Oh La La! Book Challenge & Walks in Paris

Ok, Premiere things first!

Ms. Lucy over at Enchanted by Josephine

is starting her own book challenge!

The French Historicals Oh-La-La Challenge

runs from January 2010 to December 2010.

I'm getting in on this one!

Will let you know my first challenge choice when I decide what it will be!

And here in Paris, Epiphany is over (January 6th in France)

but the Galettes des Rois just keep on selling!

The Poilane boulangerie just down the street from us

has it's usual lovely display of goodies.

Oh la la, les Brioches!

Those Galettes make me crazy with their almond filling and fluffy crust.

I had my first taste (this visit) last night at my niece's singing recital.

(She was pitch perfect, by the way!)

Speaking of Epiphanies, a friend told us the other day over lunch

that while having her very first raw oyster, she had one. Epiphany, that is.

She asked if I'd experienced that with oysters.

Uh...Non.

I love them cooked on the half shell in the BarB,

then smothered with garlic butter, horseradish and spicy creole herbs.

Says she: 'You mean so you don't taste them?'

Uh...Oui!

At our house, The Ed is the designated chef. Don't get me wrong, I can hold my own.

I just don't excel. And I don't tend to love it. He loves it!

The other day after shopping at our Grenelle outdoor marche,

I came into our tiny kitchen to find that

the chef had done his best to be creative with the space issue.

I must say, Paris makes me want to learn.

And learn to Love it!

One thing about the French,

the packaging is nearly as important as the dish.

And it's the same with gifts.

I learned that many years ago when we began our sojourns to France.

Always when one is invited to another's house, whether it be for dinner or for the weekend,
a gift is in order. And the gift must be
beautifully wrapped!

From the looks of these creatively packaged meats,

I'm thinking I could very well be a
fabulous cook here!
I'll let you know!