Winks And Whistles

My First French Meal

By the time Chad and I made our way from the airport to our Montmartre apartment, unpacked and changed - we were famished. So, we headed out into our neighborhood to find some food. And let me tell you, there is no lack of restaurants in the neighborhood we’ll be calling home for the next week.

And how was my first French meal? Ah-freakin-mazing!

I started off with escargot, a French restaurant fave of mine. A first for me - eating them out of the shell! Whenever I’d ordered this in French restaurants in America, they always came shelled. So, it was really fun for me to use the “tools” (not sure what the actual names are) to scoop them out. And I couldn’t help but think of that Pretty Woman scene where Julia Roberts sends a snail sailing across the dining room.

Then I had duck and it was prepared so differently than I’d ever had it before - mainly in how it was cooked. The duck I’ve always previously been served was cooked well done. This wasn’t - more of a medium/medium rare and it was just so delicious. There was a yummy au jus on the side and it was served with what can only be described as French mac and cheese - cheesy and buttery goodness.

Oh - and guess what? I drink coffee now! I know. I know. The girl who doesn’t drink coffee goes to France and all of sudden can’t get enough espresso. Coffee has always bothered by stomach in the past, but when I got here I thought - I’m going to give it another try and just see what happens. I don’t know if it’s just drinking espresso (smaller doses vs. larger American style drip coffee), but I felt great. I ended up having two (at different places) throughout the day.

I can’t wait for more French food today! It’s my birthday (eeeeh! I’m in Paris) and we’re going to stop by Laduree for a bunch of tasty treats!

Au revoir!