August 4, 2020:
FDR: “It is a date
that will live in infamy”
Charles Dickens: It was
the best of times, it was the worst of times
However you phrase it, it was one of the strangest weather
days I’ve ever experienced: worst of times: Torrential rains, high winds,
and then: (best of times) sunshine! All within 8 hours or
so…. despite being well prepared (see previous posting) using emergency
supplies at 0530 doesn’t seem very wise.
So we toughed it out. We watched
Channel Four coverage, who said in the wrap-up that: “St. Mary’s was hit the
hardest of any county in Maryland”..
Tough to argue with that… we had a Tornado on the ground toppling trees
near Leonardtown, roads being washed out, etc.,…uncomfortably close!!
The mighty weather station recorded a 52 MPH gust, 5.13
inches of rain in a short period of time, easily outstripping similar
statistics for the State.
Although now somewhat overshadowed, what I originally wanted
to yak about was… hmm let me see…wait, I know!
Food!! and..
Recently, there has been a spate of (I think) relatively new
publications. They are singular in
subject, one called “Scotland”
Another for Britain”;
we have been a long time subscriber to “Ireland of the
Welcomes”
Hey! I know that Beverage
One of the pleasures (living in the past) we enjoy is
remarking “We’ve been there” to several of the articles. I’m SO glad we traveled when we did (self
pity)
Anyway, one of them is devoted to a country who appreciates
and produces some of the best (Okay, I used the “word”; it’s true!)) food and
wine in the world.
Although most of them do have some pages devoted to Food, “France” has a whole section for food,
wine, and cheese.
I was particularly
taken with a photo in the most recent issue (of "France")which kind of highlighted the city
of light, and civility. Upscale restaurants in our country are attracted (for the most part) to sleek, stainless steel, interiors for fine
dining which is fine
But what could be more inviting than the (two star) dining
room in Le Clarence hotel:
Opulence old world charm, gorgeous. It had a review attached:
And not your yellowtail, I think it will set you back four
figures, on top of the ($US) 153 up to 380 depending on how many courses you
pick.
More living in the past… most of our trips to France was to
enjoy a week cruising the Canals of France on French Country Waterway’s barges,
holding a max of 12 people. They concentrate
on local culture, food, and wine, and have a chef aboard. The usual practice is to gather at some
luxury hotel in Paris
Naturally one has to have sustenance for the journey to the
barge. In my case a wonderful Hendrick’s
Martini and Gimlet for MFO
For Lunch, the feeder indulged in Parma Ham and greens
And MFO enjoyed Blini with smoked salmon…
As FOJTE says: “living
well is the best revenge”.. so right on many counts!
We then bused to where we boarded the Barge and began the cruise. Here’s a typical lunch aboard while cruising
I didn’t mean to get this deep, but this is where we had
dinner at “Bernard Loiseau”
The tragic story:
Le Relais
Bernard Loiseau formerly La Côte d'Or is a Michelin Guide two-star French Restaurant.
The Michelin Guide bestowed a coveted 3-star in 1991, largely due
to the fanatic attention to detail, frenetic work ethic and discerning palate
of Loiseau. His fanatical attention to detail, propelled him to
the top of his profession, and earned him a knowledgeable and loyal, but
unforgiving and demanding clientele.
Eventually, there were rumors in Le Figaro that
the Michelin Guide was planning to remove one of La Côte d'Or's three stars.
Loiseau committed suicide in 2003.
No matter how many stars were attached, it was a lovely
meal.
And many more courses, followed by “dessert”
And, of course as it should be in France:
What a wonderful world out there.
We had 4 or 5 more such voyages.
And OF course we were
habillé pour le dîner
Bon Jour and Bon Appetit!
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