Gifts from Paris

Savoring it all

Hi! What a month it’s been. It began in Paris, where we had the most incredible time — so incredible that I suppose it was worth it that we finally got Covid, immediately upon our return home. Only it was me who got it first, then Violet, and it took my husband 8 days to get it, so he is actually still testing positive at the moment, though he is at the tail-end and will be negative by the time you are reading this. But you know, then our housekeeper got it, and so she’s been out this week, point being: It’s been a long month, much of it spent ill (took a full two weeks for me to feel normal again) and most of it taking care of Violet on my own, as Daddy had to work (through Covid, yes).

I embraced the time with her nevertheless, just as I did for the magical two weeks we spent in France. I was pleased that Jared fell equally in love with Paris, announcing after a couple of cocktails on our second dinner in that he wanted to move there. He realized how much he missed being around people, in a city. Mainly because New York doesn’t offer the same satisfaction these days — he is usually itching to get out every time we’re there. People just seem happy to be alive in Paris, and especially so since the pandemic where the mood in New York has been… not so great? The best way to describe the difference is, as Jared pointed out: “Did you hear one horn honk the entire time we were in Paris?” Not one. It’s a perfect metaphor to illustrate the difference in the overall energy. Just as Parisians prefer to enjoy their meals, life also happens at a slower pace — all to be savored, enjoyed rather than rushed through.

Just a girl savoring her escargot

The magic of slow meals

I think what I fell in love with most the first time I spent time in Paris was the way that they ate. And it’s like this in much of Europe, wholly different than the way we eat in the US. Meals are meant to be lingered over. Social experiences; a time to connect. As Jared spent much of our time in Paris working, he could not believe that every lunch was a two-hour (minimum) affair, complete with cheese and dessert courses. How are people supposed to get anything done here, he demanded to know. But the thing is, they probably get more done because they have a proper work-life balance, meaning less stress and a greater ability to focus when they are working. We in America have a lot to learn.

Simple is best

I’ve never been to a dinner party at someone’s home in France, but I know that French people are exemplary hosts. Maybe in America we are better with the slow meal concept when we’re hosting in our homes, most of my dinner parties tend to go for several hours. But one thing I think they do differently in France is, to keep things more simple. No over-the-top formal place settings are needed, just simple, beautiful dishes and flatware, cloth napkins, fresh flowers. Aperitifs may consist of simple nibbles like nuts of olives served in the living room with white wine or champagne. A first course of soup (any good host knows this is the easiest, most perfect starter), then a main and vegetable, of course there must be good bread (!), then the cheese, then dessert. But the dessert is usually purchased from a bakery, I mean how could it not be when you have Parisian bakeries at your disposal.

The focus is on conviviality, not perfection. I find this with the way Parisians dine out, too. Especially in New York, we care so much more about going to the hottest, best new restaurant. In France, of course this exists too, some restaurants are impossible to get into, but it’s more about the people you are with.

Beef tartare (and fries) good enough to make you cry

I haven’t entertained much since Violet was born, so I’m taking all of this inspiration with me. I’ve always considered myself a worshipper of simplicity, but how can I take that to the next level? How can I further simplify my ideas for dinners and such so much that it increases their likelihood of actually happening? All while retaining that relaxed elegance, the feeling that something special is happening.

More things I took with me, in no particular order:

Well, you know I had to get at least one bowl… ;) Just kidding, this is a plate! (Nod to ongoing joke in our house between Jared and I, that I have far too many bowls — every time a package comes, which is more often than I’d like to admit, he shouts, “another bowl?!”)

This darling little mushroom plate is from a shop called Au Bain Marie that I fell in love with, offering a mix of vintage items as well as pieces from their own line, which is what this plate is. I like to buy something when I find a shop like this, to remember it. It’s a salad plate, but I will use it as a serving plate, more of an accent for the table.

I had to pay a visit to my favorite spice shop, Epices Roellinger. These spices were introduced to me from an old partner who was a talented chef, used by some of the top restaurant chefs in the world. Here are the ones I bought, which are some of their most well-loved offerings:

Poudre Retour des Indes — great for fish/seafood

Poudre Grande Caravane — for lamb/vegetables

Poivre de Timut — the most gorgeous citrusy/grapefruit pepper

Using special spices and spice blends are one of my favorite ways to enhance simple cooking. When I get a new spice, I’ll even use it as a starting point for dish inspiration, doing a bit of research to see how it can be used. Most spice websites will offer more information and even recipes to try.

I have many more favorite spice producers and spices so let me know if you’d like to learn more.

I sadly did not buy anything from this magical shop, but I felt the need to share it with you just in case you do not already follow the magic of Marin Montagut on Instagram. He makes the most beautiful, poetic objects celebrating the magic of Paris — anything in the shop would make a perfect souvenir for yourself or a loved one.

Okay, this was crazy. The Airbnb we stayed at was next door to La Droguerie, a shop selling buttons, yarns, ribbons, trims, beads and such in every color, shape, and size. The last time I was in Paris was eight years ago, and it was when things were brewing for my first company, Salt House. I was preparing to create a line of aprons so I was after all the inspiration I could find, which is what led me to this shop. It felt almost eerie to be here again, just as I am in the very early days of my next creation. It felt like a sign, confirming I am exactly where I am supposed to be.

While walking around the Left Bank I passed by the Sabre flatware shop. I’ve had my eye on getting a set for a while now so I was happy to have a look at everything in person. Mostly I wanted to see the difference between the ivory and khaki colors, which look so similar online. I love all of the different colors and think it would be so fun to mix-and-match, but first I’m going to have to get the ivory set.

About a million priceless memories of exploring one of my favorite cities (my favorite city?!) in the world with my number one girl. Sure, she may not consciously remember any of it, but I can’t help but think that these experiences will impact her. The culture, the people, the language, the baguettes (so many baguettes) — the joie de vivre of this magical city — all imprinting themselves into her flourishing spirit.

Off to finalize cake recipes for her first birthday… 😭

Happy holiday weekend to all,
x Sarah