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Am I missing photos of the GTGs? I don't see any.
WAAAaaaaaaa! |
Joan, I guess It'll be Monday before I read your next post and see your pictures; also to know what you lovely people ate.
Mimi, you have to wait till morning. I think Joan needs her beauty sleep now! |
framboise, I meant the earlier ones!
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gracejoan this is such a nice report. The Normands certainly are grateful to the "yanks". We go in May to a small town in the Sarthe region - near Lemans. Our family will be honored when the town names a street after my husband's uncle who lost his life in a dogfight over the village. How nice is that?
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Here are pictures from last night. We had sooo much fun! Kate and Florent came to mya apt. before walking the short distance to Cafe Constant. Florent bought me a nice bouquet of flowers. I needed new ones, as the lovely ones that were here on arrival were finished and gone upon my return from Les Baux. The cleaning people took care of them, for me.
The seating was arranged so language problems work best, as we had bi-linguals, French only, English only etc. It worked out well! We did close the place. At one point it was thought that all might have to spend the night at my place! That would have been fun, as I am not presently in one of the larger Paris Perfect places! Florent and Michael headed to their car and off to north Paris. Kate was off to her place off rue du Champ de Mars. Eva, Paul and I went around the corner on Bourdonnais and my apt. is one block away. They continued on to get some walking in after dinner, and were going to walk across the Seine. It was surprisingly warm. This morning it is somewhat grey, with sun attempting to come out. I just opened large window and it is breezy and feels quite chilly, to me! I will somewhat let the weather dictate my day. Many thoughts of places to go and things to do. We will see what another day on the streets of Paris brings forth. a bientot, Joan http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j..._0001_00-3.jpg Foie gras entree..most popular, of course!! http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j..._0002_00-1.jpg Joan ordered, because she was ordering the foie stuffed quail! http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...000_0004-6.jpg a ordered a very nice looking lamb item http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...000_0006-6.jpg The foie gras stuffed quail http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...000_0007-5.jpg A shrimp item http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...000_0008-2.jpg The popular dessert..chocolat and more choclat..even pitchers of chocolat! http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...000_0009-4.jpg Kate (from Philly), charming Paul and lovely Eva (Parisiens), nice, nice friends, Michael and Florent (Parisiens) and yours truly.... |
djkbooks,
Most of what I bought were the ceramic hand painted ones. Chances are I will buy more on my next trip after looking around my place to find where I can put them all. 4ddawgs82: What a nice thing for them to do. I know your family must feel so very pleased. The remembering in France seems so much stronger than feelings in the US. Perhaps, it is because the fighting was right there, with them, and we did not experience any of the horrors of war, first hand, at home. Mimi: This was our planned little GTG of friends. Many other pics with various friends within the thread. Next weekend some more dinners, lunches that I am looking forward to with more friends, new and old.Kate and I will be going to l'Obelisque tomorrow..a favorite of mine. They told me that there have been some changes made since I was there in Dec...also name is now just l'Obe...not sure I like that, but will see........ a bientot.. Joan |
Joan, it looks like you are having a wonderful time! Have you had a chance to view any other Paris Perfect apartments?
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It looks like the shrimp were wrapped in phyllo dough? What a wonderful meal and trip report!
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waterdog,
I did not load your email address in my yahoo. Please send it to me at my travel yahoo address [email protected] Joan |
Hi Joan--I am enjoying your report--I'm afraid we shall have to live the food part vicariously, although it sounds like great fun. We leave in 2 weeks for a short visit to Paris but we usually have to be more budget minded on the restaurants. I am wondering if you have seen any particular exhibitions, concerts, programs , etc. this time which you would particularly recommend? We are staying in the Montparnasse area this time instead of the 7th--really a trip down memory lane--at the first hotel where I stayed in Paris at 19 (low more than 40 years ago--alors) when I arrived to go to school there. I am sure it will be fun. We have been back many many times in the interim.
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I returned to Cafe Constant this morning after a rather late wake up..must be becuase of the 1:00 bed time last night! I had a croissant and cafe creme.
