When I arrived in Paris last Friday afternoon, I intended to unpack and then have dinner at Au Chai de l’Abbey, a small cafe located across the street. By the time I did get settled and get my technical world up and running, I was not up and running myself. Tired
Paris, Week #1
I had a bag of peanuts leftover from my flight. And after rummaging through my purse, found a stale Clif bar, probably left over from last year’s trip here. That, dear Readers, was dinner my first night in Paris. As I recall, Julia had sole meunière, Dover sole browned in a butter sauce, for her first meal. Julia for the Win.
NOTRE DAME
Sunday morning I walked over to Notre Dame. It was jarring. She is 850-years old and damaged. On my final day in Paris last year my blogging colleague, Patty Price, suggested after breakfast we stop by the cathedral. It was a cold, misty day and I was running short of time, I asked, “Why?”
“Because I love going there,” she said. As did I. That was my last and in hindsight very poignant visit to Our Lady of Paris.
The site is protected by a barricade fence. Hanging on the fence is informed signage and detailed photos explaining the April 2019 event and its resulting restoration. Visitors can circle the site to read it. This is not a pleasurable stop for anyone. It’s quiet, sad and disturbing.
LÉONARDO DE VINCI
While ND was the beginning bookend of my week, the Léonardo De Vinci retrospective at the Louvre was the other far happier one. Celebrating the 500th anniversary of his death, there are 140 of his works on display plus 11 paintings. It took ten years for the powers that be at the Louvre to pull this together. The show ends in 4 days so I was lucky to see it.
The CHEESE COURSE
Cher Rockwell, a blogging colleague, suggested when in Paris why not choose cheeses that are not available in the States. Great idea. This week I stopped by Laurent Dubois’ cheese shop which I’ve visited before on cheese & wine tours. Dubois is a Meilleur Ouvrier de France recognized for his skills as a master of cheese. The prestigious MOF is France’s highest honor for a craftsperson. Amélie helped me choose three cheeses, goat, cow and a bleu. A fun project.
AND, MORE …
It is a brisk and windy today (Friday.) It’s actually forecast to be warmer in Aspen. Whoops.
That chicken is gorgeous… need more information. Is that a single serving? What about the sauce that is teasing us in the pix?
And the wine ? What else did you eat.? The Mona Lisa and Notre dame are all fine and good but this is a food blog first, n’est pas?
Starving in Colorado
Donna – I actually think the De Vinci is Italian and most say Da Vinci ( like Walter Isaacson in his biography about him) . The book given to all visitors and written by the Exhibition’s curators was titled with a “de.” In the book they use “da” and “di” also but I went with the title page. Commonly “da” is used, isn’t it? Thanks for always being my loyal and diligent proofreader although i realized this might cause confusion.
By the way, it was a small chicken and I have a big appetite.
It’s cold and blustery in the Hamptons, too. I love your account of your first week in Paris, and I especially love the picture of the exterior of the cheese shop!
Love that cheese shop! I can’t remember the names of cheeses, but I love some of the ones covered in nuts. YUM!
Mary-thanks for the Paris tease….putting the cheese shop on my list. Love, Elaine
Fantastic. The whole lot. Wish I was there. The cheeses are KILLING ME. Norte Dame is more than sad and stirring, and love the croissant. But stake CLIFF BAR?? Sheesh. At least carry something better next round.
Love and hugs from sunny AZ, E
I soooo loved reading this—-made an otherwise heavy day light and happy. And the photos are stunning—-you’re a master at snapping interesting action around you…..continue to have fun and keep those blogs coming!
Sounds like you are enjoying one if your happy places and being very happy❣️ Last time we were in Paris, we took a tour in the Loire Valley and also visited Di Vinci’s home Clos Luce where he died. It also contains his drawings and design works. Always love reading your blog and learning so much!
Warm and sunny in Tucson. Come visit, although the croissants are far better in Paris!
Looks like your first week is going well. Enjoy.