From Paris, with Love

Bonjour!

This past summer we spent some time in Paris and then touring via riverboat to cities along the Seine River and up to Normandy. From the moment we arrived until the day we had to leave, the entire experience was filled with incredible history, beauty, art, love and romance…including the amazing food and wine!

One of the most striking things we noticed was that patrons at cafés, boulangeries, and restaurants weren’t on their cell phones. Instead they were quietly watching people strolling by, or chatting, or reading. Sometimes we’d see single people sit down, order an espresso, sip it slowly, pay the check and leave. No hurries, no hectic pace. The result was that people were present. They were living in the moment and taking life as it came.

Portion sizes of the food were much smaller than in the U.S., which was quite welcome. It was quality over quantity. Many dishes had a wonderful sauce that enhanced the flavors on your plate. And while you could find a fast food restaurant that used paper cups and plates, they were few and far between. Even the smallest cafés served food on real plates, drinks in real glasses, and with real silverware.

The entire dining experiences are treated as an art to be appreciated…not an exercise in speed, convenience, and disposability.

Merci beaucoup!

More than enough for lunch! The shrimp is draped over avocado and served with a delicious remoulade sauce.