10.19.10 Wander

Paris Dreaming

It’s been well over a week since I returned from Paris, and I can’t help but want to be transported back there (after the World Series, of course).  My mother and I had a wonderful time during our few days together wandering around the city, taking in the sights, and eating absolutely everything in sight.

We ate.  A lot.  Instead of researching restaurants ahead of time, we simply noshed at whatever cafes and restaurants had appealing vegetarian options and desserts.  And since we both don’t speak French, there was a whole lot of menu pointing to get our desires across.  (And if you want to know where we ate in Paris, hit me up on foursquare – I checked-in at pretty much every location).

Macaroons from the patisserie by our hotel. I stopped here every day for a sweet treat.

We also drank champagne.  A lot.  The “house” champagne in Paris is better than most of the expensive ones here.  A quick champers lesson for you all:

  • Cuvee is designation used to denote the top of the champagne producer’s range.
  • Brut denotes how much sugar is in the bubbly.  Brut natural has no added sugar.  Less sugar makes for a crisper, slightly tangy champagne.
  • Rose champagne is the result of adding a small amount of pinot noir to the champagne prior to fermentation or by allowing the clear juice of black grapes to absorb the color from the skin.
  • The champagne tasting cruise we did was excellent, both for seeing Paris and for getting to taste some excellent champagne.  I booked ours here.
The French do not pop their champagne. However, my family does.
Salut! Â And yes, I know I match the decor of the bar.

We did several touristy things – visited the Eiffel Tower, Invalides (Napoleon’s tomb and military museum), Musee d’Orsay (love me some Impressionist art), and Notre Dame.  If you plan on going to the Eiffel Tower, book your tickets in advance here.

Oh Napoleon. Small man, HUGE tomb.

Momma & Me at the Eiffel Tower.
Notre Dame, fresh off the RER.
The Louvre + Momma P

A trip to Paris wouldn’t be complete without some shopping.  Though I was sorely tempted to splurge on a Chanel bag or a pair of YSL Tributes, I settled for a lovely navy leather Vanessa Bruno tote (w/ sequin handled) at Printemps (all the Parisian girls were carrying them around, and I had to have one).

Mom, of course, didn't buy anything. Some street vendor actually GAVE her that keychain free because she spoke to him in Hindi. No lie.

I wish I could go back.  Sadly, that will not be happening for a while.  I will just have to whip up a croque monsieur, open a lovely Bordeaux (I’m a bit champagne-d out), and pop in Before Sunset or Amelie.

For those of you who have been to the City of Lights – what are your must sees/eats/dos?

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