Mother's birthday, we went over to Claremont to celebrate, which was, in many ways, delightful. I think I've indicated before that this crisp autumn weather makes me want to go to Paris, and my friends should know how I almost perpetually crave the tastes that are at
Le Pain Quotidien. (May I recommend the Chicken Curry Salad Tartine with Harissa-cranberry Chutney, matched with a carafe of Mint Lemonade, followed by a Mixed Berry Tart dessert?) Scroll down to see our little party at this bakery and cafe in Claremont.
Autumn wanted the Claremont banners instead to read: "Autumn in Love with Claremont."
I'm also a fan of Le Pain Quotidien's hazelnut spread. You would have heard me say when eating there once, "It's like a blonde 'Nutella.'" Incidently, the bread adornment, that tastes all-at-once like caramel and those rich nuts, is called "Brunette!" (I should add that there's also a white chocolate spread called "Blondie.")
Autumn enjoyed her raspberry tart and her hot chocolate.
Another recommendation: There's an interesting short film (in French, though with English subtitles) that I watched lately, called
"La Boulangere de Monceau" (in English: "The Bakery Girl of Monceau"). It is precious with its delicate glances and expressions captured in 16mm black and white film; I enjoyed observing the ways that the characters relate to each other. It's also characteristically French for its literariness. This film packs a lot into its short 23 minutes!
And, we'll go off into the (admittedly Californian) sunset to the tune of
Joe Dassin's "Aux Champs-Elysees." You are welcome to sing along.
A bientot!
