I am all set with my reservations for flight to Paris, departing home on Jan 22. I will be taking the Eurostar to London on Jan 27 and returning to Paris on Eurostar on Jan 30.I have my Eurostar tickets, too. Departing for home from Paris on Feb. 3. Shuttle Inter will be doing my airport transportation, as always and will also be picking me up at Gare du Nord upon my Eurostar return on Jan 30.

I have been in touch with Paris friends and lining up some things to do. I will not be in Paris on a weekend, so need to make lunch reservations for both l'Obe and Bar Vendome for a weekday...they will be closed for their respective long closings when I next return.

Need to get Florent and Michael to Casse Noix and l'Os a Moelle. I know they will enjoy both!

Will be watching weather..as always....

a bientot....

Joan

what is going on here? nobody wants to answer this poor young lady's post?

No questions to be answered, just a brief update from OP.

Dear Joan,

Hope you have a better flight this time. January should be a quieter time, we hope! Will you be staying in one of the London Perfect apartments? I looked at the website and really enjoyed seeing what is available there.

Lucky you to be able to dine at l'Obe again before they close. Please say hi to Frederic, Florent and Michael. F & M will enjoy dining at Stephane's. I can still taste that foie gras chaud (poele) we had there.

Enjoy your trip. Are Abby and Noelle still speaking to you?
Bonne Annee!!

bisous,
Lilia

Oh my gosh, how wonderful! I'll bet you left a stash of clothing in Paris for this trip, didn't you?

Life has been so hectic with my dad's triple bypass over the holidays. I miss getting lost in your Paris trips and look forward to reading your updates. January in Paris beats any month in Jersey.

Abby and Noelle need to get a passport (or learn some French).

~Roberta

Lilia,

I also hope my flights are better. I don't know that they could be worse!! Yes, will be staying in Fleurie this trip. A real favorite of mine. Noelle took about 10 days to fully acknowledge me, again.

Roberta, sorry to hear about the bypass needs for your father. Hopefully he is recovering rapidly. Wonderful what they can do today.
Yes, I did leave a duffle bag full of clothes. I am taking an empty large suitcase to bring it all home with me.

a bientot...

Joan

Joan, how fun that you will be doing both Paris and London this trip! Happy travels to you!
Sue

what a great way to start the New Year!

Have fun Grace. We're doing kind of a crazy day trip Paris to London in February. We're in Paris for a couple of weeks and decided to do some quickie day trips, so got a great deal on the Eurostar and will pop over to London. Oh, and yes we travel to both a fair amount, so not like this is a first time trip.

dave

Sounds like a wonderful return trip! Isn't the Fleurie the apartment where we visited you at Thanksgiving 2010? It is so nice, and I remember seeing the Tower sparkle from your living room window that night.

Say "Hello" to Florent and Michel from Alabama!

Have another wonderful trip!

Byrd

Uggghhhh - Joan, I don't think we'll get back to Paris until next Thanksgiving and I am deep into trip envy world. Every restaurant posting from here on in will have me drooling.

On the other hand, husband and I are thinking of relocating stateside to NC. So while you are otherwise occupied in Europe, just send NC housing tips my way whenever you can possibly be bored.

Best to you. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.

AZ

AZ

What part of NC are you thinking of? I am in the beautiful part of western NC with our beautiful mountains. They actually protect us from the weather. Most of the weather comes from the NW and it hits the mountains and goes around. Even Hendersonville gets more of it and Charlotte gets nasty weather. Tennesee gets it, too.

a bientot..

Joan

Hope you have a good journey this time, Joan. Sounds like you'll be very, very busy during this quick trip.

I'm guessing Abby and Noelle are the felines?

take care.
Pat.

I can't wait for your trip, Joan! Have a great flight.

I picked up my euros today. I will next notify cc companies that I will be taking and that will be taken care of. I did food shopping for Abby and Noelle to take on their 'Holiday"

I am watching weather..both for departing and for what it might be like while in Paris/London.

Shuttle-Inter is already taken care of for both arrival/departure and for meeting me upon my return from London on the Eurostar.

