Paris
Yes we two look similar, but no we are not related. We just happen to have the same body shape, hair, complexion, wear the same types of clothes, and live 5 minutes down the road from each other in the middle of nowhere.
Yes we are plump. We love our food and wine. Plump and happy.
Yes we like to do degustation. Food excites us. Inspires us. Feeds our souls as well as our puku.
This trip is a bit of a pilgrimage and a homage. Tracing ancestors, eating where fellow foodies, gourmands and artists have eaten, trying centuries old traditional foods and dishes. Being inspired by and in awe of producers of food that have stood the test of time.
We will eat as many of the classics as we can, and sample the specialities of the gastronomic region we will be travelling in. Whether it is a camembert or an apple sugar, a pressed duck/blood duck or oysters, we'll happily give it a go.
Starting in Paris, (mais oui) gave us the cliche beauty of chimney tops and wrought iron balconies against grey winter skies, and hot chocolates with meringues while sheltering from a shower. It gave us the joy of Parisian dogs out walking the cobblestones with their humans and sitting in cafes (also with their humans). And the unexpectedness of CBD shops legally selling the sleep well tea we needed so much, or a children's climbing wall added to an underpass. The surprise of such fresh produce and not so surprising Parisian chocolate and pastries. And of course the difficult task of trying to choose which bistrot or brasserie to eat in each night.
Our own little rating system of some of the dishes and foods we have tried is a bit unusual, but works for us when we look back to remember. And it helps us compare. Like in Paris where we ate beef tartare in 2 different brasseries. One was great, the other was just above average- After eating a near full plate means a score of 0-3- almost inedible. A half full plate means a score of 4-5. It was OK but would not order again. A plate with just some scraps of food on it means a score of 6-7, we liked it. A clear plate means a score of 8-9- we loved it, it was great. A plate that has been licked clean is a 10- sublime.
Beef Tartare before trying it
OK but under-seasoned and bland compared to Brasserie Romy
Allons-y!