January weather has been pretty awesome so far. Apparently it was miserable in Paris last winter (slushy snow, freezing, gloomy, barely any daylight), so we've gotten pretty lucky so far. We made it a point to get out and get our stroll on this past week to soak up the sunny, clear skies (even though it was COLD) - good thing we did because starting Wednesday there's nothing but freezing rain in the forecast. Blah. I predict there will be a bunch of soup and movie watching in our near future.
Paris Winter Day iPhone Pics
Sitting under a heater at a cafe. People watching and sipping vin blanc on Ile Saint-Louis.
Now to the Food!
Last weekend Kyle and I went to a great little restaurant in our neighborhood called L'Affriole. It was actually the first French meal that Kyle had when he came to Paris for business a year ago. Holy cow, can't believe it's been that long!
The restaurant has a very whimsical approach to presenting staples in French cuisine. Way cool.
Some sort of yummy soup. Artichoke maybe?
Kyle had quail and foie gras wrapped in pastry.
I opted for the beef braised for seven hours in a red wine sauce and veggies. It was crazy good.
For dessert we had beignets with apricot ice cream...
and some chocolate goodness with sugary something or other on top.
Then we walked for an hour before we could sit down comfortably. Good thing French portion sizes aren't like portions in the US!
The Tables Turn and We are the Chefs
One of my Christmas gifts from Kyle was a cooking class for the two of us at La Cuisine Paris. The class was in a cute little room overlooking the Seine. Joining us was a really sweet couple from Miami, Toranika and Rob.
What that translates to in French is butter, butter and more butter! But oh so delish.
The Menu:
Salmon with a bearnaise sauce
Mashed Potatoes
Crepes with salted caramel and caramelized apples
Master crepe flipper!
What do you think of that beautiful thing?
We discovered that sweets are not my thing. What a sad little crepe I made. Savory meals are more my specialty.
Bon Appetit!
My crepe looks much prettier when you drown it in salted caramel and stuff it with caramelized apples. YUM!
The view from class
Bienvenue à Paris Camille
Last September I met Camille through our friend Alana who lives in London. Camille is Australian but has been living in London for the past five years. We were excited that last Sunday Camille moved to Paris for her job with L'Oreal Paris!
This weekend we went on a little sightseeing trek around Le Marias and Bastille area with Camille and Julie. It's wonderful to have another buddy here!
Ice skating rink at Hotel de Ville
Place des Vosges
Bastille Area
Paris is the original home of Invader. Invader is a Parisian artist who puts these tiles up with little space invaders on them. The artist's invaders can be seen in cities all over the world, but apparently Paris is home to more of them than any other city. There were a ton of them in Bastille. Start looking for them when you travel to major cites, you're bound to notice them everywhere now!
Beautiful sunset
Look! There's a gym on top of a McDonald's. I hope you can't smell either of them in the other! Sick.
I always tell myself that I should try to make my blog posts shorter with less photos, but I just can't help myself! There's just so much to share. Hope you enjoy :)
Bisous!
Maygan
