Les Papilles

Les Papilles is one of the best values for those of you adventurous enough to accept whatever the chef deigns to serve you. For you have only one option when eating here: the 31 € "retour du marche" menu which includes entree, main dish, cheese, and dessert course. I lucked out with every course on my first visit, and had a great meal.

We were an hour late (oops), so we got relegated to the bar, but it actually wasn't that bad because we weren't as cramped as some of the people sitting at the tables, and the bartender/waiter was very sweet and took good care of us. I wouldn't mind sitting there again. R. immediately ordered the charcuterie platter, which started us off well.

We both went with the menu (well, it's not like we had any other choice), and I was very happy with the first course, a mint pea soup. I thought it sounded weird but I loved it. That bowl is filled with veggies, croutons, and bacon (yum), over which was served the soup.

Next was the lamb. Oh, that lamb. No, I'm not a pig, this was for both of us! The sauce around it was filled with roasted summer vegetables, and was almost like a meat-infused ratatouille. Delish.

My cheese course was so pretty: brie drizzled with olive oil, chives, and some sweet sauce (plum? black cherry? don't remember). R got a salad substitution for the cheese.

Finally, our dessert. A cup of mascarpone with fresh peaches on the bottom and a coulis of peach on top. I never order these creamy types of desserts, but they are always so good when I taste them, so I was happily surprised.

I do not remember the wine we ordered, but it was whatever the pick of the day was to go with the menu - see how easy they make it for you?

When we were leaving we noticed a large party appearing out of nowhere, leaving. It was then that we learned about the "rugby room": the private dining room downstairs, decorated with rugby memorabilia, complete with flat screen tele. Something to keep in mind for large groups.

This bib gourmand is the place to go if you want a darn good meal without breaking your bank account - so long as you don't have any special dietary restrictions. They were willing to make some movement on the menu - they offered to substitute the tuna for the lamb, but don't bring your vegetarian friend, or even your "I don't eat farm animals with four legs, but sometimes I eat chicken, and maybe pork if I feel like it, oh and can I have my dressing on the side?" friend. On the website there is a "carte" with tartines and salads, but I think that is only for lunch. They also sell their wines and canned goods for takeaway.

BistroY... Les Papilles
http://www.lespapillesparis.fr/
30 rue Gay Lussac
75005 PARIS
tel : 01 43 25 20 79

Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday - Saturday
Reservations recommended on the weekends.

So not having internet...kind of annoying. But now housing is all sorted out (nope, won't even go there!) and internet is too and I'd thought I'd share this lovely surprise that greeted us while walking home one evening a few weeks ago.
Le Figaro is currently exhibiting "30 ans d'emotion" at the Jardin du Luxembourg, with some of the most moving images in the past 30 years, many of which were covers of the Figaro Mag. You can find out more information about the exhibit and the photos on the Senat website.

Hurry by to take a look, since you only have until July 15 to see them!

Au Cheval Blanc

Recently had the most amazing, amazing meal I have had in a long time at the Cheval Blanc. I didn't take pictures except for this, but trust me. Five "official" courses, with wine pairings and all the in betweens. Fantastic service, inviting setting, love love loved it. Currently one-starred but I don't see why it can't earn another soon enough. Above is a photo of just one (yes, ONE!) of the amazing desserts that was on our menu. They called this the grand dessert, and each person at the table got this sampling of their sweets. Simply Amazing. They have tons of specials going on now because of a recent change in owner and it is worth the short drive from Strasbourg (or Germany if that be the case).

Oh, and did I mention I'm back in Paris now! Can't wait to write about my first meal back!!!

Au Cheval Blanc
http://www.au-cheval-blanc.fr/
4, rue de Wissembourg
67510 LEMBACH
Tél. : +33 (0)3 88 94 41 86
Reservations essential.

Ambiance & Styles

One of my favorite design and homeware stores in Strasbourg is Ambiance & Styles. I always drop in when I am looking for a unique souvenir from France to bring home to friends or family, and they do the most beautiful job of wrapping the presents with contrasting paper colors, ribbons and all.

They have almost every possible object by Valerie Nylin, a French designer who has a line of tableware and accessories:including some great reusable shopping bags that are around 6€ each. Valerie Nylin's designs involve simple illustrations captioned with some sort of joke or play on words in French.

Ambiance & Styles has a substantial Alessi section, a good kids/baby section, more serious/classic china and flatware, and a kitchen section with every imaginable doodad.

The thing that mystifies me is that they don't have any locations in Paris. The name and the logo looked so familiar, I was sure I had seen them before in Paris. I also can't think of any comparable American chain. Definitely check them out if you are in Strasbourg or near any of their other locations.

AMBIANCE ET STYLES
http://www.ambianceetstyles.com/
Place St Pierre Le Vieux
67000 STRASBOURG
Tél: 03 88 32 91 07
Tuesday-Saturday 10h - 19h

Biggest Dog Ever

Chillin' in a corner press shop in Lembach, Alsace. We had a long discussion with the owner about how she prefers big dogs to small dogs (my dog would be a light afternoon snack for this giant), our shared dislike of poodles, and her philosophies on training dogs. I can't remember the breed, but I do remember the weight of the dog: more than 60 kgs! Over 120 lbs! Wow.

Only in France

FNAC, the French equivalent to Best Buy or Circuit City, memorializes the protests of May 68 on all of their shopping bags, replacing their usual logo with a revolutionary fist. May 68 court toujours ≈ May 68 is still alive.

Hello Kitty Invasion!

Galeries Lafayette has paired up with Hello Kitty as part of their "Asiatic" theme, and the results are irresistible. Stuffed animals, coffee mugs, reusable shopping bags, stationary products: they all feature that famous Japanese cat against the Paris skyline and Galeries Lafayette logo. Yes, I bought the big shopping bag. And it took all my willpower not to buy the mug at the same time!