Les Halles by Foot

Our good friend, Linda Wilson, gave us each a walking guide of Paris.  We set out by foot to carefully explore the wondruous Les Halles area and were taken by the beauty of the Eglise St-Eustache created in 1532-1637 in a Renaissance Gothic style.  It is the largest Parisian church after Notre-Dame, by which it was influenced. 

At no 38 Rue Montorgueil is the exquisite restaurant A l'Escargot, established in 1832.

Old Friends,Nous Friends

My longtime friend, Pat Whitman from Florida, and I arrived in Paris last Saturday, October 1st, and were welcomed by brilliant sunshine and summer weather.  It took no time at all for us to unpack and get outside to enjoy some fresh air and take in the beauty.  We have both worked hard on our French and were determined to assimilate as much as possible within our new environs.  One of our goals was to explore and experience as many parts of this city as possibile, so on Monday, October 3rd, while having lunch outside in a garden patio at Chez Marianne in the Marais, we met a charming couple, he from northern England and she from the island of Sicily.  Like us, they were taken by the beauty of the day and the four of us shared our enthusiasm for Paris and all that it has to offer.  We chatted briefly and then said our goodbyes wishing them a great day. Pat and I both commented on what a lovely couple they were.  


After walking the city that afternoon, leaving the Marais, crossing Pont Louis Philippe, and heading into the Latin Quarter, we decided to turn around in the late afternoon and head home to relax and prepare for the evening's activites. 
I talked Pat into stopping at a sidewalk cafe close to the apartment, La Lutecia, for a Batoit and an apertif.  While discussing such inportanat items as our mutual love of escargot, old friends and priorities in life, we noticed our lunchtime acquaintances walking towards us. 
Feeling happy to recognize a familiar face,  we both waved energetically, hoping they would see us. 
Little did we know that Ray was a professional photographer so he caught Pat, Giovanna and me at a very happy moment.    



Dans Les Landes, Jeanne A, Philou

Lee Anna, my French teacher, made dinner reservations for my friend and me the first three nights upon arrival.  We are looking forward to exploring all the different neighborhoods nearby and familiarizing ourselves with all that is available.  The three restaurants listed above come with glowing recommendations so I will let you know my review later.   

Superb menu items from Dans Les Landes include

Chipirons Frites aux Piment, Grecques Artichauts aux Palourdes, et Pot de Boudin (Polenta Sticks) 

This luscious entree (appetizer), Encornet Farci (Stuffed Squid) a la provencale, 

is from Jeanne A, a lovely epicerie on Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud in the 11th.

My plat for the evening at Jeanne A was Chou Farsi de Veau et Foie Gras

(stuffed cabbage with veal and foie gras). 

Sylvan, the epicerie manager, was extremely charming and helpful.   

The plat selected by Miss Pat was a Tourte de Legume de Saison (Tort of Seasonal Vegetables).

On Monday evening, October 3rd, Pat and I traveled by taxi to Philou at 12 Avenue Richerand, near Canal Saint Martin, in the 10th.  We received a warm welcome upon arrival and proceeded to order an entree of Fricasee of Girolles (mushrooms/chanterelles) which were fabulous.  I have since attempted to duplicate this dish at home with some success. 

I chose a plat of Grouse Roti (roasted goose) au foie gras with puree of celeric while Pat selected a lovely dish of Pave de Cabilland (codfish) with very special white beans as seen in the background of the above photo.  

21 Rue du Pont Louis-Phillipe

In ten short days this will be my new address in Paris for the next three months.   I look forward to sharing my experiences through this blog.  My hope is to savor every day and highlight as many significant experiences as possible.  Right now the task at hand is to simplify the material possessions that I will be packing.  I will be adding a photo of my apartment when I arrive.

My dear friends from Iowa were kind enough to take this photo of Pat and me with our french doors wide open to the world outside!