Vacated

 

 

With the recent canicule, coronavirus precautions and August vacances, usually crowded streets near the Basilica are eerily empty.

 

A summer ardoise

It's lunchtime, and the chalkboard ardoise listing the day's specials is brought to our tables.

Above: ready to order but first, a refreshing bottle of rosé to share

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