Lenten Penance

This past week I learned the hard way that neither my landlady nor myself had been paying my EDF bill. Oops, way to go grown-up Lauren. I was without electricity for an entire week.  Rather than, pouting and thinking that it was the end of the world, did the opposite. I became more social and made lunch, dinner, coffee, drink plans with friends.  

Some places that I liked: 

Fondation Café

no wi-fi, perfect place to meet friends. 

Au Petit Fer à Cheval

Located on a small winding rue in the Marias, its a great place to people and waiter watch. 

And I went exploring around Paris.  

Even in the rain, exploring was very pleasant. Remember, always have your umbrella. 

And although now tout est bien I’m proud of myself that I stayed optimistic.  Also, it was a great Lenten penance…when people ask me what I’m giving up for Lent, I say “electricity”!  

Have a fabulous Friday! 

 

So many wineries, so little liver. 

Last month I went to the Salon des vins Vignerons Independent on business (business in France is fun).  This was the Olympics of wine tastings…seriously. A first, I was a bit overwhelmed and carried around my empty glass for about 15-minutes, not knowing where to start (until I found a Champagne stand).   

Here’s my list on how to have a successful trip to the salon:

 

1. 1. Eat a carb-tastic lunch, about 45 minutes before you enter. You’ll be drinking a lot—don’t go on an empty stomach, whatever you do.
2. 2. Pack snacks. After being there for 3 hours, your stomach will need more absorption. Unless you want to pay 7euros and up for a few pieces of (amazing) cheese/foie gras/saucisson/jambon and baguette, bring your goûter.
3. 3. Take water, the wineries will have water to rinse your glass, but you should hydrate yourself between wineries.
4. 4. Bring a suitcase or a chariot. Depending on the winery, some will offer a lower price if you buy in bulk; it’s a good idea to get a few cases…but always ask yourself this question, “can I carry this?”
5.      a If you have answered no, then you should download the                 Uber app. And you and your wine should go home via taxi.

         5. It’s perfectly acceptable if you don’t finish your glass. You are not rude by doing so. That’s why there are multiple buckets per stand for you to discard your sample. Also, they know you have a lot to taste. Take it slow and appreciate what’s in your glass.

       6. Have a conversation with the owners, you’ll better understand their wine.    

      7. Pay close attention to the region that you are tasting (they are color coded). Each region has a distinct taste, color, and bouquet. 

 

I learned Joura and Corsica wines aren’t my favorite. Graves is a region new to me, which really caught my taste-buds’ attention…but more on that plus tard! 

Wine 101

There’s a lot out there. Especially in your go-to-emergency grocers. Four things I look for when buying wine:

• Year—the older the better, applies to red wine
• Reign—full bodied wines such go with Bordeaux, Cotes de Rhone and Burdagny (Bourgogne). Lighter wines try Beaujolais or Brouilley
• Price tag—You can get an exceptional bottle of wine for under 20 euros. And really, you shouldn’t pay for 18 euros (Champagne is the exception) —blends will be lower cost 
• How pretty the label is—ok, not that important…but it’s the tie breaker!

Trouble deciding? Go here for friendly, FRIENDLY service: 

 

Paris Cave

4 rue Mayet

Paris 75006

Metro: Duroc

White Wine Warning

Having grown up going to wine tastings and receiving a wine education from my father at an early age, I am still learning.  Heading over to my family’s home in the ‘burbs one Sunday, I was asked to pick up a bottle of vin blanc.

Now, I’m not that knowledgeable in my whites. After browsing about 50 bottles, I found a one that looked nice—it was clear, rather than the greenish color of most bottles.   The label was non-disruptive, but I went ahead and purchased the wine. Immediately there was a sweet smell when we opened it.  So, here is a white wine tip: if the bottle is clear, and the wine is golden in color, it is a sweet wine.  My aunt and I both learned something new that day, and ended up with a dessert wine for after the meal!

Le Beaujolais nouveau est arrivé

Beaujolais Nouveau—The closet thing to Thanksgiving that the French have.

Ok, not really. They are both celebrated on Thursdays in November and  involve gatherings with friends and family.  At 12:01 AM on the third Thursday in November, Beaujolais is released and every wine-shop and brasserie in France has a party, celebrating the arrival of the wine.  Of course like Thanksgiving, there is more meaning behind Beaujolais Day (the end of the harvest, tasting of the new vintage, etc.), but in today’s world, its just another reason for a party.  So when in France, do as the Frenchies and gather at a café and share un pot du vin! Santé!

Le Beaujolais nouveau est arrivé

Beaujolais Nouveau—The closet thing to Thanksgiving that the French have.

Ok, not really. They are both celebrated on Thursdays in November and  involve gatherings with friends and family.  At 12:01 AM on the third Thursday in November, Beaujolais is released and every wine-shop and brasserie in France has a party, celebrating the arrival of the wine.  Of course like Thanksgiving, there is more meaning behind Beaujolais Day (the end of the harvest, tasting of the new vintage, etc.), but in today’s world, its just another reason for a party.  So when in France, do as the Frenchies and gather at a café and share un pot du vin! Santé!

One of the cruelest things you can do to a 20-something girl is to limit her wardrobe.

 

Hence the name of this blog. One of the many  ”make it work” moments France has given me. I will strive to only be fabulous and crafty while successfully achieving  the day-to-day obstacles in Paris. I boarded the plane with three coats on and I packed five pounds of tights.   Here are the best two ways, I’ve found, to go about the French administration (and stay sane):

1. Think of it as a treasure hunt.
2. The cure for French paper work is a a kir.

Structure of the blog

 

This blog will focus on the positive and not go into detail about les mals à la tête that France gives people.  France has many challenges, which is why their wine is so good and so cheap.