Storming the Bastille- market, that is...

Sunday, October 24, 2010

When I arrived at my apartment, my "greeter" Jennifer, told me that Sunday was market day at the Bastille and it was worth the trip. Considering that the trip was all of a 25 minute walk, I was definitely up for it.

Some 300+ years ago this spot was the site of one of the most terrible prisons in world history. The wooden structure that was the Bastille is long gone and now it's a bustling intersection and home to the market twice a week.

This market runs 7 days a week and moves around so everyone in Paris gets a turn. Thursday and Sunday belong to Bastille and since next Thursday is the planned national strike against retirement reform and I'll be marching with my new compatriots, I decided that Sunday was my day.

The market is HUGE and a cacophony of sounds and smells both wonderful and nose pinching. You can imagine what the aisle with the French cheese across from the fishmonger smelled like. If you've ever been in a french cremerie then you know the word pungent is polite. And we all know what the fish market smells Iike. Wow.

30 different kinds of honey and cute candles

Yes, cuisses de grenouille are frogs legs

I wandered up and down the aisles until every sense was filled and then made my way to Place des Vosges, where Victor Hugo used to live. I found a little restaurant whose chalkboard highlighted Quiche Lorraine and I said, yes please.

The restaurant was run by your basic angry french waitress who looked like Lola, in Run Lola Run minus the bright orange color in her hair. Even though I spoke only french she had me pegged as an American because she took me to my table and asked if I wanted an English or French menu. I said, "Ca n'importe." (it doesn't matter) to which she replied, "you get English" Thank you, Lola, you should dye your hair.

The quiche was delicious. I'm sure Lola didn't make it.

After Lola, I made my way down the narrow streets of the left bank lined with expensive designer boutiques and packed wall to wall with what seemed like the entire country of Italy. I wanted to say, hey, you guys have all this in Rome and Milan already, why come this far?

The Italian women were hilarious to watch. The ones walking in pairs or trios seemed to all be wearing matching shoes or boots. I mean identical shoes and boots. I saw so many that I decided it must be some Italian law that women who walk together must be seen in the same shoes. Or maybe they just don't have much originality....although I will say they were almost all dressed to the NINES in the latest of fashion and many of them looked amazing.

The other funny thing about the Italian women was that they have no sense of age when it comes to fashion. The 60 something grandma was sporting the same outfit as the 40 something daughter who matched the 20 something grand daughter. It was a good lesson in, you are too old when.... There comes a time when you have to say, "Nana, no." (I'll write more on fashion later)

I made my way past Les Halles and now know why I was advised to stay away at night. It was pretty full of nefarious youth with chips on shoulders and an angry stare.

It has started to rain again. I found a great cafe where I can have a pichet du Bordeaux, reflect on today and do what my new compatriots do best...people watch.

A la prochaine.



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Location:In the shadow of St. Eustache

First stop in Paris

I arrived a couple of hours ago but that was consumed by passport stamping, baggage collection and navigating the train to the Gare du Nord. This was followed by the cab ride with the cabbie more interested in using my iPad map of Paris than actually driving me to the apartment. I didn't
mind, it was funny to watch.

It's cold. I mean see your breath cold. The sun was coming out while on the train, so I was holding out hope...but the clouds have moved in and a soft rain is falling. I ventured out, appropriately hooded ready to attack the city. For the first few blocks there was nary a soul about, it's noon, maybe the rain is keeping everyone inside.

The Marais is a very interesting place. It is the hub of the Jewish community here as well as the center of gay Paree. Hence, you find yourself walking past hassidic Jewish families followed by some of the most beautiful men you've ever seen...they're gay, and they're stunning. *sigh*

I found a little cafe (and it is hard to choose because they're on every corner) called appropriately enough, Le Bistrot.

It is commandeered, and I mean that seriously, by a very affable man who looks like Gerard Depardieu's thinner twin with really bad teeth. He is the antithesis of all you expect in Paris. He is loud, domineering, cheerful and would be very well suited owing a deli in Brooklyn.

I ordered a pichet of the sancerre rouge and the bruschetta "quattro stagione" which we all know is Italian, but it said it had cheese and roasted red peppers, grilled artichokes and forest mushrooms, so I said, "yes, please."

What arrived is something we don't have in the US which is a cross between bruschetta and pizza...I mean it WAS a bruschetta, but it was as big as a pizza. All fire grilled and delicious. When it arrived I said, "c'est très grand" (it's really big) to which Gerard's twin said, "mais, bien sur" (but, of course)

The cheese was gooey, the artichokes were smokey and the forest mushrooms were the ones that mice use as umbrellas in children's books. Tiny, delicate and adorable. And yes, I ate the whole thing.

Bruschetta Quattro Staggione

After I arrived, the place filled up. Which I'm pretty sure was a result of others on the street seeing me enter the premises. (or not) and then almost as quickly, everyone was done and it was empty again.

It looks like the rain is slowing a bit...I'm making my way toward Notre Dame to spend some quality time with Our Lady...

