Bits of French Cuisine

The next time you're in Paris, head to the Left Bank at Rue de Sevres and Rue de Babylone. There you will find the oldest and first large department store, "grande magasin," I believe. Its a familiar name to those who have been on the west coast of the U.S. -- Bon Marche, something that is supposed to mean a market with good prices but I found it very expensive. For instance, 350 euros (1 euro = $1.19) for a peasant top that I would have loved to have bought for Karissa (we are happy to announce that Karissa is Brad's fiance -- yes, wedding bells August 19 of 2006)!!! I admired it on the hanger and walked away. Sorry, Karissa!

Anyway, I headed to Bon Marche because they have a good selection of yarn but I found something in addition to the yarn -- a great little cafe inside the store with an outdoor sitting area. The decor is all brights -- bright green, yellow, red, and pink with contoured/molded ultra-contemporary furnishings. But the food is what was amazing. The place is called "Delicubar -- Snack Chic" and boy-oh-boy, is it ever! The salads were offered by color. Yes, color! I had "salad tout verde" -- an all green salad with three types of leafies, peas in the pods, green beans, bean sprouts, brocolli, pistacios, with a pistacio balsamic vinagrette. Yum. A woman next to me had an all orange salad -- Jeri, you would love it -- carrots, mangos, papayas, ... you get the idea. Anyway -- what a great idea for those of you planning a fun spring luncheon!!!

You know the book, French Women Don't Get Fat, oui? Well, after "extensive research," I tend to agree! In all of the crowds, I've not seen anyone to characterize as FAT. I've seen a few plump folks, but they all look like tourists! With all of the walking we do around here, I guess the women can afford to eat chocolates, baguettes, pasteries, wine, cheese -- all of those nasties!! According to the book, they eat just enough to satisfy and don't fear leaving food on the plate. So far, every finished plate around us has been wiped clean with a piece of baguette so I question that reasoning for the slimness. But it can't just be the walking, or all of the treadmills in America would have accomplished something!?