Joyce, Hemmingway and Ujka Larson

One reason Paris has fascinated me is because of the people who have come here to pursue their dreams. I am sitting and writing and dining this evening in Cremerie-Restaurant Polidor, a bistro on Rue Monsieur-le-Prince in the sixth arrondissement that traces its history to 1845, and was a favorite haunt of writers James Joyce and Ernest Hemingway, among others. As I look around at the thick wooden communal style tables and wood paneled walls, I try to imagine those of the past sitting around me. Even Julia Child comes to mind since, having recently seen the movie Julie and Julia in which Beef Bourguignon features prominently, that is what I order for dinner. It is savory and tender, served with the tastiest mashed potatoes (called puree here) I have ever eaten. The main course is preceded by cream of lentil soup and followed by lemon tart and coffee. Every taste is authentic; a delight to the palate. Bon appetit!

Julie & Julia: Lives to Books to Movie

Last night I saw the movie Julie & Julia. Meryl Streep should win an academy award for her portrayal of Julia Child. The movie is based on two real life stories told in two books: My Life in France by Julia Child, and Julie & Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously by Julie Powell. In 2002 Powell, a Julia Child devote, set out to cook all 524 recipes in Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking, and blog (The Julie/Julia Project) about the experience. The blog became a book, the book a movie. Seeing the movie has inspired me to read the books. (However, it has not changed my personal mantra that the best thing to make is a reservation!)

Meryl Streep was a guest on The Daily Show on August 6, reviewing her role as Julia Child. It is a must see!

Seeing the movie and reading the books compliment my own adventure, to be recorded in this blog. I will have My Week in Paris, September 11 - 17, and I'll tell my story here, beginning today. I hope you will join me.