Paris: Day 2
Ahh, day 2 in Paris. The day when I was reunited with my beautiful friend, Peta, who has been living in France. How special. I was in a flurry to catch up with my dear friend, who departed for her overseas adventure two days after our wedding where she was a stunning, supportive bridesmaid. 4 months apart felt a bit too long, really.
Croissants
Our day started with a run around Notre Dame (pinch me) before enjoying pastries for breakfast in Place des Vosges.
Ben and I then headed back to our apartment to await Miss Peta's arrival. Of course she came bearing gifts - she's divine. We were showered with treats from the Basque County - wine, caramels, cheese, foie gras and chocolates. Spoilt.
Poilâne
The three of us then headed out for lunch at Poilâne, a boulangerie I had been very eager to try since reading of their tasty loaves.
The lunch deal included salads to start. There were dried apricots in this salad - happiness.
I ordered the open sandwich with Bayonne ham, which was awfully delicious.
Ben had his with avocado and prawn, which was so fresh and tasty.
Peta had tomato and mozzarella, which was lovely also.
After lunch we wandered around some, catching up and exchanging tales. Peta then went back to the apartment for a nap, leaving Ben and I to explore the left bank.
We visited our beloved Jardin du Luxembourg...
and Jean-Charles Rochoux,
where we bought truffles and marvelled at the exquisite chocolate carvings. I found myself a little starstruck by Monsieur Rochoux's presence, and blurted out that I liked the way his store melt. Oh the embarrassment.
Crêpes
As we left chocolate heaven and started walking (so much walking), we were caught in yet another storm. Why, Paris, why? Completed saturated from the knees down, we sought refuge in La Crêperie de Josselin, which I knew to be nearby...it was all rather fortuitous, I suppose.
Nutella crêpesand cognac for afternoon tea.
Cocktails at Candelaria and Kong
After warming up and finding our way home we moseyed around, relaxing in our apartment a while. Later that evening the three of us went out in the Marais for cocktails at Candelaria, a hidden bar that is very New York and far too cool for me.
Cocktails and chips with guacamole.
Reunited in Paris, how special.
We then dashed to our 10pm dinner booking (so European) at Kong, a fabulous French-Japanese fusion restaurant. You might recognise Kong from Sex and the City, when Carrie is in Paris and has dinner with The Russian's ex-wife. The chairs were not that hideous, FYI.
I believe there to be a direct correlation between cocktail consumption and a lack of photos from dinner that night. Trust me, though, if you're wanting a sleek environment while you enjoy expensive but delicious cocktails followed by fresh, exciting food, Kong is the place to go. We had delicious seafood and scrumptious duck that night.
Paris, day 2. Special in so many ways.