Street oasis

Not only are tables and chairs spilling onto streets but imagine turning a corner and coming across this idyllic miniature living room set up on a sidewalk, where enticing hot chocolate, tea, coffee and cakes are served along with wi-fi and wit. And when you return the next day, just like that, it's gone.

 

Paris Is My Living Room Dept.

Kidswall

 

Into the weekend with this wonderful "kidswall" on a Montmartre side street.

Monday: the street-as-living-room

Last suppers

Despite a threat of rain dinner terraces were packed yesterday in anticipation of today's mandatory Facemasks Everywhere rule - and not far behind, early closure of restaurants. 

Update: joggers / cyclists won't be required to wear masks

Below: graph Covid-19 France [source: LeMonde.fr / Santé Publique France]

yellow curve = confirmed cases

red curve = hospitalizations

black curve = deaths

green curve = recoveries

(click to enlarge)

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.... 

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