Better Paris Weather and Birthday Party Preparations
Bonjour,
The last two days in Paris have produced blue skies after rain all through the night and quite chilly temps. We have been running here and there to get all the party supplies for hosting neighbors and friends tonight in our apartment. Familiarity from multiple visits over the years has given us an advantage of where to go for what, and we are about ready! It does, however, require some creativity with presentation.
Given that one of our guests is a former caterer himself, the pressure is on to pull this off with some degree of chic, mais oui? It will be fun, regardless, and I will send photos tomorrow. Family begins arriving on Monday for the REAL birthday celebration on the 15th. Special times, indeed!
A word about a place called Picard here in Paris. For someone like me who has limited cookware and budget, etc. it provides a solution for party hors d’oeuvres. Every thing in the store is frozen…all the French delights. And very tasty. So it’s a lifesaver, and a few of their items will be on the menu tonight.
In running our errands, we captured some interesting street shots and a bit of fall color here and there. Apologies that some are out of order. Just maddening but no time to fix.
And yesterday, we ate at a new phenomenon called Etaly. It was an experience. Etaly is a chain and has locations all over the world, but we were told that they stressed more over their location in Paris than any other because of the focus on good food and the ambiance of dining. You can see what you think from the pictures.
If you’re ever in the Marais in Paris, Etaly is certainly worth a try!
Have to say Roll Tide as Bama faces LSU tonight. Hope you have a good weekend.
L & B
November 9, 2019 @ 10:44 am
Best centrepiece ever!! And you are officially a true Parisienne going to Picard 🙂
Thanks for the great photos and raising a toast to your party tonight!
November 9, 2019 @ 12:06 pm
Merci!!
November 9, 2019 @ 12:35 pm
Let the birthday celebrations begin!
So many interesting photos today; hard to choose a favorite. The “ceiling” at Etaly was fascinating. And the pumpkins around the tree. So interesting to see the Bastille wall remains. You never stop showing us new things in Paris.
November 9, 2019 @ 1:03 pm
Really funny story to tell you about Bernie’s gift. Later!
November 9, 2019 @ 1:08 pm
I am certain your party will be a huge success and I am looking forward to pictures and stories.
November 9, 2019 @ 3:19 pm
Yes, I am pooped right now and taking a little rest before the festivities begin. Think everything is ready!
November 9, 2019 @ 1:22 pm
Thanks Linda! Etaly looks very cool. Armistice/Veterans Day in Paris is a real experience. I loved the parade.
November 9, 2019 @ 3:18 pm
We may try to check it out, but have our first round of family coming in so we may not make it!
November 9, 2019 @ 1:56 pm
A remarkable day of photos and the nifty new eatery. We will be dining Italian tonight and will raise a birthday toast to Bernie.
And the Morgan, one of my favorite autos. Wouldn’t mind having one myself though it would really drain the bank account.
An early Happy Birthday to Bernie and your obviously wonderful preparations.
November 9, 2019 @ 3:17 pm
Merci!
November 9, 2019 @ 2:19 pm
Loved all the pictures today. Really brought me back to Paris. We’re thinking about you today as you get ready–no pressure as everything will be perfect I’m sure. By the way, I became addicted to espresso, maybe I should say more than I already was, and European coffee with its full flavor. Consequently, we now have a Nespresso machine. That’s what was in our hotel in Paris and we actually found a Nespresso store in Paris, but I have no idea where it was now. The coffee is fantastic and I can close my eyes and imagine sitting in a little sidewalk cafe in Saint Germaine du Pres. We’ll have some ready for you when you return. Best wishes to my dear friend on his birthday and the celebration today. I can’t believe he is eighty. When I am with him I keep thinking, “when he gets as old as I am he won’t have that much energy.” Oh well, must be the genes.
November 9, 2019 @ 3:16 pm
Just read this aloud to Bernie. Very sweet!
November 9, 2019 @ 3:14 pm
What a lovely sunny day! Thanks for sharing your wandering with us, especially the photos of Eataly. We will definitely put that one on our to-do list!
November 9, 2019 @ 3:17 pm
I have eaten at Eataly in New York twice and absolutely love the quality of cheeses, pastas, pastries, wine and all things Italian! So amazing to me there is one in Paris too. Very exited for you and Bernie as birthday week begins and hope you both treasure every moment!
November 9, 2019 @ 3:46 pm
I think the cooking school would be fun! Does the one in Paris resemble the one in New York?
Looking forward to our holiday get together.
November 9, 2019 @ 3:36 pm
Big day for me, I think I have a chance to correct Linda. You spelled it Etaly throughout the article. The signs in the restaurant and on the bread bag spell it Eataly. Do the French have any opinions on Italian food in general? What do the French snack on while watching soccer games on TV — I doubt Buffalo Wings?
November 9, 2019 @ 3:44 pm
Pat, you are so correct!! Merci for the good catch. The French like all kinds of food and I think EATALY is quite popular with them. I had mixed feelings about it. But it was a fun experience. As to what the French snack on while watching soccer games on TV— I’d say saucisson (sausage), cheese, bread, and wine or beer. They also like potato chips. Also olives.
November 9, 2019 @ 10:39 pm
Everything looks so very festive!! I know you all will have a great time. You’ve proven many times over, what a fabulous hostess you are. Now with Parisian style and Southern hospitality don’t forget to savor every minute and celebrate the good friendships You and Bernie have enjoyed
Over the years.
November 10, 2019 @ 6:20 am
Merci, madame! The party was fabulous.