Mocha Monday

Face-à-face yet miles apart.

Malongo Atelier Barista

50 rue Saint-André des Arts 75006

Sit-down Sunday

 Waiting patiently at a lively Montmartre café.

Salade Saturday

 A gigantic head of batavia lettuce dominates a Montmartre produce shop that gets its seasonal fruit, vegetables, juices, honeys, and cheeses from local farms.

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The American tourist sat down and eagerly ordered the Hamburger Maison et Salade, the only thing she recognized on the menu. "Well done, please!" When the burger arrived, underdone, instead of a vibrant, heaping pile of crisp greens tossed in a light vinaigrette as expected, the only green in sight was a slightly wilted single lettuce leaf peeking out from inside the bun. As she had clearly read "salade" she stopped the waiter to demand where her salad was, only for him to shrug and walk away. And just like that, dreams of a lush side salad faded faster than Julia Child's smile when her soufflé refused to rise. In France, depending on the context, if "salade verte" or even "petite salade" is not explicitly stated, and just salade appears on the menu with a burger or sandwich, brace yourself for that one lone leaf instead of a proper side. - BPJ

 

Floral Friday

 

Waiting to be joined by a special friend at Café La Palette.

Thursday thrill

Imagine stepping out onto this small balcony and seeing this.

 

Perfect weather Wednesday

Beautiful weather means dining al fresco.

Above: an Italian treasure hidden in a leafy courtyard

 Pinot Grigio

Village Saint Paul

7 rue Charlemagne 75004

(open in August)

 

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The period of Roman occupation of Paris (then called Lutetia) lasted about 500 years and left much behind including roads, baths, a forum, an amphitheater and some of the best Italian restaurants, markets and shops outside of Italy.

September newsletter:

Best Italian, Paris

 

 

Travel Tuesday

 

Looking back: spending time with loved ones off the French Atlantic coast.

 

Above: up early to the smell of fresh coffee and croissants

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Brittany islands

3 hours (or less) from Paris