Here and There Around Paris in Photos
Bonjour,
A word about the weather in Paris. It feels like late October when we were here in 2019. Yesterday, the temps did not reach 70 degrees. People start and end the day in coats of some sort and you do see everything. It’s really odd and counter to almost everything I brought to wear. It definitely does not feel like summer. Oh well, I remember almost dying in the 95-96 degree heat in past years without any air-conditioning.
Today’s post is an assortment of photos including doors, food, and a trip to the Bon Marché which may be my favorite of all the department stores. It is so classic, smaller, quieter and reaks of elegance. Imagine the escalator lined with Christmas trees like we saw it two years ago. The main store and the grand epicerie or food store are in two separate buildings. We had lunch in the epicerie upstairs and had perhaps the best gazpacho I’ve ever eaten. It included an ingredient called stracciatella which is a form of milk-based gelato with fine irregular shavings of chocolate and is considered a cheese. I thought for sure it was mozzarella. Delicious. The restaurant is “La Table.”
Here’s a look inside the store and their exquisite displays. There were more clerks than customers, but they are so glad to be reopened. By the way, this department store is on the Left Bank or Rive Gauche and the name Bon Marché means good price or inexpensive. Believe me, it is anything but!!! 
In researching the door theme, I read that Parisians consider the door of La Petite Palais to be the prettiest in Paris. Here it is along with a few others.
Dinner last night was with the Bilbros in their neighborhood around Rue Cler called Milagro which Peggy deemed to be French fusion/Mexican. Very interesting menu and owned by a lady who is Puerto Rican but here in Paris studying to be a jazz singer. She invited us to come hear her in early September which we plan to do. It’s a tiny eatery but delightful with a chef from Santa Fe! 
Thanks to Jim for the food photos but forgot to airdrop the desserts!
Lovers are both from the subway…one human, one not.
Have a great day,
L & B
August 5, 2021 @ 7:56 am
Wonderful photos of Bon Marché! And that pleated skirt! Oh my! I never thought those would come back! We enjoyed our dinner last night with y’all. Good food with good friends. You can’t beat that!
August 5, 2021 @ 8:28 am
Peggy, I have to approve every comment before it shows up!
August 5, 2021 @ 7:57 am
I left a long comment, but I guess it didn’t post! Anyway, enjoyed the photos and the dinner last night with you and Bernie!
August 5, 2021 @ 11:41 am
Love the “plant hair”! The pleated skirt, not so much. Some of the doors are simply elegant; that’s been a fun theme. And the puppy was definitely on to you. What a look!
August 5, 2021 @ 11:52 am
I’ve got to agree with the people of Paris, the door of La Petite Palais is hard to beat. The stores seem to go the extra mile in their presentation of clothes/fashions. Nice to look at.
August 5, 2021 @ 3:26 pm
The photos of Bon Marche are so much fun to look at. Loved the ladies with plants for hair! Your new restaurant find in Jim and Peggy’s neighborhood sounds very interesting. I love that you are trying new places and dishes. I have to agree about the prettiest door. It’s beautiful!
August 5, 2021 @ 11:25 pm
That food looks delicious!
August 6, 2021 @ 3:06 am
Yes, it was an excellent restaurant! The owner and the chef were both intermingling with guests. It’s a tiny place just opened two months ago.