A la prochaine (until next time)


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Location:Rue Vieille du Temple,Paris,France

Cartin' Around

In my youth in the land of the Pennsylvania Dutch, back in Pennsylvania don't 'cha know, the word "cartin'" was used in two specific contexts:

Do you really want to be cartin’ that around?
And
Sorry, but I’m not cartin’ you along.

Truth be told, it has be more than a few years since I’ve heard the word cart used as a verb, or outside of the context of shopping; but in Portland, it is back with a delicious vengeance.

For those of you who live in the greater Portland area, you already know that food carts have exploded on to the PDX foodie scene. They’ve even organized themselves into clustered semi-permanent pods with names like Cartopia, Lot 91 and Ala Cart. However, in the well-heeled land of Lake Oswego, there is nary a wheeled food vendor in sight willing to step off the food cart cliff. So my daughter and I jumped into the Beetle, dropped the top and ventured forth to do some Carting...Portland style.

If you’re new to carting and want a sure bet that will thrill the entire family, we strongly recommend you begin at the Grilled Cheese Grill on NE Alberta, across from the Alberta Public House. Who can argue with an entire menu of nothing but variations on our favorite comfort food. There’s hardly a red-blooded American without fond childhood memories of those crunchy, buttery, gooey morsels of high fat and sodium deliciousness.

We decided to be a bit adventurous in our choices. I had the BABS: Bacon, Apple, Brie and Swiss and my daughter had the Jalapeno Popper with cream cheese and jalapenos. They have lots of other choices for your own cheesy morsels. Needless to say we were so thrilled that we hopped back in the car and proceeded to troll Portland for some of the better known pod locations to see what they had to offer, in spite of the fact that most are closed on the weekends.




All this Cartin’ Around got me to thinkin’. I wonder if Lake Oswego would be willing to embrace the food cart culture. As I mused I thought of the food vendors at Saturday market. They’re almost like food carts…without the cart, that is. But then I reflected on our trip to the pods…





I tried to imagine a place where we could replicate this by the lake and remembered...the slogan is Keep PORTLAND Weird (and make sure the food stops in Lake Oswego are without wheels and four on the floor). Thats the version of the slogan too long for the bumper sticker

We may not see any converted Airstreams with funny names and yummy smells in LO anytime soon, but I'll encourage my fellow Lakers and Pacers to make your way North and indulge in a little food slumming. You won't be disappointed.


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Chillin' Out with Chuck

Truffle salted popcorn, wild mushroom pate with walnut leek topping, tomato tart and Chuck roast sliders...delightful gems of slow roasted beef with caramelized-pickled onions, arugula and provolone. Ummm. Yes, please.

I'm sorry Peet and Starbuck but everyone knows that Chuck's choice of illy Italian coffee is the best in town and the "My uncle Charles' den" atmosphere is hard to pass up. Including the indoor shuffleboard

A few months ago I saw a liquor license permit in his window and wondered what Chuck was up to. Irish coffees perhaps for those of us wishing for more than just a morning kick?

Oh no something much better. I was going to chill out with Chuck.



Realizing that today was Thursday, I sauntered across the street to partake and to support my favorite coffee man in his new venture of vinified delights.

With garage door up and breezes gently wafting throughout Chuck has made happy hour into something inviting and delightful, more akin to hanging out on your favorite neighbor's back porch than your normal crush of humanity trying to get that last order of $3 calamari in before they close the menu and it goes back to $11.

This is about neighborly greetings, and a sunny spot under a red canvas umbrella where you can sip the end of the day away and wonder if working from home tomorrow will sit with the boss.

As I ponder my "work from home" reasons for tomorrow, I watch the trimet riders with palms and noses pressed to the windows as they go by. And you know what they're asking themselves. Chuck sells wine? Yes, he does my friend...yes he does.

I know Chuck would say this is just an experiment, something he's trying on...keeping it on the DL. Well, Chuck here's a news flash...this is your first foray into full on bistro hood whether you like it or not, your public will revolt if you end this. We'll storm the doors with our Nordic walking poles and our Smith and Hawken spades and hula hoes and we will brandish them in a seriously irritated fashion...so it's clear that we want pate, olives and Pinot Gris every day. Not just 3 days a week during happy hour.

You are on notice, sir.

As I enjoyed mon plat du fromage with a well appointed selection of cheeses, marcona almonds and reduced balsamic vinegar, I watched the tables fill one by one and as each one filled, someone at this table knew someone at that and before they knew it the patio had morphed into a large communal table, everyone chatting, laughing and recalling the last time they met.

Here's a gander of what I enjoyed...



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Location:B Ave,Lake Oswego,United States

Homeless Man Found Covered in Cement in Lake Oswego

OK people. This is not funny.

Cement encrusted Hobo in LO

On our way to breakfast at a lovely local bistro, La Provence, imagine our horror just one block from home when we saw this....

Clearly a homeless man has been encased in cement and placed right on the main drag of A Avenue smack in the center of our quaint little village! And it seems...this horrible act was done WHILE HE WAS EATING!!

My daughter tried to tell me it was part of the local art that peppers the downtown area. Or, she mused...perhaps it's a reflection of our town's history??