I then did some wandering the area. Went to a little outlet that I know of..never know what you might find there. I bought a very nice very fine knit, all cotton, v-neck pullover in charcoal grey..tag was 15 euros but she said it was reducted to 10. I went to another little place that I always go to..the one where Lilia and I bought all her inventory of a scarf that we liked. I usually find a wood carved cat of some sort..I did find a cute, small one..5 euros! Did some other shopping here and there..returned to apt for a bit. I put on new sweater with a t-neck and was off to Les Cocottes for lunch. I have some pictures below. I ordred a cod with carrots etc. cocotte, a glass of gigondas wine and then even ordered a flan with vanilla. Total was 27 euros. You have to like it! You see what I mean when I say the Constants can easily feed me when in Paris. I visited with Christian and actually had a bit of real conversation with him..for the first time..he always stops and greets me and runs into me every place, so he says. He speaks less English than I speak French, and he has no interest in learning English. I was able to tell him of some of my friends, who he knows well,who will be joining me for lunch at Fables next Sat. along with a friend from Chicago. All with my simple French. I do believe he understood! tdudette..you are right about the phylo dough. She did enjoy it. Robyn, I have been so busy..have not caught up with what's going on. I made the trip down to Provence, and just back. Will check on things next week. I think you can pretty well find what's going on online. How fun for you to stay in a place from many years ago! You will be arriving a few days before I leave..on the 13th. http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...000_0001-8.jpg My Cocotte http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...000_0002-8.jpg Another view of my cocotte http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...00_0003-10.jpg My flan dessert a bientot... Joan |
Manifestations yesterday and today..I don't know about tomorrow. Many marchers now on Bourdonnais..loud music/drums.
A friend said it did upset some buses and metro yesterday. That's why I decided to stay here, in the 7th, and walk to wherever I planned to go. Some rain expected that will most likely help to end the manifestations. a bientot... Joan |
The manifestations have become a bit of a problem..there seems to be no end to the line of them. More gendarmes..a sort of rolling fenced in area that they are dragging some people to. They have long sticks and hit them and drag women by their hair..something else!! It might develop into a problem come dark..best thing that could happen,would be for some raint, that is expected! Glad I am not out and about....
Joan |
It sounds like you are having a great visit to Paris. I wish I were back there. We have already been back for more than a month now. I wish I could stay for a month there! Hope that you don't have too many problems today. Take it easy today. Take care Patti
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I am thinking about Spring Restaurant. I wonder if someone answers the phone for the restaurant. Do you know anything about that Joan?
Stay safe. The news here is that Paris is on the verge of a riot. It sounds like the verge has tipped over into reality--of sorts. The press is always looking for a story. I imagine the whole city isn't on the streets. Nevertheless, it sounds like there could be safety issues. |
The "new" location for Spring is still under construction. I stopped by to see if I could catch Daniel there. No one was even working! Seems as thought everything is at a standstill!
No, no phone calls. Re the manifestations. I have never seen so many of them! I can hear them off in a distance. The drums etc. Don't know about this evening. They police do not fool around with anyone out of order. I'm sure they will be out in force this evening. Rain is still in the forecast. It sprinkled a bit, earlier..hope it rains harder this evening. a bientot... Joan |
Today's demonstration was this:
http://www.manifestation-contre-hadopi.com/ The concerned law concerns penalties for downloading music or film from the internet. Apparently, most of the law is contrary to European Union directives anyway, so it would be inapplicable |
Well I guess this was our "slumming" day!! We arrived athe the Hotel Crillon shortly after noon. I introduced Kate to their boutique and a leisurely walk past their bar and on to the now name changed for l'Obelisque..it is now l'Obe. I was graciously welcomed, recognized etc. We had "my" regular table and looked around for the changes that I had been told had been made. Only new carpet, some gold leaf someething or other at ceiling. All new aprons, of course with l'Obe on them. We were welcomed like old friends. Offerred champagne, Taittinger, of course..Kate had white and I had pink. We were later to find out that they were complimentary..prices on menu were 23 and 28 respectively..euros!!
