My sister Vicky is visiting this weekend and while she’s here we’ll explore the island and eat lots of good food. I’m hoping that we get some good weather for long walks and grilling dinner.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Before we left for Paris, we watched The Taste of Things, which I loved. I’m a big fan of foodie movies, especially romantic ones. I loved the focus on the details, gathering fresh vegetables, the sizzle when meat hits a hot pan, taking a sip of stock. I enjoyed the performances by Juliette Binoche, Benoît Magimel, and Bonnie Chagneau-Ravoire.
On our first evening in Paris, the French love of cooking details played out when we ate at a neighborhood brasserie. The waiter went into great detail on how to make “la mayonnaise.” He acted out the process with grand gestures, whisking the egg yolks with mustard and a little vinegar, then whisking in the oil. He slowed down his French for us and re-explained when he thought that we weren’t getting it. It was a wonderful display and made us very happy.
- Juliette Binoche: Everyone Should Make Films With Their Ex-Boyfriends — An interview with Juliette Binoche about The Taste of Things and other projects. (The New York Times)
- You Probably Never Noticed These Little Things Servers Do to Make Your Meal Special — Speaking of the things that restaurant staff do to make you happy – like our waiter in Paris – here are more tricks. (Food & Wine)
- Marcella Hazan’s Culinary Tools Will be in the Smithsonian — I’ll need to make another visit to the Smithsonian now that Hazan’s tools are there. (Appetito Magazine)
- Don’t water at night and other secrets to growing great basil — Now that the temperatures are right for planting, these basil growing tips might be helpful. (The Washington Post)
- French Blooms 2024 — Some photos of beautiful flowers I saw during my trip to France. (Sea Salt and Sailor Stripes)
- Goodness: Teen made app for peers who are anxious, lonely: ‘Stay hungry, stay foolish’ — Here’s a great story about the teenager who created an app that helps deal with mental health issues. (The Washington Post)
About the photo: A whimsical Mary Poppins-like figure displayed over the awning of a pizza shop in the Montmartre section of Paris.