Dining reservations are not needed at the moment. Need to wait until I arrive for some. Have already been in touch with Frederic at l'Obe, so know when he will be on duty. I will make Bar Vendome after arrival, too. I will be going to Cafe Constant/Les Cocottes/Violon d'Ingres, Reed, Casse Noix, maybe l'os a Moelle and will see..not much time to do much!

a bientot....

Joan

Which of the above do you think might be best?

Just had a personal message fom weekender that some friends of his had just finished dinner at Reed. Enjoyed both the meal and meeting Catherine. She told them that I was arriving next week...they don't even know me. Weekender had told them about it as we did enjoy our evening together there, too.

a bientot...

Joan

Hi Joan! Glad to have found this thread. Looking forward to following along on your journey!

Took cats this morning and have had a busy day! Leave mid afternoon tomorrow and arrive about 8:30onday morning. Lots of things going on when there....will be busy...

a biento..

Joan

Bon voyage, Joan!

Bonjour,

I have arrived! A bit of delay and poential problem My Asheville flight sat for 45 minumtes after backing from gate. I knew they would be boarding when I arrived in ATL. M concern was my checked bag making the connection! When I arrived at the gate they asked if I had my boarding pass and then said go and board. I tl thm that I was not boarading until I knew if my bag was going with me. If not we would go together later. They checked sevral times and no sign of it. Gal said she was closing flight in 2 minutes and my bag showed up! Got to CDG and they parked the plane out in the middle of airport and you had to walk donw a zillion steps with whatever bags and the get on a bus to the terminal. I though those days were gone! My bag was there, my driver was waiting for me and picked up keys at office along with a full duffle bag that I had left in Dec. Driver hlped me get all into elevator.
I then went to the Orange store and paid them 10 euros for 6 months or whatever for my little red Paris phone, stopped by Florent's and we chatted.I also stopped by Catherine Constant's office and said hello. I returned to apt., unpacked and then went to Cafe Constant for lunch. ill do whatever catch up on computer and will be calling it and early to bed night!

Here are photos from lunch...broccoli soup and chicken breast with mashed potatoes.

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj124/abbynoelle/000_00014-1.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj124/abbynoelle/000_00023-14.jpg

a bientot...
Joan

Bonjour Joan,

Wow, I am impressed by all your energy after a long flight etc. That lunch looked delicious. Thanks for posting and letting us stay~at~homes share in your adventures.

Oh, yum, yum.

Thanks for the Paris "fix" Joan. Not quite in your neck of the woods but in Winston Salem and Greensboro this week. Would rather be in Paris. Say hello to Florent and Michael!

Garcejoan...

What is an "Orange Store" and a "Little red Paris phone"?

SS

Orange Sote is a telephone sore..like Verizon etc. The 'little red phone' is my little red phone that I use when in Paris.

a bientot...

Joan

That was Orange Store and telephone store....

Wow, that broccoli soup is just so darned pretty - and colorful! Yum. Glad you made it safely, despite some hassles.

I went wwith a group on a dinner cruise. You never expect much from the food. This one was not bad. Nice cruise. I did not take camera with me. Today I was with a group at Cafe Constant and I took picture of food from many. Will get to them. Weather is mild hen you think of the time of the year.
Tomorrow night Michael, Florent, Micheline and Francoise will be joining me at Reed for dinner. I know we will have a good time.

a bientot...
Joan

Joan I am glad you arrived safely. I will be following you and wishing I was in Paris. I need something for me to forget how miserable winter is here in Wisconin.

Well, I know you are in for quite a night with the "Reed" crew! Say hello to all and have a wonderful time. I would kill for Catherine's risotto and the rillette!!

Promise to tell us EVERYTHING!

Welcome back to Paris! It must feel so familiar and comfortable to you at this point. Looking forward to reading about your winter trip. Please say hi to Florent!

~Roberta

Bonjour,

Just returned from breakfast at my favorite little spot on St. Dominique.."a la Fontaine.....

Stopped and picked up some pistachios. Champagne and cocktail napkins for thsi evening, prior to walking over to Reed.

I will now start work on the many, many photos from lunch yesterday at Cafe Constant....will post when finished..

weather is great....

bmk

OK, Here are a bunch of photos from yesterday - Lunch at Cafe Constant....

