KDRose.com - Wanderlust, Grounded
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipe Index
  • Links

Paris During Toussaints and the Salon du Chocolat

11/3/2011

15 Comments

 
As I see it, it makes the most sense to divide my vacation in three:  arrival in Paris, Cannes and departure from Paris.  Each section of vacation had its own fun things to talk about and I figure if I give some organization to this business, I won’t forget the important parts.  Sound good to you?  ‘K, great. 

PARIS.

It’s strange to come back to Paris.  It’s strange because for the majority of my time in France I live - more or less - in the suburbs.  And like most suburbs, things are more casual.  Less rushed.  Less…fancy.  And let’s face it: if you’re going to talk about fancy cities, Paris is pretty much it.  People are really into being fancy in Paris. They dress all sophisticated and walk around looking equal parts clean, chic and immaculately groomed.  I’m not really sure how they do it.  But that’s probably because I’m American and from California which, by nature, causes me to be utterly unable to pinpoint the French je ne sais quoi.

Coming back to Paris is like being thrust back into some person’s dream of France, with all it’s glittery hustle bustle, and I’m quite glad to be able to get on the Métro and head (more confidently, now that I know the way) to Emiglia’s apartment, which is homey and unglittery but still French in a more down-to-earth way.

Sunday is a quiet day in Paris.  It’s the kind of day where you hang out, have friends over casually and maybe just watch TV.  At least that’s how it is in the apartment where I stay.  Sunday this time consisted of watching the France versus New Zealand rugby World Cup final and lounging.  Later, we went for a walk around the neighborhood.  Good.

I can’t really tell you about my trip to Paris without telling you about the Salon du Chocolat.  Yes, the Salon du Chocolat.  Without going into strenuous details, the Salon du Chocolat is an exposition hall committed entirely to chocolate.  The main area is for stalls with patissiers, chocolatiers and chocolate confectionary sellers of all kinds hawking their wares. And giving free samples.  The lower level is for professional chocolatiers and from what I understand, is home to a very serious chocolate competition.  I love it.  I’ve wanted to go to this for as long as I knew it existed.  And it just happened to be going on right when I was there.  Hello.  Meant. To. Be.

While we didn’t have access to the professional area, we did spend a fair amount of time sampling and ogling all things chocolate.  It was great.  And delicious.  And let’s face it, I could go on, but the pictures really tell a better story. 

While in Paris, we also went to a very French birthday party, located in the world’s smallest apartment (ok, maybe not the world’s smallest, but it was still pretty darn small).  We ate an amazing savory puffed pastry tart thing that, despite having asked Emiglia at least three times what was in it, I still can’t remember what it was made of.  I know there was gruyere and remember distinctly that the secret ingredient was mustard.  But, even now, I’m at a loss.

I also had a chance to walk around near Les Invalides and the Grand and Petit Palais.  I touristed and took photos. 

I’m sure there’s more.  There probably is.  I know we watched The Sound of Music (which, thankyouverymuch, never gets old).  There was probably a trip to Monoprix (the Target of France).  I’m certain there was apéro frequently.  But it’s not that important.  What was important was that it was vacation.  And a very good start to it, indeed.
15 Comments
Samantha Howard
11/3/2011 12:51:28 am

I love your blog! As I read I sit back and pretend to see what you see and smell (the chocolate) what you smell. Your humor and honesty make me want to vist places I never thought I would be interested in. Keep it up! :)

Reply
slenderella newman
11/3/2011 12:55:50 am

Your blog just keeps getting better! But, how in the world are you going to top hot choolate with booze on a stick?????

Reply
Teresa
11/3/2011 12:57:00 am

Needed a dose of Paris today.

I'm over stimulated just from reading the post and looking at these stunning photos.
Can I comment on every one?

I'm taken with the precision and artistry of the chocolate while all of the time keeping the playfulness in tact.
Despite your ease in Paris and it's sophisticated style, it would appear that your inner American is in tact. Who could resist taking a photo with the giant cake? :-)

Could vacation get any better than time with a good friend, some sophisticated sweets, a movie, a visit to the Target of France and a cocktail?

