So, after my leisurely lunch and some quiet time reading a book, I went out for a walk in the beautiful weather around St. Germain and headed to my pedicure appointment. 

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Never having a pedicure in France before, I was unsure what to expect.  The concierge booked me an appointment in this quaint little spa/ perfume shop called Annik Goutal several blocks from my hotel.  This particular shop offers a full-line of rose-based body products, moisturizer, body spray, perfume, etc.  With its pink walls, satin curtains and rose floral prints, this shop epitomized every pre-conceived image I held of French perfume shops— down to the glass spray bottles with the hanging tassels.

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They escorted me downstairs into a small pink spa-treatment room (unusual for a pedicure), where I met a delightful girl that helped me practice my French.  I could not resist leaving with some of their moisturizer and body spray either!

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On the way back toward the hotel, I stopped at one of my favorite shops in all of France, Comtesse du Barry. 

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While headquartered near Toulouse, they have a small retail location in LACE w:st="on">ParisLACE>, where I tasted a lovely Provence Appellation-controlled rose – Chateau de L'Aumerade along with a rabbit confit.  Comtesse du Barry primarily makes and sells Fois Gras, Confit and Conserves— the likes of which I cannot obtain in the LACE w:st="on">U.S.LACE>  So, I purchased several different duck and goose  fois gras and confits, then had them shipped home. I spent a bit more money there than I planned to.  Before I left, the store attendant graciously bestowed a bottle upon me of that fabulous Provencal Rose, which I'll probably drink it tomorrow night.

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As I mentioned earlier, I hoped to get to the chocolatier, cheese shop and chartcuterie.  However, after careful consideration, I felt it best to hold off until I return to LACE w:st="on">ParisLACE> next weekend.  This way, Destiny's Journey can join me, everything we purchase will be fresh, and ready to take home (She will be able to bring a much wider range of stuff home to England than I will be able to bring to the LACE w:st="on">U.S.LACE>

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LACE w:st="on">ParisLACE> is like a love affair for me.  The first time I visited, everything was new and beautiful.  The city swept me off me feet.  I spent the week drinking it in.  This time, I am enjoying both the discovery of new city-finds and the familiarity that I have already established with LACE w:st="on">ParisLACE>.  For example, I love how friendly and warm the French people can be when you are meeting them in their local and familiar settings. 

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For dinner tonight, I went to a local bistro, Aux Charpentiers, which came recommended for it's excellent food quality.  I love that I can enjoy a meal of extraordinary quality for 40 Euros including wine and tip! 

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Because the weather is so nice, I wanted to sit outside.  The hostess placed me at a table next to a lovely retired couple from LACE w:st="on">BordeauxLACE> – Marie Rose and Daniel – who conversed with me all throughout dinner about the merits of fine gastronomy.  We shared restaurant recommendations (they, of course, had more to share on that subject than me); discussed culture and further identified foods that are classically and unmistakably French. 

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Take pate for instance.  I ordered a country-style pork pate with onions caramelized in red wine, spicy mustard and pickled cornishons.

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Marie and Daniel explained that this type of country pate is considered French comfort food.  Every French household has their own recipe.  In fact, their own daughters still request Marie's grandmother's version each time come to visit.

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Next, I ordered the LACE w:st="on">ToulouseLACE> sausage in green lentils, which is (according to Marie and Daniel) another traditional French dish.  Although, they joked that this dish is most commonly eaten in the winter when the weather is cold and it is most-loved by truck drivers.

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All along, I drank a small carafe of Cote de Rhone Rose.

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I finished my meal with a slice of Brie de Meux.

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After a two and a half hour dinner and a pleasant 15-minute walk, I am tired.  The jet lag is catching up to me.  So, I am off to bed.  Tomorrow is an early start – I have to be at the train station by 7:30am.