To summarize the last couple of months of school (classes ended mid-May), suffice it to say that I wrote... a lot. I also had to give a couple of presentations to people other than my classmates, which wasn't as bad as it sounds. The worst part is fielding the questions that come from the most intricate minds in the most inarticulate ways. But I survived and got damn good grades too. I'm very glad to be done with class and as ready as I'll ever be to tackle my thesis. During that time Charlie was also working towards the end of his schooling, so we went on a "study date" to the Seine one day where I maybe achieved reading one paragraph of my book for class. But hey, we made a Smoking in the Park!
A couple weeks later, a very pretty, very sweet kitty got stuck in my apartment complex for a few days. I couldn't stand to let the poor thing starve and be bullied by the other cats, so I took her in and called her Clarice, or sometimes just "ma petite".
She only stayed a few nights while I tried to let the owner know that I had her via signs and internet postings. Finally, we gave up and she was adopted by Charlie's classmate, Brian. He has since renamed her Sriracha, after the Thai hot sauce, which actually suits her personality quite well.
On May 6, Charlie and I celebrated our five-year anniversary (of dating, not marriage) and did so in style by going to Atelier Robuchon. It has two Michelin stars and a price tag to match so we've been saving it for a special occasion. In order to taste as many things as possible, we decided to order the nine-course tasting menu at the pretty price of €150 each (that's about $212 these days). Here's what we got:
She only stayed a few nights while I tried to let the owner know that I had her via signs and internet postings. Finally, we gave up and she was adopted by Charlie's classmate, Brian. He has since renamed her Sriracha, after the Thai hot sauce, which actually suits her personality quite well.
On May 6, Charlie and I celebrated our five-year anniversary (of dating, not marriage) and did so in style by going to Atelier Robuchon. It has two Michelin stars and a price tag to match so we've been saving it for a special occasion. In order to taste as many things as possible, we decided to order the nine-course tasting menu at the pretty price of €150 each (that's about $212 these days). Here's what we got:
The amuse-bouche: Salmon in a potato velouté
Caviar on a potato with smoked eel and whipped horseradish
Green asparagus soup with sorrel greens
Egg cocotte with morel mushrooms in a light cream
Herbed mullet seasoned with virgin pistachio oil
My entree: Quail stuffed with foie gras and caramelized apple puree with black truffles and mashed potato canelles
Charlie's entree: Cheek of beef bourguignon with baby onions and bacon
Charlie's side of mashed potatoes; so buttery they glisten!
Strawberries marinated in olive oil from Baux, iced jasmin water and tangy chutney
"Le café" in sabayon and lemon Greek yogurt over cold espresso
All in all it was a great way to celebrate a wonderful five years together!
Up next: Mem comes to Paris!
Up next: Mem comes to Paris!
