A generous planche mixte loaded with French charcuteries and cheeses, à partager.
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Most menus in Paris cafés now include an "à partager" (to share) section with a variety of appetizers and planches.
Swiss artist Théophile Steinlen who called several addresses in Montmartre home, is mostly recognized for his ubiquitous poster Le Chat Noir (The Black Cat), the club by the same name, thought to have been the first modern cabaret. But as much as he loved cats and to paint cats, he did more. Much more.
"You can't make everyone happy. You're not cheese" - Anonymous
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Today is National Cheese Lovers' Day all over the cheese-eating world. Though National Cheese Day in France is celebrated on March 27 (with planches and plates of French cheeses and French wines), who wants to wait? - BPJ
One of the first expressions that newcomers to France might encounter. A lot.
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Besides the obvious, ”Merde!” in theater and ballet circles (where saying "bonne chance" is basically inviting disaster) means, "break a leg." The tradition supposedly dates back to horse-and-carriage days when a pile of merde outside a venue meant tons of wealthy patrons had shown up and a packed house was guaranteed. In the sidewalk version, Paris newcomers dodging canine landmines who step in doggie doo, depending on which foot, discover it can be a lucky break: plant your left foot, and voilà, “C’est pas grave, c’est le pied gauche!” (“It’s ok, it’s the left foot!”). The right? Doom and despair, naturally. So when life hands you merde, it could be that your luck is about to change. - BPJ
Une petite envie (craving) for Chinese in Paris?
With three Chinatowns and a Japantown in the Opéra district with every Asian cuisine you can think of, the choices seem endless.
Above: gigantic bowls of Chinese soups take the edge off a cold afternoon
Below: shared starters
Today is La Fête des Rois, Feast of the Epiphany or Three Kings, and all over France pâtissiers and boulangers have been working the night shift. Although all "kings' cakes" are similar, every baker has his/her own version.
Above: this year's home-made galette
Wednesday January 10 - Tuesday February 6
Shoe pileup in a shop window in the Marais district.
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"Is it ok to wear sneakers in Paris?" - One of the most asked questions by US visitors
