black cat // this book in the window at Mabel’s Fables made me laugh // Serve the People, by Jen Lin-Liu // cone of shame // doggie evil eye // Vietnamese noodle bowl, actually made by me // Dexter on National Dog Day // pretty pink grapefruit juice // labneh at Fat Pasha
August was a dum month. But I have realized one thing: I blog and Instagram when I’m excited about something and want to share it, and this month, I was excited about almost nothing and felt like I was just going through the motions. I’m hoping that will change in September, or at the very least that September is a neutral month.
Hi Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI am planning a trip to Paris at the end of sept and plan on stealing location and eating ideas from your blog. :-) Also I wanted to make sure you know about this restaurant - very charming decor and great food - Parliament and Wellesley their website isn't very usable, but their Facebook is better https://www.facebook.com/MerryBerryCafe Hope you have a great autumn! Phoebe
Ah, lucky you, I'm jealous that you're going to Paris! I have to say, I'm not sure I'm the right one to steal ideas from about Paris, I don't think I took full advantage of the food while I was very briefly there. Will definitely go back one day. Thanks for the restaurant tip!
DeleteForgot to add, I would definitely recommend David Lebovitz's blog for all things Paris. He's a great writer, he even has a Paris Pastry app, and there are lots of tips on where to go in Paris!
DeleteHi Rachel, Thanks for the tip about David's blog, lots of information and I have one of his books on hold at the Library - isn't the Toronto Public Library system the best!
DeleteBest wishes, Phoebe
TPL is fantastic, love their ebooks too!
DeleteOne more Paris tip: I know people go nuts over Laduree, but personally I think Pierre Herme are better. I tried Pierre Herme in London and was blown away. Can only imagine they'd be better in Paris. But definitely try both and see for yourself!
Looks like I will have to visit both pâtisseries! Thanks for the tip.
DeleteI have also been directed to try Berthillon ice cream on the island and also to avoid the tourist french onion soup in Montmartre (no problem!).
Were you concerned about pickpockets? I was just thinking of carrying my wallet in my back pack like I do here in TO, but some people are cautioning me to get a travel wallet (a belt or around my neck). Hmmm, that seems like a pain... any comment?
Ooh, Berthillon ice cream...I didn't get to that in Paris, but one day.
DeleteHonestly, I didn't have any concern with pickpockets in Paris, and I was just carrying a regular shoulder bag. It might have helped that it was tucked right under my arm. I guess with a backpack the concern is that it's behind you ? You could always wear your backpack in front, I guess. :)
Hi Rachel, hello from day 5 in Paris! What a beautiful city! I am loving my neighbourhood (trocadero), the gardens, the markets, and how the sky seems so big. I am determined to spend more time reading in toronto parks and more money at the St lawrence market cheese shops. :-)
DeleteI'm jealous about your trip, glad you're having a great time!
DeleteI do not even like grapefruit juice and I would want to drink that. It looks so good. I hope September is a much better month for you. I know what it feels like to not feel inspired, so I hope everything will be amazing soon. I am thinking of you. Feel free to email me if you ever just want to talk. I am here.
ReplyDeleteJenni
Jenni, you are the sweetest person ever, I would love to just hop on a plane, leave everything behind for a bit, and go hang out with you in California. But alas, real life demands that I not just drop everything and run away. Things will be fine, they always are. :)
DeleteI hope September is better for you. (For both of us, actually). Summer is usually my favourite time of year but this year was weird. Worked a ton the first three weeks of July, went away for 4 weeks, came back and today it's snowing?!
ReplyDeleteI am impressed by your Vietnamese noodle bowl. It's so pretty. Is the "Serve the People" book a travel book? Are there recipes?
I saw the snow in Calgary...insane! too early for that. It's cold here, but not that cold.
DeleteServe the People isn't really a travel book, it's more like a memoir in a few places in China. But it does have recipes, a few I want to try. I recommend it!