Mais oui ~ darlin Mimi!!

I love the idea of a scruffy Frenchman sipping mint tea..BTilke, you lucky girl :D

I love the idea of Jean Reno (be still my heart!)

Scarlett, I think you're right. I didn't know you could unregister. Hmm...why would anyone bother?

No cat fight, really. I'm sure michelle is chic. I hear she shops at Century 21. It just ticks me off when some New Yorkers think it's chic to drop "B&T" when very few here know what it means. That's just a show off trying too hard if you ask me.

Pinch me, but we overlooked the most classic of them all, un coupe de champagne pour l'homme. Just perfect at any time, any occasion, with just a hint of the ((F)).

My, my! I've been participating on this board for a few years now and never had a response like that come my way. Nope -- wasn't trying to be snobbish as all. My apologies if it came across that way. Oh.. and apologies for the typo -- circles -- better? NYCFS: I've always enjoyed your posts and hope to read many more in the future.

Re: the OPs question -- as you can see, you should drink whatever you wish. Just make sure you "drink in" as much of *Paris* as possible.

Scarlett, the a la menthe fraiche is all the rage in Paris (and Brussels) these days. You get a pot of tea (black tea, I'm told, but don't know for sure), not the typical teapot, something Indian or Moroccan looking, usually metal, with fresh mint leaves and sugar inside, and a Moroccan style glass to drink it. The pots are VERY hot, so the better places have a little cloth cover for the handle. Everyone seems to be drinking it. Refreshing in cold or hot weather.
Re Jean Reno, although he seems so typically French, did you know he was born in Morocco, lived there til age 17, and his parents are Spanish? The movie Ronin was on last night, guess that's why I gave him as an example.

Yes, Thanks , so many are not born in France like Aznavour, Anna karina, Lino Ventura.
Reno made a film with a very young Juliet Lewis that s very good but can't remember the title.

Are you thinking about "The Professional" with Natalie Portman? I loved that film.

Oh Michelle! Thanks for the correction. I thought it was Lewis.
It was so-o- good!

Interesting commentary from imdb.com on this film, which was known as Leon, in France (I have never seen either version)...

===============

I originally watched the US version of the film, The Professional, and thought the movie as it was was superb. Then, lo and behold, I found the European version of the film, which seemed to show everywhere but here in the US. Let's just say, I'm going to send a nasty letter to the MPAA someday soon.

First of all, I could see the whole "sexual tension" between Mathilda and Leon as unusual, but that's what harnessed the energy of this film. Why wouldn't someone feel attached to a person who saved their life? Also, the Russian roulette (which, amazingly, is called American Roulette in Russia) scene was top notch, something that should never have been taken out of the film.

Anyhow, enough with the pontification, and on with the review. Luc Besson could win Oscars and awards for the rest of his life, and this would still be his greatest work ever. Granted, Nikita was just as good, but this film had more clarity, a better

script and Gary Oldman. Jean Reno is one of the most under appreciated actors in the world, forced to prostitute himself in films like Godzilla and Rollerball to keep food on the table. Thankfully, he will always have this movie to look upon. For any who haven't seen the 133-minute version of the film, go and find the European version. You may be forced to shell out a little more money, but in the end, it will be worth it.

=================

Best wishes,

Rex

unfortunatly I could only find it on DvD. I need VHS.

Dear michelleNYC,

I accept your apology and hope Paco will accept mine.

I'm quite familiar with your posts and I did think twice before sending my terse reply.

I admit the subject of "Bridge-and-Tunnel" folk or "B&T," as you put it, is a sensitive one. I find the term to be outrageously snobbish, elitist and utterly contemptuous. Very bad taste, indeed.

I empathize daily with many young, very talented artists who came to the Big Apple in pursuit of their dreams only to find they can't afford to live in Manhattan and are forced to live (with roommates) in Brooklyn, Queens, and even New Jersey. These are the stars of tomorrow, mind you, and I love my friends who live outside of Manhattan.

No one wanted to live near Union Square the year I set up shop. People thought I was crazy. Even Andy Warhol had vacant office space in his building (with no doorman) at the time. Now, you're lucky if you can find a vacancy and, if you do, expect to pay $3000 a month for a 400 sq. ft. one-bedroom with no view. I won't mention the cost of ownership.

I know who you meant to reference by your "B&T" term but this is not an adjective a truly chic woman with manners would ever use. Neither is "trailer trash."

BTilke, my daughter will be in Brussels soon, I will have her do all the research on drinks/tea for me :)
Thank you!

Jean Reno was in an amusing movie that is now on video called Wasabi..try to rent it, it is fun. Mimi, I bet you have already seen it ~

After perusing all of these replies, and the various tangents that the initial query generated, one thing is clear: I need a drink!
Even, I am comfortable saying, a Kir.

Oh Paco, you are truly a worldly gentleman :)

Enjoy your trip..Paris is wonderful and who cares what you drink!!

((F))

It's a little off the subject of what to order in Paris (half of this post is anyway so why should I apologize) but there is a truly funny article in today's Wall Street Journal by the delightful, unpretentious wine columnists titled "Flirting Without Disasters" under the Tastings column.

jsmith, I couldn't access WSJ, please! paste to me at hotmail.com

cigale, the articles been sent. Hope you enjoy it as much as I.

Thanks, got it, enjoyed it,
Happy Valentine's Day to you and all!!!!
MUAH!!!