PARIS 10. FRENCH MAYONNAISE

FRENCH MAYONNAISE

There is something subtly unique and extremely appealing about an authentic French mayonnaise. It tastes of lemon and fine mustard without being overpowering. A very common commercial brand, MAILLE, is sold everywhere in France but is almost impossible to come by in the States. Their superb mustard, "Dijon Originale" is easily found – just not the mayonnaise. It made our day when we discovered that the equivalent is very simple to duplicate in about fifteen minutes, as demonstrated by our Parisian friend, Bastien, in this video: how to make an authentic french mayonnaise

This delicious version requires only one cup of vegetable oil (NEver olive oil!), an egg, salt and a small amount of a good french mustard (such as Delouis Fils - Strong Mustard, or Maille Dijon Originale). An immersion blender is very helpful in blending the ingredients. Note: important to refrigerate immediately and use within a day or two due to the inclusion of the egg. Enjoy on a baguette with a few thin slices of mild radish and brie!

PARIS 9.

From the website of Lycée Simon Weil.

As someone who gravitates toward cleanliness and order, it's hard for me to say exactly why I find this image so compelling. It's especially ironic when the subject matter is much like the scene I face nightly with exasperation – yet I'm still inexorably drawn to it. I love it for its colorful disheveledness and for the fact that it was found on the website of a high school in Paris… leave it to the French!

PARIS 8.

PREFERRED MODE OF TRANSPORTATION 

HEADING HOME FROM THE MARKET ON NARROW STREETS

CRITICAL SAFETY GEAR - YAKKAY HELMET!

One of the most surprising revelations about Paris transportation, is that a bicycle makes all the difference! It is efficiency, exercise, and enjoyment all at once. The Velib bicycle rental system, though I encountered a few occasional glitches (stories for another day), is the best thing since unsliced baguettes. Stations located throughout the city make it possible to jump on a bike, ride to another station, and leave the bike while strolling through Place de Vosges or getting groceries. When finished, walk to the nearest location, (usually less than three blocks away), throw your picnic supplies in the basket and pick up another to ride home. Total cost per year? about $45.00!(That is, if you keep each jaunt to under 30 minutes - usually easily done.)
Bike-sharing systems such as Velib in Paris exist in major cities worldwide and 2012 is expected to see much expansion in North America. Good news for sustainable transportation!

PARIS 7.

TROIS MAISONS: 3eme

VIEW FROM ABOVE RUE DES FRANCS BOURGEOIS

Paris is a big city comprised of what often feels like a collection of small villages. Neighborhoods abound with narrow passageways, colliding gables, warm light spilling out of thousands of windows across the street and far into the distance. Observing everyday life from above is a compelling experience. If only it could also be an occupation…

Happy 2012

OUR HAPPY + HEALTHY NEW YEAR 2012 WISH CARD AND PREVIEW OF PHOTOS TO COME