If I could plan my perfect itinerary, it would include a walking food tour on the first full-day in wherever I'm staying. So, of course, since I planned this trip, I did! Max and I hustled to Montmartre, not even having time for a croissant or coffee. Unintentionally, our party sold out the tour. Our guide, Imrane, laughed when he realized we needed no intros to each other :) He told stories while we made many stops within the artsy neighborhood of Montmartre. Crepes, chocolates, cheeses, and picking up baguettes and accouterments for later.
We descended into a wine cellar out of the cold and gathered around the table all while Irmane told us 'reason' that we 'cheers' and the proper etiquette behind clinking glasses (lack of eye contact = bad luck!). He described all the amazing foods that we passed around: first baguettes directly on the table and ripped with your hands, then cheeses like I'd never had before, cured meats, Pâté, eclairs, and lots of wine. Max, Theresa, Jessica and I had done the 'upgrade' drink service, which came with three extra drinks total. They were comprised of a brandy, an apreritivo, and sparkling wine. Needless to say, when Irmane asked if we wanted to share the rest of our sparkling wine with the group (since it would fall flat if we didn't finish the bottle), we said YES.
Warm with laughter and spirits, we walked together to Sacré-Cœur, and once again saw a beautiful, sprawling Paris.
We headed to the Catacombs. I really can't recommend enough to do this. I was humbled and bewildered at the display. Not something I'd want to do every time I visit, but certainly something that is unique to Paris.
Max grabbed a bottle of wine to share in our apartment with Kylene, Matthew, and Madeline before heading to the restaurant. I had worked with Pratolina to curate a prix fixe dinner in which everyone got to choose their entree and drinks. Sundays are slow for restaurants, so we ended up getting the entire upstairs to ourselves with our own dedicated staff. Mark and Pam had planned to overlap their trip and they joined in for what I considered to be my "birthday dinner." We laughed and ate delicious Italian food and told stories.
There is nothing I love more than bringing people together 💓
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