Les Poissonchats

Indulgence Winter is a harsh time now what with the cold and the days so very short, it does feel like perpetual nightfall except when it’s fallen, then it feels like the darkest of nights, and it’s just so very cumbersome having to wear so many clothes only to stay warm. Therefore, it is very… Read more

Gallant, adj., gal· lant : courteously and elaborately attentive especially to ladies.  It says especially to ladies, which doesn’t mean exclusively, hence for our purposes we’re thinking of a much broader spectrum on the receiving end of gallantry. Also women are very well capable of acting rather gallantly, children too for that matter, I’ve met… Read more

Oysters Oysters, of course oysters. After all, it’s the month of December, which is an excellent month to have oysters.  I remember when I was a kid and each year around Christmas and New Year they sold oysters at the fish stand and mother would buy a dozen and ask the guy to open them… Read more

It’s just so romantic There’s the classics. Tour Eiffel sparkling in the winter night, snowflakes on Pont Neuf. Those Christmas markets in quaint little Alsatian towns and gingerbread hearts, see also door number 17. Drinking champagne and watching the waves rolling in at Biscarosse, wrapped into a warm blanket against the gale wind. Hot spiced… Read more

Soupe à Oignons You ever heard of the Hiver Noir? That’s the Black Winter, and it’s a thing in Paris, especially of the 19th century. When any attempt at snow was turned into a blackish slush, curtsy of the the myriad coalburners keeping the beautiful yet airy Parisian apartments from turning its inhabitants to ice.… Read more

Saint Nicolas Today we celebrate the Saint Nicolas, especially out here in the upper east of France. He comes to give you chocolates and other little niceties, however, if you’ve been naughty, watch it for his friend Le Père Fouettard who is said to have an inexorable penchant for decently spanking even the most ardent… Read more