We got going at a surprisingly civilized hour; maybe knowing we only had two full days here this time made a difference in that category.
We got as far as Kayser, where we had a croissant, and it started raining pretty heavily. We went back for the umbrella then made our way toward the Mephisto shop. We passed the Aigle store and checked out the children’s boots (we bought Lauren some little ones when we were here years ago… when the choice was between three colors, as I remember. Now there are lots of fun options). I found some very cheerful red shoes and look forward to many walks with them here and at home!
From there we walked the few blocks to the Barthelemy cheese shop at 51 Rue Grenelle. What a great spot. We chose some St. Maure and Chabichou, both goat cheeses, but if I’d been thinking a little more clearly I might have also picked up a cow’s milk cheese as they are more difficult to find in the US. We worked our way back along Blvd St Germain past Ralph Lauren and St Germain des Pres. I really love that church, especially the side garden with what looks like ruins.
We changed and walked the couple blocks to Ze Kitchen Galerie. It’s such a wonderful spot! The food and presentation are excellent and the service is consistently professional but friendly. The amuse-bouche was a green apple and fennel water, which was very refreshing and interesting. Our starters were a sea bream (for Mark) and duck foie gras ravioli for me, and we followed with a lamb and a hake fish. For dessert I had an almond cake with passion fruit and Mark had a white chocolate and wasabi ice cream with… hmmm… can’t remember. Such a treat though. 🙂
By the time we left, the rain had stopped completely and the sky was alternating between heavy clouds that blocked the sun and bright blue sky. We walked across the Pont Neuf (the Seine iw waaaay up!!) toward Les Halles to check the progress on the renovation there, then stopped in at Dehillerin, the fabulous kitchen shop, to pick up a Staub roaster for Bea and Joe. From there we went to A Simon, our other favorite kitchen spot, and found a few small items. Mark’s been forming rice instead of spooning it onto plates and he’s on the search for some nice little bowls to use for that purpose. I also found a new tart pan with a removable bottom and since we have recently instituted “Tart Tuesday” in our dinner rotation I’m glad to have a new non-stick pan. 🙂
From there, we walked around to the back of Les Halles and passed a shop we hadn’t seen before that is clearly the inspiration for a scene in the movie Ratatouille! Mark then headed to the apartment to drop off the things and I walked toward a children’s shop I found last time I was here. I found a couple of small items and then walked toward the Orsay to see the Bonnard exhibition but I got there too late to get in. It was perfect walking weather, though, so I didn’t mind the extra walk. I walked back along Rue l’Université and passed by the gallery with the Sempé prints and captured a couple pics but didn’t go in this time. I also stopped in at a linens shop and found a nice apron that might work for Katharine to wear on Bramble Day Cafe days at Elderslie Farm.
Mark and I arrived back at the apartment about the same time and organized a bit, then got ready for Jenny Korsmo and her friend, Debbie Gambino, to arrive. Jenny’s sister lives in Paris and we have just missed being here at the same time on a couple of other occasions so we were very happy it worked for her to come this time. They had just arrived in the morning and had been walking most of the day so I’m sure they were pooped but they didn’t look it! We had a really nice time chatting. Jenny’s sister had initially hoped to join us after an event she was attending but it didn’t work this time.
Hither, Yon and Skies 