We got back from London and the kids and I struggled to get back into a routine. My friends Mark and Ellen were visiting Paris for a week when we returned and I met them for a great Lebanese dinner on my first night back. It was so nice to see friends from home! Jim returned at the end of Mark’s week and we had a great dinner at a little bistro around the corner that some new Parisian friends recommended. Just a fun night out!! 
That was Mark and Ellen’s last night in Paris and I am happy that they shared it with us. The next morning the kids, Jim and I boarded a train bound for Alsace. The kids were thrilled 1). because they love to travel and 2). because we pulled them out of school for a day! We caught an early Friday morning train and by 10 had arrived in Colmar where we stayed at a lovely Chambre d’hôte (French version of a B and B), Chez Leslie. We spent the day walking around Colmar which was just a lovely little village. The region of Alsace is located on the Eastern border of France adjacent to Switzerland and Germany. You can really see the Germanic and Swiss influence in the architecture and cuisine.
Colmar
colmar
Jim has always wanted an authentic charcoute garni which is an Alsace specialty composed of sauerkraut with an incredible amount of smoked meat piled in.
Charcoute garni
We definitely came to the right place!
The next day we spent wandering around a medieval castle and drove along the route du vin, stopping in little towns and villages to walk around, explore and of course sample the local wines. One winery revealed the alter life of one or own dear friends at MidCoast Hospital without whose prompting I would probably not be writing this blog.
Thanks Jeanne!
Haut-Koeningsbourg Castle
Exploring the hillside of Eguisheim
Kaysersburg
In front of a wine cave
We got a kick out of the dinners. Instead of rolls we had hot soft pretzels, greatly appreciated from Philadelphia transplants.
Vol au vent
We spent another peaceful night at Chez Leslie and then boarded an early morning train back to Paris where the weather was incredibly warm for the beginning of March. We took Jim to the Luxembourg Gardens which was packed with Parisians and early tourists. Sundays at the park are just great. There is a man at the pond in front of the palace who rents sailboats which Ethan had been waiting for his father to do. Even Maggie rented a boat! We spent a really lazy day sailing the boats and then wandering around the park. I love to run there in the afternoons. There are many different areas, playgrounds, tennis courts, an area where people do tai-chi and yoga and an area where men meet to play bocci ball. That is my favorite area, they actually wheel out coat rack for the Parisian men (usually as well dressed as the women) to hang their coats before playing!
Tuesday was Jim’s last day and we finally were able to take the cooking class that I gave to him as a Christmas present. We got the kids off to school and then headed out early for the 18th arrondissement where our “Morning Market Class” began. We met the 4 other people with whom we would be spending our day as well as our chef, Alex. The class began with a walk around the neighborhood visiting the local butcher, fish shop, fromagerie, fruit and vegetable stands and of course the boulangerie. After seeing the possibilities we chose our menu. Jim has always wanted to try horse and the other members of our group were also intrigued. We headed back to the butcher who dealt only with horse meat. Apparently you can’t mix horse with beef or other animals because of some sort of enzyme reaction which is not too healthy. Alex selected our horse meat and we were on to our next course which was a French fish which we were going to prepare in a salt crust. Jim and I got one to decorate. Ours is the football shaped one with the E for Eagles! Jim helped in the preparation of the salt crust!
Horse butcher
salt crusted fish
We had some great roasted vegetables and potatoes to accompany the mains and then ended of course with cheese and chocolate soufflés!
So much fun and really yummy, a perfect end to a wonderful week with Jim.
frommainetothecityoflights 