February 3, 2010
Welcoming party
My first night in Paris. Across the street from my hotel for the week. True to almost all my urban travels, I imagine most of my cash will be spent at concerts — not restaurants, or tours for tourists, or even museum entrance fees (despite my intention to visit several).
When you’re alone away from home, where does your money go?
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Restaurant and bar tabs, mostly, unless I am traveling for weeks on end.
food, yes.
food.
So you guys eat out alone? At, like, sit down restaurants?
Well, yeah! I love it. I love being the woman of mystery at a table for one.
I would eat a alone if I found myself travelling alone (in fact when I travel with Alicia for work I often eat at sit down restaurants with just the Iz – not quite alone I guess) but I mostly travel (and eat) with Alicia.
I can handle a café. I could even do a sit down restaurant for lunch, if it’s casual. But I don’t even think I could be paid to drink alone at a bar or sit alone in a busy restaurant after 7pm.
At least concerts exist outside this realm. Perhaps because there’s kinship in being there for a communal purpose?
I was in Paris for a week in November and I spent 50% more on food than on my airfare. I identified the restaurant where I would have my “big meal” for the day, then I planned my activities so that I would end up near there around lunch/dinner time. I used a book called “Hungry for Paris” as my guide, and I had a memorable meal at every restaurant. I ate foods I don’t normally eat (blood sausage, grilled foie gras) as well as regional specialties (aligot, charcroute de garnie), had an absinthe dispenser (I have no idea what it’s called) brought to my table, and generally just reveled in wonderful gustatory experiences.
My one musical experience was on the Champs d’Elysees, which was set up for the holiday season, and there was a large white tent with a sign saying Chez SomethingOrOther, and I peeked in and there was a full bar, several tables, a couple couches, and two Django-esque guitarists accompanied by a saxophone. I went in, ordered some champagne, and had a wonderful swinging time.
That sounds just perfect, salvo. I have an unending list of things I can do if I find myself wanting, but my guess is I’ll also end up spontaneously listening to guitarists inside tents marked Chez SomethingOrOther.
Hey Salvo, I was also in Paris for a week in November, I think it was the second week of the month. Yes, Paris is definitely a town to eat in and of.
Also, as I was shopping for my groceries today and saw a pathetic version of croissant encased in plastic, a thought leapt to mind: Kelsey, just keep eating from the bakeries, and you will be okay.
And if you come across this bakery you will be in heaven. (psst! The pain d’olives! Best bread I have ever tasted, that.)
There are so many, Lucy! I will make this happen.
Also, you’re in Belleville, yes? There’s a club I was recommended, didn’t make it there but it looks to be in your hood, called La Bellevilloise.