A man eating out of a tin can? I'm not sure that's the history we're trying to preserve.

I would like to know the real meaning behind this Main Street Statement.

The man's final expression captured

Here are some thoughts:

1. Come to Lake Oswego. See? We like poor people, too.

2. Our past...we used to be poor like this man, but now we live in Lake Oswego, we're all rich now.

3. See? We DO have homeless people in Lake Oswego.

4. Caution: Homeless people NOT tolerated. (Just look what happened to this guy)

5. City Council gets revenge on previous Mayor.

There's one final possibility, however. Although I'm not sure about the message being conveyed; there's some crazy irony here. I'll leave you with your own thoughts with one final picture.

Marketing or Mistake? You Decide.

Thirst Quencher Thursday? Actually still a little parched.

One of the things that makes Lake Oswego special in the summer, aside from the market, is the variety of evening concerts and picnics in the parks. Foothills, West Lake, Millenium all have something going on although I have to say that you may need a spreadsheet to keep the schedules straight.

Wait..it's July and it's Wednesday so that's West Lake, right? No Foothills in July, Westlake in August...or was it June? And it's Friday night at Millenium. Right? No. Noon on Fridays at Millenium. But there's SOMEthing there on Sunday night I think.

Oh, nevermind.

As much as I really love the idea of a picnic dinner with some wine and music...keeping the schedule straight along with pre-packing the food so we can dash-grab the cooler and the soccer chairs and race to get a spot out of the blistering sun has just made it too much work.

Last time I went I was in my work clothes, still wearing my badge, dragging a wheelie cooler in circles as my heels sank into the soft well sprinklered lawn. I'm still trying to figure out if I looked pathetic or like a mom making a noble effort. (I prefer option B)

So you can imagine my delight when Lake Oswego announced a new event for the month of July. It's happy hour in the park with art and music and food. They have tables there. No cooler to pack...no chairs to schlep...no heels to sink...just stroll and enjoy. Right?

Well, almost.

Thirst Quencher Thursday turned out to be a bit of a disappointment. They have the right elements, but the execution is off.

The music was good. Check.

The art vendors were few, but it's new so we have to give it a chance. Check.

Mistake #1?

Placing the festivities at the wrong end of the park. I know why they put it down by St. Honore...people will see it more easily. But given the wonderful covered space at the OTHER end to let people get out of the hottest part of the day would have made more sense. Put giant HEY....HAPPY HOUR THIS WAY!!!! Signs up.

Mistake #2?

The food and wine selection...there wasn't one. Oswego Lake House was the only vendor with one or two food options....one or two beer options...and an "are you kidding" wine selection. Would like the crappy-way-too-cold white or the jam-on-your-toast sweet red?

What were the beer choices again?

Come on LO...I know this is the first year, but you can do better than this. Get some of your Saturday market food vendors in on a thursday...you'd knock that place flat...and getting a beer and wine vendor that sells a real selection of beer and wine should not be problem in this town.

I'm going again this Thursday...the last for this season. I'll be the one up on the lawn sunk up to my heels.

Location:2nd St,Lake Oswego,United States

Pass the Kleenex...it's time for the LOJ Musical

I should know better. 

I have a 19 year old son and 14 year old daughter...I know better. 

Why I thought I could watch my daughter make her musical theater debut without taking Kimberly Clark WITH me was a bad decision. Turning on the saltwater faucet before she even stepped on stage was the unexpected part.

Every year, Lake Oswego Junior HS performs a musical production under the steadfast direction of the drama teacher Joe Theissen. And every year, I am STUNNED at the quality of production this one man is able to pull out of 100+ 13- and 14- year old adolescents. I can't even get a carload of girls dropped off at the mall without drama, he has them dancing and singing...in TUNE!  

This year's production is Beauty and the Beast. If you're a parent with a child under the age of 20, you surely have the DVD memorized, even if you haven't had to watch it for several years now. You may even have remnants of Halloween Belle's and Beasts in the rafters of your garage.  As one of those parents, I will tell you that this production is not to be missed, even as I warn you that you might be singing Tale as Old as Time for the next week. My daughter, Maggie, is Mrs. Potts. Yes...I raised a teapot with a slight British accent and I'm darn proud of it. 

With hardly a dry eye in the house and some friendly teasing between parents over our emotional breakdowns for our very own candlesticks, forks, spoons and villagers...the reason behind all this has become clear to me. It's less about the "pride" we feel. I mean, of course, we're proud. "Oh, honey, I'm so PROUD of you. You did SO well."

But really...deep down...we know that this is a first definitive step to the edge of the nest. These productions show us that our little ones really are growing up...who knew that this kid who can't pick up a towel and who appears to have lost most of his or her sense of hearing, especially when you're talking, is standing on a stage on their own...speaking carefully memorized lines...singing their hearts out in public (sometimes sounding astonishingly good) and showing us a glimpse of the adult they are becoming all too quickly. 

Great. Now I need a kleenex again.

Performances are running next week, Thursday 2/25 and Friday 2/26 at 7pm and two performances on Saturday, 2/27 at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets are available. And bring your own tissues.