Chairs in...

And today, chairs (and tables) out. Terraces only. No inside dining until further notice.

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Phase 2 déconfinement: New rules

Weekend out

Parks and gardens re-open as Parisians venture out.

Above: at the Jardin du Luxembourg

A face on the street

Graffiti on a wall where two streets meet in Montmartre.

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Every time I'm on the rue Gabrielle I can't help but think of a lovely young American, a writer, who settled in Paris and we became co-writers/editors on an online franco-zine. We met when she'd had a close bout with the infamous administration française and contacted me, but in no time at all she was off and running and didn't need me at all. The next time I saw her she'd gotten herself ensconced on the rue Gabrielle with two fluffy cats in the most charming sort of atelier with sweeping romantic rooftop views. She made a mean cup of tea and we'd swap great laughs and great stories. Her self-effacing enthusiasm and bottomless creativity was refreshing to be around and as contagious as the coronavirus, and made me (almost) consider taking a break from Paris to re-discover the land of frozen margaritas.

Gabrielle, if you're reading this, wherever you are, thank you for those unforgettable times and equally unforgettable cups of tea. BPJ

A summer soupe

My recent post on gazpacho andaluz inspired another cold soup, this one a personal variation of the (American!) classic, Vichyssoise.

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Recipe in June newsletter

The name of the rose

A wonderful small florist on rue Lepic sells only roses.

School rules

Schools in France reluctantly re-opened their doors May 11 and so far, into the third week, all seems to be going well.

Above: posted outside elementary schools, "To protect me and to protect others!"

Oasis

Marcel's on Avenue Junot has become our new daily stop, just up the stairs from our usual café.