Graphoto

A photograph on a Montmartre wall known for its ever-changing graffiti.

Soirée dînatoire

These photos, from the sensational apéro dînatoire held at Le Cordon Bleu École de Cuisine to showcase student skills, represent only a portion of the evening's offerings.

 As champagne and wine flowed tray after mouth-watering tray materialized from busy kitchens. Chefs helmed tables carving, grilling and plating an astounding array of beautiful hors-d'oeuvres and delectable small plates.

Above: layered verrines of lobster cream atop a gazpacho base; seared foie gras garnished w/popcorn (!); succulent roasted lamb w/couscous

 Below: gourmet terrines being turned into canapés on artisanale country loaves; poached "eggs in nests" w/their crispy mouillettes; petit fours.... 

***

With thanks and congratulations to the remarkable team and students of Le Cordon Bleu, Paris

Aller-retour

Our week in Provence was bookended by a stop in the Auvergne-Aubrac on the way there, and Burgundy on the return trip, two beloved regions.

Above: impressive castle with sunset view from a hilltop village in Burgundy; last cafés crèmes before heading home

Below: breakfast table in the Aubrac countryside

A book in Montmartre

Denis Leary's bestseller "Why We Suck: A Feel Good Guide to Staying Fat, Loud, Lazy and Stupid," as brilliant today as ever.

Peachy

Last week's heatwave inspired a wave of light refreshing homemade drinks. 

Above: peach spritzes with a splash of Cointreau

Remerciements

À mes chères et chers, merveilleuses et merveilleux --
 


Thank you, again, for your unwavering support... and for the WWLDD?* T-shirt. ❤️❤️❤️



Yours,
 Barbara



* What Would Larry David Do?








This week look for more photos from our week in Provence (w/on-the-way stopoffs in Burgundy and Auvergne)... and from Le Cordon Bleu's non-stop apéro dînatoire extravaganza.

Enjoy your weekend, wherever you are. Soon...! - BPJ




Photo and design by Nadège  

A step down

Graffiti covers the wall of a Montmartre staircase.