I will post pictures. Kate had the coddled egg, crayfish.New Zealand spinach entree. I had the white poached asparagus, olive oil, balsamic vinegar. Kate had the browned veal sweetbreads, asparagus with parmesan cheese/olive/farm/bacon. I had the leg of Bresse chicken, morel mushrooms, comte rice. Kate had exotic charlotte variation dessert and I had the bourbon vanilla millefeuille. We skipped the cheese and had recommended white wines selected by our server. Kate thought everything to be heavenly!! I half talked her into the sweetbreads. Everythng I had was excellent. I can easily say that this was a far better meal than our Table Joel Robuchon lunch, without hesitation!! Lilia will enjoy this..everyone else perhaps, too! When we were there both times in Dec. an old gentleman was at the same table across the way..Lilia had noticed that being so. We somewhat nodded in recognition. He told the waiter that he hoped that he was being flirted with. Guess what..he was there, same spot today and I mentioned it to our server. He went over and spoke to him and he subsequently raised a toast to us etc.He stopped by our table upon leaving a very French took my hand between his and nice greetings. I told him I would return again before leaving...translation help from server..it was decided in two weeks.I have a reservation there in two weeks and a semi date with this old man...he does not speak English..some German and Spanish...my French is not very good..is it Lilia?? We left the lovely confines of the Crillon after stopping by Les Ambassadeurs to show Kate what it looked like. We walked a bit on rue Rivoli and I asked Kate if she might like to continue the day of slumming and walk on over to the Ritz and the Bar Vendome for something or other. She thought it was a great idea! I did enjoy the Bar Vendome for lunch the other day. It was just as nice. Kate had a martini called atta boy..it was quite bright pink..I had a Baileys on the rocks..lots of table goodies. Kate decided following me around was quite different from her norm! She did enjoy. Tomorrow we will go see dear Valdo for lunch. Elle had suggested Cafe Constant and I had completely forgotten it was Monday and they are closed, of course. She has not met Valdo either, so it will be great for them to go there. Valdo fixes great salads for me. Another tough day in Paris! By the way..only grey, but warm. I will post this and then work on the pictures..they will be forthcoming.. a bientot.. Joan |
Here are the pictures:
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j.../000_00012.jpg My asparagus http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...00_00022-1.jpg Kate's coddles egg etc http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...00_00032-2.jpg My Bresse chicken http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...00_00042-1.jpg Kate's sweetbreads http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...000_0005-6.jpg Kate's dessert http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...000_0006-7.jpg My dessert http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...000_0008-3.jpg The Ritz Bar Vendome-Pink martini and Bailey's http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...000_0009-5.jpg Saw this on way to catch bus! I must go there tomorrow to buy this outfit!! With that, I will call it a day for pictures!! a bientot... Joan |
Spectacular reports...I feel as if I'm right there with you. We will be in Paris in the middle of July and will head right to the Ritz. I'm waiting for your report on Cafe Constant as it's on our to go list. Thanks for all the time you spend reporting back to us.
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dorie,
Cafe Constant was the Friday night group gathering and pictures. It is a very good place. We cloaed it Friday night and I was there for breakfast on Sat. morning. I go there often..actually I go to all the Constant places regularly on my visits. Do remember, no reservations..unless 5 of more..closed on Sun/Mon. The Ritz Hotel Bar Vendome is open pretty much all day and evening for whatever..the Hemingway I would say is a one time thing, but go early..6:30..The Ritz bar is a younger crowd bar. |
We have never been to a Constant restaurant so would like to try one. We are only two this trip so we will eat early the night we go. How is their seafood restaurant? We eat mostly fish so that might be a good option for us. Do they take reservations?
Please keep your reports and pictures coming as I love to keep up with what's new and wonderful in Paris. |
Hello Joan, thank you for the continuing reports. I was away on a French Immersion Weekend and just got back, it was a great gift to be able to pop back into Paris (at least mentally). A weekend spent speaking French made me long for my favorite city.
