True to the lyrics of the Cole Porter song I love Paris at any time of the year but to me Spring and Autumn are best. Being there at the end of October was particularly wonderful for so many reasons and above all whom I was with. To share some inspirations of this fabulous city here are a few of my favourite things: the best croissant and individual jugs of delicious coffee for breakfast at Cafe de Flore whilst immersed in the total 'Frenchness' and history-infused atmosphere; walking along the elegant streets pondering on the lives of residents behind the smart doors and ornate ironwork balconies; that early morning anticipation of the new day in such an appealing capital lifting you up with it's energy; delectable displays at the Boulevard Raspail produce market requiring great resistance to buy ingredients for cooking when there's no home kitchen locally to return to; (I wonder if Ina Garten ever rents her apartment...what a dream that would be); beautiful fashion boutiques; chic displays at Bon Marche; impromtu street jazz providing the quintessential Saint-Germain vibe; perfectly chilled champagne...
Keeping to the Paris theme I'd highly recommend the recently released film "The Untouchables" based on a true story. In French with English sub-titles the wry sense of humour is very entertaining and it's uncanny how the lead, Francois Cluzet, is truly a French Dustin Hoffman. The unlikely story of a widowed millionaire paraplegic, result of a paragliding accident, plus his ex-con carer, has real character in the respect and fondness they develop for each other. Watching it prior to my own Paris adventure was a great way of getting back into the language.
Last but not least I've just finished reading the New York Times best-seller book "Lunch in Paris" by Elizabeth Bard, equally charming this romance with recipes merges the American 'just do it' attitude with French joie de vivre. A wonderful insight into one couple's happy ever after. Food for the soul...