Lunch with a group – Café Constant

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj124/abbynoelle/000_00014-2.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj124/abbynoelle/000_00023-15.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj124/abbynoelle/000_00034-4.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj124/abbynoelle/000_00045.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj124/abbynoelle/000_00056.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj124/abbynoelle/000_00067-1.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj124/abbynoelle/000_00076.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj124/abbynoelle/000_00083-5.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj124/abbynoelle/000_00095-1.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj124/abbynoelle/000_00103-5.jpg

I also just recturned from lunch at Les Cocottes. Have not transferred them, yet.

a bientot...Joan

Joan...

Cafe Constant never disappoints! The profiteroles are the picture of perfection!

Have a wonderful time at Reed tonight...my mouth is already salivating! And please give my (and mom's) regards to Florent and Michael.

Super jealous over those profiteroles...Chaz had them and the same beef dish our first night in Paris. It all looks so tempting! Hope you are having a great time, Joan!

Hi Denise,

We had a great time at Reed this evening. We did stop by and chat with Alexandre on the way. I told him that you wanted to take him home with you. He said maybe next time you are here!! This will liven up the board!! Florent amd Michael said to say hi and Catherine Reed, too!!You are expected for Thanksgiving...but not sick this time!! Another AVL couple will be joining us an who knows!

I will get pics out sometime//things to do ere tomorrow and off to London for some things over weekend. I'm really busy!

a bientot...
Joan

Just curious....is it bad form to inquire about gracejoan3 and the Paris reports & get togethers
that are posted...????
Is it just for a select group of friends or is it tied into business? When I read the postings, I feel like I am intruding....just my thoughts.

Yummmm! Is #67 Ile Flottante? It looks amazing, as do all the dishes!

Joan: Just total over the top drooling food envy!! (me) Those photos could just make a gal so jealous!!

Actually very happy to find you back in Paris, where you are definitely the "energizer bunny."

I say, Enjoy it all. You are so gracious to share your good food with all of us. (Even tho' I'm jealous - I wish you only the best!)

Nottingham,

Just a quick note..you are most certainly welcome!! It is just a way of doing the report in a 'running' manner and then those not interested do not have to see it all coming in daily on the regular. Does that make sense?
Yes, there are some regulars, as we have become friends thru our postings and maybe meeting in Paris and just enjoying the same things...do join in!

Reed will be coming with pics later....

a bientot....
Joan

Nottingham,

I've never met Joan and because my visits to Paris are invariably in the summer I maybe never will. But I always tag along on her visits vicariously thanks to her threads here at Fodors.

And it's always fun to read and watch.

Rob

Joan, don't tease with me Alexandre! He is a little bit of heaven on earth!

So nice to hear from the guys and Catherine, as well. How is the restaurant doing? I hope she is getting busier and will be successful-she is such a lovely girl. Still craving that risotto!

Sorry Nottingham...everyone is welcome to read and comment. I have been fortunate enough to meet Joan and some of her friends in Paris. I think there are quite a few who do, through the posts alone, feel like they know and we look forward to each others posts -- which I love! No offense meant at all.

Nottingham: just a ditto from me. I don't know Joan personally, nor Deniser, nor any of the others, much as I'd like to.

I just love following others trip reports and food reports from Paris, and they are all very welcoming of comments and "fellow travelers.". In that way, I get to re- live our trip to Paris last fall.

Agree with all...I always check in to read trip reports...thank you for comments...and happy travels to all...and here's to the great food of France...& PARIS.

Hi,

I may not get caught up with photos and all until I get back to Paris. I have been busy!

a bientot..Joan

I don't mind waiting for the photos at all-something to look forward to! Have fun in London!

What an evening!! Went to Cafe Constant with Michael and Florent. We enjoyed our meal and were minding our own business. A 3 some was at a table next to us..downstairs. They then wanted to converse with us..all French..it got wilder and wilder and ended up with the one guy taking off his pants and stood on his head naked in the middle of the floor downstairs in Cafe Constant!! These are the sedaate French?? I took pictures! They will be coming....

a bientot...Joan

Well, that will keep us checking in! Hope you are not frozen, I heard that Paris finally got some cold weather. We are having a heat wave here--80F which is well above normal for us. I have to say, we are enjoying it as long as we can as it won't last. Enjoy your last day tomorrow and safe travels home.

