Tuesday, September 9, 2008

LUNCH ON THE CHAMPS ELYSEES

Thanks to everyone who commented and offered congratulations on our 50th wedding anniversary. Now, I thought you might enjoy a glimpse of our celebratory trip.

We had spent many days in both London and Paris going in and out, up and down lots of important buildings, churches, palaces, monuments, and engineering marvels. It was our last day in Paris, and we had just finished Notre-Dame Cathedral. Bob asked, "What now?" On a whim, I suggested, "Let's go to Laduree on the Champs Elysees for lunch in a taxi. No more buses or subways!"

I had read about Laduree Patissier for years. It was established in 1862 and is the birthplace of the French macaroon. I had even seen in decorating magazines where people proudly displayed their various Laduree boxes.


Laduree Patissier is in a beautiful building. It is a miniature Versailles - all marble and gilt with gorgeous painted ceilings.



We were seated at a great table by the window; so at one point, someone was actually taking a picture from the outside of me eating my lunch. If they only had known that we were two hicks from the sticks gone traveling! We ordered the cheapest thing on the menu -- chicken and egg club sandwiches and a bottle of water. Everything was served so elegantly -- even the potatoes with our sandwich were stacked architecturally; and the ambiance was unbelievable. The bill was not too bad: $64 U.S. dollars.


Next was a trip up the curving staircase to the prettiest restaurant restroom I have ever been into. Then we went into the Laduree bakery. Pictures were not allowed inside, we discovered; but Bob was able to sneak this one. (Bad, bad tourists!)


First, I picked my box; I thought it was the prettiest one there. Then, I selected my assortment of 18 macaroons. They were the most delicious looking colors and flavors including several kinds of chocolate, lime, pistachio, different berries, caramel, and peanut butter. The bill: $55.20.



We are very frugal people, and rarely spend money extravagantly. But, oh, we enjoyed those macaroons. On our flight from Paris to Boston, we each had a macaroon while our fellow passengers were eating their peanuts.

To conclude our trip, we had planned a road trip up the U.S. coast. So, we ate macaroons from my pretty box in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. Sometimes a person just needs to splurge and spend that money, because I now have a pretty Laduree box full of special memories.


Thanks for stopping by,

Sally











9 comments:

SmilingSally said...

We've been to Paris, and you've brought back memories of our trip. Like you, we are careful with our money, but once in a while, it's delightful to "blow it."

nikkicrumpet said...

Wow what a trip. I've never had the pleasure of going to Europe...My hubby and I had a trip planned and had gotten vacation time approved...we were go over our where we wanted to go and what we wanted to see so we could buy airline tickets accordingly...then the phone rang and my son announced he was getting married...and yup you guessed it...the date was right in the middle of our planned trip. Needless to say his wedding was beautiful and Paris remains out of reach. Someday perhaps. I'm glad you got to have such a wonderful time. And I agree...sometimes you just have to splurge!

Susie Q said...

Oh Sally! I have been away and so my wish for much happiness is late! But it is still warm...and heartfelt. I so loved seeing your post about your life as a couple. Wonderful!
And your trip looks magical. I have yet to see paris and seeing it through your words and pictures made is all so special.
I am so happy you have this weet memory!

Much joy!

Love,
Sue

bj said...

Oh, Sweet Sally, I can't tell you how happy I am that you DID splurge and buy the cookies.
It sounds as if you had the time of your lives and that IS A GOOD THING!!
So glad you had this wonderful trip together. I just pray Bill and I will be able to get to our
50th and still enjoy good health. We have 1 1/2 yrs. left......fingers crossed !
love, bj

Anonymous said...

Hi Sally! Those goodies just look so scrumptious!! and so pretty. I'm so glad you had a wonderful trip. We've been to London and Paris, too. Yes, everything is so expensive isn't it? But I'm glad you 'splurged'! Thank you so much for coming to see me!! Don't you just love the Desert Rose dishes? I would love to see your collections. I have no where near what you do.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Anonymous said...

I've always wanted to go to Paris! What a wonderful trip! It's fun to splurge once in a while, then you really are able to savor and enjoy it. I love macaroons and those are so pretty!

Manuela

Anonymous said...

OH LA LA!!!
Diane

imjacobsmom said...

Sally,
It sounds like you had a wonderful time. I'm glad you splurged. What fun memories. What pretty macaroons. (How about the rest of that pastery..Mmmm!) ~ Robyn

Elaine said...

I celebrated my 25th birthday in Paris. I will always remember that birthday! Many years later, I think it's time to go back. I'm older and wiser and I think I would have a better appreciation of it. Love the macaroon photos.
I think Laduree is listed in a book I have about the Patisseries of Paris. It's a grat book for the armchair traveler.