Une Americaine in Paris

More cuteness at Milk.

While we were eating lunch, DD decided that he wanted one of the gnome candles on display, so we bought the one with the green hat on the top shelf in the bottom photo.  When he asked me what we should name him, I thought about it for a few seconds and then blurted out: Björn!  DD burst out laughing.  For some reason I always associate gnomes with Norway (I blame the Norway Pavilion at Disney’s Epcot Center, but after taking a closer look, apparently those are trolls), and that was the first Nordic-sounding name that popped into my mind. So now we have Björn Borg (he quickly gained a famous last name) on our fireplace mantle at home.

This may go down as the most ridiculous post in the history of my blog. 

(Source: uneamericaine)

Saturday afternoon lunch with DD at Milk.

Plat: Crumble ratatouille chèvre pour moi et clafoutis thon ciboulette pour lui.

Dessert: Almond cake with red berries for me and tiramisu for him.

Milk, 62 rue d’Orsel, 75018 Paris.

(Source: uneamericaine)

Yesterday DD and I had lunch at Milk, a charming little restaurant/bakery/épicerie in the Pigalle neighborhood that we first spotted and took note of back in February.  As you can see from the photos, it has a vintage 1950’s diner vibe to it (albeit a very French one) and I don’t think it could be any cuter.  The food is pretty good as well (photos coming soon).  Oh and Milk stands for “mum in her little kitchen.”

(Source: uneamericaine)

Fifth course: the dessert, which was a real crowd pleaser as I’m sure you can tell from the theatrical presentation.  It’s also quite tasty and I’m pretty sure it’s on the regular menu.

I hope I’ve convinced some of you to leave the tourist comfort zone and find this restaurant (the prices are very reasonable too) on your next visit to Paris!

La Table d’Eugène, 18, rue Eugène Sue 75018 Paris.

(Source: uneamericaine)

Fourth course: a smaller portion of the pork dish that I had on our first visit to the restaurant. The meat is cooked to perfection, the sauce is delicious, and the side is a richly decadent “risotto” made with coquillettes, a tiny pasta that French children are particularly fond of (served here in martini glasses).

Second course: a white fish tartare with heirloom (?) radishes and other good stuff (sorry but I don’t remember all the details).  I do remember, however, that this was absolutely delicious and I could have made a whole meal out of it.

(Source: uneamericaine)

Five-course dinner at La Table d’Eugène on the evening of our wedding.

First course: foie gras of course!  Some of the best I’ve ever had.

(Source: uneamericaine)

I met DD exactly two years ago today on a flight from DC to Paris.  It also happened to be my birthday.  The following day I was celebrating with my dear friend Leslie and Miss Maggie as well as a few others at 7eme Vin in Paris (pictured here).  Little did I know that a few days later I would go on a first date with my future husband.

One year ago today I had just moved to Paris and DD and I took a short break from cleaning and painting our new apartment to celebrate my birthday and our 1-year anniversary by dining on the first level of the Eiffel Tower. It was magical.

This year will be slightly more sedate: DD is working and I’m in charge of mailing the first round of our thank you cards as well as picking up a few items for the meal that he is making for me tonight when he gets home.  But there will be champagne and we’re still newlyweds after all :)