Before we delve into a record-breaking brunch, it’s important to point out that I did follow through on my agreement from Winter Formal. Max brought in a bag full of clothes for my roommate and I to wear all week, and while we graciously declined the khaki pants, Max Week (a full week of dressing & acting like Max) was a huge success.
Shortly after Max week, I was invited over for Sunday brunch by some great friends, Ludo & Svet.
We started at 1pm at their apartment for Champagne, olives, prosciutto, olive tapenades, and fresh twisty flutes of chorizo bread. Around 3 or 4pm, we had a delicious, perfectly cooked roasted chicken with a special potato recipe by Ludo – thinly sliced potatoes covered in cream with prosciutto, a tomato & tabouli salad, and bien sur, a cheese course.
Any time you are invited by a half Italian/half French person to dine, always always accept. My biggest regret, in life, is not taking any pictures of this glorious bounty.
I thought surely our brunch was coming to an end, but it continued into more chatting and somehow evolved to squeezing into the tiny, almost non-existent backseat of Ludo’s sports car around 7pm for a trip to Le Fouquet’s Lucien on the Champs Elysee for a drink and snacks (round 3?).
We could barely fit our legs in back there, but we managed just fine.
Incidentally, this 2013 brunch turned dinner was when I first met Raphaele, who is now an absolute favorite friend of mine. We bonded instantly over our common love for eating all things, all the time, always.
Suddenly, while enjoying our cocktails and bites, a 9pm dinner reservations were being made for Terroir Parisien. A progressive brunch indeed.
How about that mushroom ice cream.
We ran into a chef that Ludo & Nicolas knew, so he and his wife joined the table for dinner half way through. Then of course, with new friends in tow, it was suggested that we return once again to Fouquet’s, where a new set of dessert snacks were served, and where Ludo found himself a nice new hat outside.
All that to say…When you get invited to brunch by a French Italian, just be ready to leave in the morning, eat for 14 hours straight, and return in the wee hours of the evening when the Eiffel Tower has gone dark and most of Paris is asleep.
Passing the darkened Tower in my cab on the way home. Good brunch.
Hello, Julie,
I commented last year in appreciation of your blog and I bookmarked it and am re-reading all your odes to Paris’ delicious delights….and why may you ask? or maybe not ask? Well our family of five is going to be in Paris this June 23rd and 24th! Yay! And again I thank you for all you have shared on this blog. but just in case you have a moment and it is not a bother….would you recommend a place to eat, spot to take in/see/visit that would be a must on your list and maybe a surprise outside of the usual? I truly want to see Paris charm the pants off my family who last saw Paris the summer of 2008 in a quick blur and simply thought it was “fine” (can you believe it…I blame myself). I appreciate any note of help. Blessings to you and I hope you are still enjoying the sweet life in Paris.
Jenny
Hi Jenny! Just wanted to let you know that I’ve picked up blogging again but moved over to a new site – Parisfoodaffair.com. Thanks for reading back when I was posting more often! I’m excited to start updating regularly again. How was your trip to Paris? Any favorite food experiences?
I also found your blog since I saw you on House Hunters a couple of years back. I miss your updates!! Please do a new post. 🙂
Bonjour Julie!
I have been following your blog for a couple years now since you were first on house hunters. Since I was in 12th grade my dream has been to move to France. I have been twice, went last summer and asked you advice on where to eat 🙂 Thanks!
Anyway, I was wondering if you have a new blog or website because I was sad to see no new posts in a long time 🙁
Hopefully when I get done with grad school I can make the move to Europe! You are so inspiring! Just have to figure out how to make money while over there haha! I could probably teach but not sure about my fiance.
Ashley
Hi Ashley! Thanks for your sweet message. I am disappointed that I fell out of the habit of blogging. It just got really busy with work since I work in the tourism industry, and once the season started and the pace picked up, I kind of let this fall to the wayside, even though I really enjoy writing about the fun Paris happenings each week. I am hoping to start again in September or October when things should start calming down. So much to catch up on, where to start??
That would be so great if you can make the move after grad school. I don’t think you’ll regret it, especially if it’s been a dream. If you guys get work visas, you can always look into applying at Fat Tire Bike Tours/Easy Pass Tours. It’s growing and growing!
All the best and more soon! 🙂
Julie
Hello Julie! I have truly enjoyed your blog. i found your blog by way of House Hunters International. God bless your sweet Parisian dreams, career endeavors, and I hope you keep on blogging about your adventures. In Christ, Jenny Neumann
Thanks Jenny! I hope to pick it back up soon now that the crazy tourism season is coming to an end. Thanks for saying hi! 🙂
Move on over! I’m telling you it’s just Paris…there’s always something surprising. Hope you’re doing well!
Hey Julie. Hope all is well. Every time I read your blog, I wish upon a star that my my lotto numbers are called and I can have an apartment near you!! You seem like the most fun person in the world!– Matt