How come nothing like that happened when I was visiting with you in Paris last year?

it got wilder and wilder and ended up with the one guy taking off his pants and stood on his head naked in the middle of the floor downstairs in Cafe Constant!!>>

the question is will the moderators let you post them?

though i realise now that when you say he took off his pants, you don't mean what I thought you meant!!!

Wow Cafe Constant is really on our list for sure and hope we see some action like that!
Is that called Parisian friendliness??

Wow Joan, what a night! Who would have thought you would see that at CC! You never know!

Oh, and I met Marcy today for lunch! Great restaurant on the water-perfect for an alfreso lunch! We had a great time and she is just super. Your name came up and we both were talking about all the generous things you have done for us with our trips to Paris and your expansive knowledge of Paris. We were wishing you could have been with us (or us with you) and hoping the guys come over this summer to visit!!

Ok..the one you arre all waitinf for...will send others later

Café Constant

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj124/abbynoelle/000_00068.jpg


a bientot...Joan

You have a classic photo, Joan, or at the least blackmail material! Pretty nice bum.

On a separate topic, Christian Constant was nominated for Toulouse Person of the Year for rennovating and re-opening Bibent. I think an educator was the winner.

Deep-freeze at the moment as I'm sure you're aware, bundle up.

Oh my what had he been drinking?? Absinthe?

Joan, that is so funny. My goodness, we ate at Cafe Constant almost everyday and nothing like that happened.

I have more photos of them..some with his taking his pants off and some putting them on. Will get to them after I get home. Packing tonight and homeward tomorrow.

It seems that he is known..has done this outside in the street.

I think he said he came to US and pulled this in Utah and maybe got into some trouble..said he did not like Utah!

I sent email to Catherine Constant and she printed it and put on Christian's desk! I told her that she better tell staff what to say when they receive calls asking whaat time the floor show bgins at Cafe Constant!!

Joan: definitely photo of the year!! And it's only Feb 2!!!

Cathinjoetown...it took me a minute to connect that you were telling gracejoan to bundle up in the big freeze. I think that is sage advice for the "gentleman" in her photo!!

Gracejoan, I don't know you but I adore your Paris tales...and now I also adore your Paris "tail"

oh, when you said "pants" you really did mean "pants".

lucky we didn't get the front view.

Holy Cow!!! That is certainly the most unusual travel photo! I think Travel & Leisure magazine should use that for their "Where Are You?" feature.

Now I feel like Thanksgiving was so very tame! This really takes the cake?

...may you live in interesting times...

omg, when I ate there I only got to see Rick Steves (and his pants were on). When do we get to see this guy's uhmmm... face?

Joan you really do have the photo of the year!!!! What surprise!! I am sure your have to go home to rest after such a whirlwind time!!!!!Bon Voyage

Joan, so glad you didn't forget your camera.
You have the picture of the year.
Bon Voyage and welcome home.

Cafe Constant is now at the top of my "wish list" for my trip in June.

Will any of you be there in May or is it just us or perhaps the man that stands on his head if we are lucky!!

We just returned from a 4-night stay in Paris. I will post a separate trip report, but want to add a strong second to GraceJoan's recommendation of Reed restaurant (11, bis rue
Amelie in the 7th; 33-1-45-55-88-40). This restaurant, run by French-Canadian Catherine Reed, is a gem: a very old
space renovated by Catherine with taupe walls and dark red banquettes. The menu when we were there offered 4 choices per course and a short but very nice wine list. Everything we had was terrific, the ambience is quietly elegant (or elegantly quiet?) and Catherine herself is a welcoming and
gracious hostess. While my husband and I enjoyed each of the 4 dinners we had in Paris, in many ways this was the most intimate and special. Put "Reed" on your list!

I never did finish my last few days and more photos from 'that' night..

Here is something that some of you might enjoy if in Paris at he time. They are very well done and IF it is the Bristol you can expect so!

http://www.lebristolparis.com/?q=en#/news

a bientot...

Joan

Oh I wanted to know how you liked London.