I have one question to ask - what exactly does one wear to the Ritz and the Crillon? I am always so intimidated by those places! Kerouac's wonderful "what to wear in Paris" postings are still fresh in my mind, and yes, I know that my money will be welcomed whether I am in Gap or Chanel...but I guess I am just not confident enough to go into those type of places without being properly dressed. Perhaps you might describe what you wear? Clearly you are welcomed and well approved of by all! No plans to dine at the Ritz right now but I am hoping that I will be able to use your advice next year when I return to Paris to celebrate my cinquantieme anniversaire... Can't wait to hear about your rendez-vous. Debra |
Dorie
Here is the website for the Constant restaurants: http://www.leviolondingres.com/eng_ambiance.htm A lot of information and pictures on the site. Fables has excellent seafood. Reservations for Fables and Violon a must do! Cocottes and Cafe Constant you need to arrive early as they fill up fast. Debra Dress for l'Obe and Bar Vendome are nice casual. You will see hotel guests drop in the Bar Vendome dressed quite casual, as it is a place that you can drop in for cafe, light lunch a drink all day..piano player later. For me..I usually wear black pants, a dressier jacket with color, or a black jacket with colorful scarf..that can do for lunch or dinner. E-mail them for reservations, and then call upon arrival to re confirm. For thos interested we split our lunch cost at l'Obe yesterday. It was 90 euros each. A far better bargain than the Table Joel Robuchon lunch that was 70 euros with wine. Better in every way, in my opinion! a bientot.... Joan |
<<For me..I usually wear black pants, a dressier jacket with color, or a black jacket with colorful scarf..that can do for lunch or dinner.>>
Same here - black dress or slacks or skirt, beautiful blouse, a bit of jewelry - you can ago anywhere. |
This trip, I have a couple short semi fitted silk jackets..one is turquoise and the other rather bright orangey/red.I usually have a little black top under and add a neck scarf, black pants..can go any place. Easy packing, too.
I also bring/wear jeans...The Ralph Lauren or some such and the dark color. I have nice jackets to wear with them and neck scarf...fine for many, many places..when seated, your pants don't show. My French friends who live in a town n. of Paris with some lovely rentals and absolutely beautiful places in Alsace,travel in jeans and have jackets on back seat that they put on when they stop to go in to eat. He even has a little silk scarf in jacket pocket! Dress is not a problem to worry that much about...a few simple things. The only one who will get tired of wearing the same thing..is you!! You will not be going to the same place often! a bientot.... Joan |
Joan,
What a Monday morning! Nothing can be more exciting than reading your weekend adventures from Friday night GTG (waaaahh....I wanted to be there!) to meeting your old boyfriend again at l'Obe. I don't know if I like that new name but it is good to know that the quality of food and service has not changed (noticed you had your millefeuille for dessert - looks good with the coulis de framboise on the side). So meeting again leads to a date in two weeks - maybe you can wear that new outfit you wanted to buy - complete with the furry shoes. Don't forget the big lunettes. Careful, you might just give your date a crise cardiac (LOL!) Foie gras and more foie gras - all that yummy creations make me want to go to Paris. Instead, I am going on a two-day meeting in Oakland, CA (is that depressing or what?)! So, no activities over at Daniel's new location - I wonder if he is out getting married or something. I know that he and Marie Aude had started dating. I also read someplace that he is a consultant in that hot restaurant in Batignolles area that we did not go to in December - La Bigarrade. I also heard that it is so hot it take a while to get reservations for a table. They serve kind of the same style as Daniel. bisous and more bisous, Lilia |
I'm totally loving this, thank you so much for posting so much and so often!
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Oh, Joan... those meals are making me so hungry! I think the food at Cafe Constant looks magnificent and it seems by your report, it tastes just as wonderful! I am definitely going there on my next trip. L'obe looks great as well.
You are doing a fine job with your picture posting. However, I find myself looking aimlessly in the fridge when I'm done. Now that you've added an interesting twist to your posts (mysterious French man), I will be paying even closer attention. Enjoy some more Taittinger... -Roberta |
Yesterday was rather a quiet day. I had breakfast at friend Florent's Firt The place. He said we would have another group gathering before I left. Sounds good to me.
