Friday, January 31

Lunchtime In Paris

I miss Paris, and I find myself missing the most unlikely things. The cobbled streets of the Marais, St. Germain and the Latin Quarter. Zinc rooftops in the rain. Wandering street markets. The intoxicating perfume of the boulangeries. Late afternoon light glancing off the honey-colored stones of the Place de la Concorde's facades. That magical interlude between daylight and darkness, anywhere along the Seine as you watch the lights of the city come alive. Sitting on the steps of the Sacre Coure and looking down from the hills of Montemare as you take in all the City of Lights has to offer. Being whisked past iconic architecture and historic monuments on a night tour of the most beautiful city in the world. Catching glimpses of the Hôtel de Ville, the Palais de Chaillot, the Grand Palais and the Petit Palais, the Louvre, the Conciergerie, and the Gothic towers of Notre Dame before coming to rest at the feet of the Eiffel Tower - it was and IS so spine-tingling. 

But most of all, I miss lingering over meals in the quaint bistros, sidewalk cafés. and brasseries of Paris. In France, a meal is so much more than a meal - it is an experience, leisurely and refined, whether an impromptu picnic at one of Paris’ pleasant parks or a multiple-course meal at one of the city’s three-star restaurants. We abandoned our American fast-service, fast-food expectations and embraced the Parisian's view of dining. In Paris you are expected to linger over your meal among friends and strangers, savoring every flavor, good conversation and enjoying life as a precious gift to be appreciated, rather than a race to be won. And, after all, isn't that the way it should be? Below are pictures of such a meal. We sat at this wonderful sidewalk cafe, over-looking the Seine, for over two hours and not once did we feel the need to rush and the astonishing fact was the waiters didn't seem to notice!


Lunching in the heart of Paris, truly divine!
Brasserie de L'Isle Saint Louis
Brasserie de L'Isle Saint Louis sits next to the pedestrian bridge that leads to Ile de la Cité.
Plat du Jour - 24 Euros
Elizabeth, enjoying Paris.
Ms.E watching these terrific musicians. 
They rolled a piano out on to the bridge over the Seine, it was amazing. 
People watching.
Parisians enjoying their leisurely meal.
House wine is always a good choice in Paris.
We had the Plat du Jour, Steak Frites - oh so good!
The Béarnaise sauce was out of this world.
Me and Mr.P, tired but having a wonderful afternoon.
Our very friendly Parisian waiter.
Mr.P's selfie as he contemplates our little corner of Paris.
E and Mr.P visiting with the waiter, trying out their limited French.

The Parisians have got it right - they know how to appreciate life with luxurious, sumptuous meals.

ENJOY!
~THE DOMESTIC CURATOR~
RONDA

Mr.P took a good picture of the Tour Eiffel!

Paris, France, leisure, slow, enjoy, twilight, meal, linger, quaint, bistros, cafes, brasseries, savoring, conversation, appreciate, the-good-life


6 comments:

  1. I have never been to Paris, but it's on my bucket list. Those fries....Need Some Now.

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  2. I've been to Paris several times and each time was more special than the last. Lingering over the food or having a leisurely coffee outside at a bistro was our favorite part. :)

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  3. Paris is my favorite city. I love to sit back and watch the people & have some wine. The outdoor markets on the weekend are AMAZING! Loved reading this and it makes me want to go back to Paris tomorrow.

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  4. Me too Merewil, me too! Mr.P and I hope that when the last chick-a-dee graduates college (3 years) when can spend a month out of every year in Paris. We love it!

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