Two years ago, we did a little one-day Eurostar jaunt to London from Paris. Had time for a trip to the British Museum, lunch, and then a bus tour all around the city.

I know that we did not do London justice, but it paled in comparison to Paris.

And Joan, that photo!

Thanks again for your reports. I am not going to France this year (sobbing as I type this) but next year am planning a three-week extravaganza (or should I say, fête!). Maybe you can dig up Monsieur Hand-stand for me before then.

Joan, will you be in Paris this spring? I miss your reports.

Oh Joan, just saw the picture. Made my day.

Will you be in Paris at Thanksgiving 2012? Want to give you a hug in person for all your help.

AZ

Joan, hope all is well, thought I saw a post somewhere earlier in the year that you'd be back in Paris for a few weeks this spring but have not seen any posts from you.

Pat.

Have not looked on here in some time. I have been busy with many things it seems.

No I skipped Paris this Spring. Had too much to do herre. Think about it, though.

Yes I must be there for Thanksgiving. Will be getting a little group together for our annual at Violon. AZ, you will be there??

My Paris friend Florent and Michael are coming to the US and NY and then here to Asheville as my houseguests in August. Denise and Chaz will come for a long weekend and Weekender will fly in from Chicago, too. Should be a fun time. Asheville may never be the same after!!

a bientot...
Joan

Yes, Joan, my husband and I will be there at Thanksgiving. Our youngest, by then a college senior, will join us. We're praying that our oldest can get time off to join us too. I'll keep you posted closer to the date.

Asheville will be rockin in August, that's for sure!

And I just heard from another friend (not on this board) that Catherine Reed is doing a solid business. Catherine knew when we dined in November how your posts had helped, and it is so nice to see how the people on your threads have followed through with their support, too.

Hi AZ,

I am looking at arriving in Paris on November 20 and departing on December 15. I will then return after first of year for 2 months.

Thanksgiving on November 22 is definite for Violon, as usual!

I am thinking of another sort of get-together at Reed for a date after that...Maybe the first week in December? Reed is not so large, so we might pretty well fill it up with those who might be around at that time.

Let's see who might pick up on this and would like to do a Reed the first week in December.

a bientot...
Joan

Joan--We shall be gone by then--I think we leave by the 28th--but I think having Reed filled with her original "Reedites" sounds like a fabulous idea for both Catherine and her Fodorite posse.

I have made my reservations for November - December!

I will arrive on November 20 and get all in order for our Tahnksgiving group. I am not sure who will be there.Let me know if you plan to be in Paris.

I will only stay until December 15, but do plan to return after first of year for a couple months...maybe February and March.

a bientot..

Joan

Sounds wonderful, Joan. Too bad I will miss you again. I laughed when I saw your above post because I spent quite some time reviewing your old threads this morning. Taking notes for my restaurant choices in the fall!

~Roberta

Hi Roberta,

Sorry that we are going to miss one another, too. Hope you found some restaurants to try..new and old. When are you going and how long will you be there?

Florent and Michael will be my houseguests in August and Weekender will fly down for a weekand, along with Denise and Chez from Atlanta. We should have fun!

a bientot..

Joan

How wonderful that Florent & Michael are coming. So much fun you'll have!! And Weekender, Denise & Chez??? Fantastic.

You know, I only go to Paris for a short stay. Zip in for 4 nights and might even spend one day traveling to Brugge. Lol!

I can't give up Florimond. Probably adding Reed, Schmidt & going back to Cafe Constant.

Pottoka is another option. Hmmmmmm, what to do. Too many choices, not enough nights...

~Roberta

Hi Roberta,

Denise and Chaz. They were with us for Thanksgivin g last year. You probably followed some of her postings too. Nice couple.

Yes, never enough nights!!

a bientot...

Joan

someone posted missing you as you haven't posted in awhile.

I am having cocktails and dinner in Paris with Florent and Michael on Friday. We shall be discussing our "reunion weekend" with Joan, Denise and Chaz to be sure....

I will be thinking of all of you on Friday evening, too. I guess I better be thinking of you when I am having lunch..I eat late!

Florent and Michael are ready to leave Paris and France after the election!

a bientot...

Joan