A portrait artist

 Mask on chin, he waits in the cold.

Marrons glacés

With icy cold weather this small chestnuts-chocolat-chaud stand is like a mirage at the top of the butte.

 

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- In front of l'Église Saint-Pierre -

Chestnut season

'Tis the season... of roasted chestnuts.

Above: hand-warming marrons a.k.a. châtaignes at an outdoor market on the Left Bank

Monday: more marrons

Emilie in Paris

Not much is known about Emilie Mey, who came to Montmartre from Alsace with painter Théophile Steinlen, where they were married a few years later.

Above: sculpture of the couple in a loving embrace

Sky over Paris

Black clouds with the sun behind from the steps of the Basilica.

Home for the holidays #3

Another holiday apéro, for six.

 

Above: planches of charcuteries w/assorted crackers; home-made variation of Austrian Liptauer cheese dip; sweet-salty pretzels w/nuts mix (recipe: David Lebovitz)

 

 

Home for the holidays #2

When neighbors happen to be friends....

 2021 was heralded in chez des amis with a simple celebration au coin du feu.

Above: champagne and smoked salmon w/chive cream sauce; variety of canapés

Below: foie gras de canard w/fig chutney; AOC farm cheeses 

 

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¡Las doce uvas de la suerte!

"The twelve grapes of luck"

When I lived in Spain, on New Year's Eve everyone would have a small cup of twelve grapes at the ready for when the first bell chimed at midnight, and with each chime, we'd eat one grape, and with each grape, make a wish. According to the tradition, downing all twelve grapes just as the last chime chimed would lead to twelve months of prosperity and good luck. This year, someone suggested cherry tomatoes instead but, superstitious, we decided it was better not to tempt fate. - BPJ