Thank you! Keep the words and photos coming.

Reply
Karen V. link
11/3/2011 04:47:41 am

Olive oil and chocolate?!! My mouth is watering! Ahh, the power of chocolate.

Let me confess right here and now that I have never been to Europe and I am living vicariously through your blog. Beautiful detailed buildings! I am sooo looking forward to seeing your pictures of Cannes because it is where I have always wanted to go!! Hurry! More posts!! Don't keep your public waiting! ;)

Reply
Teresa
11/3/2011 05:28:34 am

I forgot to ask about the Olive Oil Chocolate? They were beautiful but could you tell how it was to be served?
ps I need salt.

Reply
Katie link
11/3/2011 06:36:48 am

Samantha - Thank you! I feel strongly that one of my purposes in life is to awaken wanderlust in others, so your comment means A LOT to me. I hope you'll venture out somewhere exciting soon!

SN- You think hot chocolate on a stick is good? Just wait until Cannes.

Mom - the chocolate is made with olive oil, so they have a pretty strong olive oil flavor and an olive oil smoothness to them. They're served like any other chocolates. I like them and thought they were interesting, but, truth be told, I like traditional chocolates better.

Karen - France is a beautiful place - particularly Paris! I hope you'll get to visit soon. I'll try to get Cannes up ASAP.

Reply
Kelly link
11/3/2011 08:56:38 am

I closed my eyes and pretended I was there with you. Fancy be damned, I'd still kick my legs in excitement!

Reply
Wendy
11/3/2011 10:31:56 am

OMG that chocolate! Looks yummy. Sounds like you are having a fantastic vacation! I'm jealous.

Reply
Rhonda
11/3/2011 11:26:19 am

OMG! Those all look so decadent! I say, pack some up and send some home. It's probably a good thing I'm not in Paris with you, I would definitely want to try them all. Please have some for me!
Thanks for sharing!

Reply
Sandy
11/4/2011 09:12:01 am

Thanks for taking me along on your trip. I told your mom that I'm traveling vicariously thru you and your terrific blog. Thanks for showing me all the wonderful things I'll probably never see!

Reply
emiglia link
11/5/2011 09:47:23 pm

Love this post! We're having another lazy Sunday with pancakes :) Hope Sunday in Fameck is fun!

Reply
Kristin Friedersdorf link
11/6/2011 03:02:43 am

Hey Katie, we have a friend in common (Bryan Wage) and he sent me to your blog because I love both baking and paris! I'm so happy that he sent along your blog and I'm looking forward to reading about your adventure! I also wanted to pass along a link to you-- you probably know about David Lebovitz, the American chef who lives in Paris, but if not you should definitely check out his blog: http://www.davidlebovitz.com/ And he just launched an Iphone app that is basically a directory of sweets in paris. Anyway, enjoy your trip and good luck keeping up with the blog! Kristin

Reply
Kristin Friedersdorf link
11/6/2011 04:11:43 am

p.s. just noticed your David Lebovitz link :) Looks like you're already enjoying his blog.

Reply
Katie link
11/6/2011 04:58:24 pm

Kelly - I think you'd totally be leg-kickin' fancy in Paris!

Wendy and Rhonda - The chocolate WAS yummy. Sugar overload!

Sandy - Glad you are enjoying the blog. And you never know, maybe you'll make it here some day!

Em - WooHoo! Pancake day!

Kristin - thanks for reading! I can't wait to check out your blog, too. I love Daid Lebovitz and once, he actually tweeted back to me! Exciting! (lol, food geek moment). Good luck with your blog as well.

Reply
colleen
11/13/2011 03:08:16 pm

Katie you have such a amazing life.Loved Loved Loved Paris I hope to visit again someday.GREAT pictures.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Picture

    Katie

    Baker. Traveler. Writer.

    Archives

    September 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018
    March 2017
    November 2016
    July 2016
    April 2016
    December 2015
    July 2015
    May 2015
    March 2015
    August 2014
    June 2014
    January 2014
    October 2013
    June 2013
    March 2013
    October 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.