cheeseandchocolate

As for the reservation question: I've always said either, "Je voudrais reserver une table pour [deux? trois? however many] personnes" or "Je voudrais faire une reservation." In the latter case, they will likely ask you how many "couverts" you need: that's how many place settings. I haven't been to Le Pre Catalan, so I can't speak for it, but Astrance is really something--inventive, perfectly-executed dishes, top-notch service. Do whatever you can to get in there. You didn't mention it, but I have to add that my *favorite* spot is Le Repaire de Cartouche. It's in the 11th arrondissement, sandwiched between rue Amelot and blvd Beaumarchais and with entrances off both streets. It is closed for the entirety of August, but try reserving or stopping in when you arrive. It's a neighborhoody spot that's very popular and highly regarded among local AND traveling foodies. The restaurant's two rooms are wood-beamed and warm, with an authentic old-fashioned feel and excellent, classy service. The food is spot-on, with a menu that changes daily. It's in a different category that Le Pre Catalan, but if you want an out-of-this-world neighborhood spot, this is it. My most memorable meal there was in May 2002 (the last time I was in Paris), with my father. I started with warm asparagus spears on a bed of chopped fresh herbs, EVOO, and fleur de sel, and my father started with marinated fresh sardines propped next to a small mache salad and a mound of creamy sheep's milk cheese. I moved on to EVOO-marinated filets of rouget (red mullet) on a hash of eggplant and kalamata olives; I'm at a loss as to what my dad had. We both finished the meal with hot-from-the-oven individual rhubarb clafoutis dusted with powdered sugar. Mmmmm. And they bring delicious fresh country bread to the table when you sit down, along with a little pot of house-made rillettes. And if you order the terrine, they bring the entire thing out to your table and leave it for you to take as much as you like. I miss that place every day.

Leftover lentil soup; A whole-wheat pita sandwich with avocado, hummus, shredded carrot, lemon cucumber, and lettuce; ...and Van cherries from Saturday's farmers' market.

Summertime green beans. Fresh, crusty bread (maybe pain au levain or a rustic baguette?) with EVOO, S, & P for dipping. Dark chocolate. Peaches. Almond butter. ...and I almost forgot: cheese. Mmmmm. Good cheese.

To clear up the mystery, Michael/Whosrbud... Here's the lowdown. My signature translates (roughly) to "You are the strongest link, Mademoiselle with the baguette; you are the strongest link!" More clarification: did you ever hear about that TV show "The Weakest Link?" I think that was the name, at least. It started in England, spawned a French version, and I *think* it came to the US as well. At any rate, it was a game show with a frighteningly abusive host (at least in England and France) who chastized losing participants by sternly declaring, "You are the weakest link! GOODBYE!" In French, that would be, "Vous etes le maillon faible, Monsieur. AU REVOIR!" The participant was to leave the stage promptly,with some severe-sounding drumroll accompaniment. The show was a little guilty pleasure of mine when I was living in France. I mean, I could write it off as a way of improving my French, right? Right. So, the story: I was walking home from my favorite local boulangerie with a fresh baguette de campagne in hand, crossing a busy intersection. As I stepped into the street, I saw a Vespa with two male riders coming towards me. They were laughing and playing around, swerving down the street. As they passed me, one of them yelled, "You are the strongest link, Mademoiselle with the baguette; you are the strongest link!" It made me quite inexplicably happy. It was early evening; the workday was done; the sun was setting on my long narrow street; and two strangers were including me in their play. And I was in France. Ahhhhh, France. Ahhhhh. Hope that clears it up a little. Thanks for asking. And last night's dinner, just because: Homemade chana masala (served on whole wheat couscous) Indian-style fresh "creamed corn" with chiles and coconut (from the most recent Saveur) Naan

Tonight's dinner: Green salad with baby Diamond Gem lettuce (from Saturday's farmer's market), French feta, and a Dijon vinaigrette Spaghetti with homemade pesto (with walnuts) "Indoor s'mores"--s'mores made over candles, with dark chocolate...and a glass of cold milk. Mmmmm.