really an amalgam of many different markets and groups of dealers. Of all the markets, though, Marche Paul Bert is tops and with that does come top prices, too. Bargains are few and far between, but a treasure hunt is half the fun! I've found a source for beautiful sets of Christofle 19th and early 20th century flatware in their fitted cases- what a find!


Paris is a dog's city! They are welcomed everywhere. I loved watching this companion eagerly following it's owner in and out of the stalls!


The dealers are a tribe unto themselves, and come lunchtime, they sit together for a hot meal. Several of the cafes nearby prepare dishes, like the cassoulet in the clay dish, for the dealers so they don't have to leave their stalls. The ritual of the meal is truly an integral part of the culture! While circling around after lunch, these same dealers were engrossed in a very heated game of bridge at the same table. Working hard and playing hard!


Saturday, July 9, 2011

French Fast Food

After shopping the President Wilson market, we quickly ripped apart a baguette, tore a poor defenseless, very ripe camembert into pieces and added some ridiculously delicious smoked ham- an impromptu tabletop experience on the steps of the Palais de Chaillot.