Graham had been in Italy so when he got back, we went to the Canal to learn some sketching. Were trying to capture one of the bridges (see photo) but like everything else, it’s a matter of perspective. Sandy had her last French class today!<\/p>\n
For lunch, we were going to try a new place in the 2nd\u00a0arr. called Frenchie,\u00a0not such an\u00a0auspicious name for a French resto, I think, but it was closed. So, as sometimes these things happen, we had a perfectly delightful lunch at a old-style, traditional bistro (think,\u00a0boeuf bourguignon\u00a0<\/em>instead of, say, shrimp in light tempura batter with a leek-soy\u00a0viniagrette<\/em>) called\u00a0<\/em>Aux Crus de Bourgogne, 3, rue Bachaumont, just off rue Montorgueil (neither of us has an easy time with those words with “ueil” in them), where the owner and\u00a0serveur\u00a0<\/em>could not have been more charming. The cuisine, typically Burgundian, was absolutely fine, as expected, and the waiter left the whole terrine of\u00a0mousse au chocolat\u00a0<\/em>for Sandy’s pleasure (I think he liked her;\u00a0quelle surprise<\/em>)and the owner brought us a glass of delicious prune brandy (as if we needed anything more at that point). So, without any effort except sheer accommodation and friendliness, I am recommending it to anyone reading this note. A little unprompted goodwill goes a long way, seems to me, especially in a city that typically, at least until thecrise\u00a0<\/em>hit,\u00a0thrives on aloof service.<\/p>\n What’s ironic is that about a year ago, we stayed at a place on rue Mandar around the corner and every time we walked by Aux Crus, it seemed to be closed. The buzz at lunch, though, made me think of our lunch at Aux Charpentiers one of the first weeks we were here. Lots of French folk really enjoying their lunch of traditionally prepared, promptly-served French cuisine.<\/p>\n We may have to go back. Argh!<\/p>\n We picked up a few bits of culinary\u00a0souvenir\u00a0<\/em>for the trip home at an\u00a0epicerie\u00a0<\/em>a few blocks away called G. Detou, 58, rue Tiquetonne. Worth a stop if in the \u00c9tienne Marcel\/Montmartre area of the 2nd arr.<\/p>\n Not being in condition to do much else, and it still being 3euro whatever, we went to a French film, Je L’amais, at the UGC around the corner. Another ruminating French love story, even starring the Quebecois actress Marie-Jos\u00e9e Croze. The French actor, Daniel Auteuil (another of those “euil” words) was too old for her in the movie! (She’s 38, he’s 59.)<\/p>\n Spent the evening at home reading.<\/p>\n\n\t\t