I had an email for a lunch with a TA person at Cafe Constant on May 5th. That is set. Two friends were leaving today, so I called Valdo at Cafe Max for us to have lunch there. Elle wanted to see my apt. and came by here first. I think she has now found a perfect place to stay. Kate wants a change, too and I think I know the one that she would be most happy with. We walked over to Cafe Max and Kate was there. They both enjoyed the true bistro charm of the place..and Valdo..what can you say..he is Valdo! He always fixes me a wonderful salad and that is what I asked him for..never know what it might have, but excellent. Elle joined me and Kate ordered an Italian dish..Rigatoni(?). Sorry Roberta..forgot to take pictures!We had lots of talk about next trips, lousy air travel etc. Said goodbyes to Kate..she was off to last day Rodin and I walked with Elle to St. Dominique to locate her #69 bus stop. Said our fond farewells and I returned to my apt. Fed "my" pigeons and caught up on some things. Ended up staying in, weather deteriorated and quite rainy. Looks grey this morning, but if weather person is correct, it will turn sunny later. Madelyn is coming on Eurostar today and we will get together for a light/early dinner. Looking forward to our visit a bientot..... Joan |
Manifestations again today..this one has to do with medical in some way.
I went out for my usual breakfast and then took the bus over to the Bon Marche area. Did a lot of looking/shopping etc. in the area then decided to catch the bus for home! Had to walk! I stopped into Florent's place and had a light meal and came home. Madelyn is in town. She has many errands. I told her about the manifestations. This one not usually too disruptive. I will see her this evening..looking at some places and getting a bite to eat. It is raining a bit now. a bientot, Joan |
There were two different demonstrations today:
-- medical personnel protesting against plans to make hospitals money-making institutions rather than public services -- university students and researchers protesting against modifications in the educational system It appears that the main trade union march on Friday (Labor Day) will be one of the biggest events in a long time. |
Kerouac or joan, will these manifestations be going on for long? Is this something that happens on a regular basis or is this new? We arrive on the 10th, should we be at all concerned?
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Kerouac will know best. I had heard that the medical would not be much of a problem.
I doubt that you would have any kind of problem on the 10th...unless another is scheduled... Kerouac knows all this for us..... Joan |
I did talke with some Parisian friends re Friday. You never know..sometimes they fizzle, too.
You just make sure that you don't get stuck a long way from home. I have so much that is walkable, that I won't let that happen. Friday is such a big holiday, anyway! a bientot.... Joan |
This is the first time since 1945 that all of the trade unions have called for a common march on May 1st. Usually, they march separately or not at all. This time, even the right-leaning unions are marching.
In reaction to today's medical demonstration, the government has backed down on its project. Medical workers enjoy tremendous support from the French public, and keeping the medical people annoyed was a risk best not to take. In terms of other continuing or imminent disputes, everybody wants to see how many people will be on the street on Friday before making a new decisions. Some of the news magazines have been wondering out loud "Could May 2009 be another May 1968?" but they are just trying to sell their product. Wait and see. |
Kerouac,
Thanks for your input! Joan |
Looked at a number of PP apartments last night with Madelyn and we dined together at Cafe Constant. Had a nice visit. I didn't take any pictures.
I had a call from PP that they were doing some upgrades with me. Wanted to move me yesterday, but I moved it til today. I moved to their very large and luxurious Richebourg this morning. I will be here til Sunday and then move to the charming Fleurie. They do the moving...no problem. Fun!! I am dining tonight at a spot I have enjoyed in the past, Chez Pierrot and have made reservations for Le Florimond for tomorrow night. The weather is having trouble clearing up. Showered earlier, partly cloudy now. More later... a bientot.... Joan |
Hi Joan,
As always, I'm enjoying your insights. Any chance that you might be so kind as to make dinner reservations at Florimond and Fables for us, as you offered awhile back? Let me know if you're willing to do so and I'll email you the details. Many thanks, EJ |
elsiejune,
Be glad to. I will be at Florimond tomorrow night and Fables on Sat. They usually like a Paris contact and also for you to re-confirm after arrival in Paris. Good timing!! a bientot... Joan |
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