Paris {cinq}

The morning after our fancy pants, Parisian dinner (which I would love to say that we followed with cocktails and dancing until the wee hours, but I can’t because we’re old fuddy duddies), we met The London’s for breakfast. 
We were having a proper big breakfast, because upon rising, my mother declared that she would like some eggs for breakfast; no more croissants, no more pains au chocolates. She was up to her gills in breakfast breads and pastries she said. And that’s when Gregory said that that was fine, he’d pick her up a baguette instead. Once a Frenchman always a Frenchman I guess. 
So yeah, we found a brasserie a couple of doors down from the hotel that served omelettes. That would do. They also served coffee that was more expensive than a glass of red wine. True story. I’ve never been so tempted to have a glass of Côtes du Rhône at 9AM in my life… but I didn’t, we had Parisian streets to explore!
First stop… the famous Avenue des Champs-Elysées! And more importantly, a Vanilla Latte and a chance to add to my Starbucks mug collection which I did with this beauty. (It’s funny, because since I’ve been back in the States, I’ve gone to Starbucks only once, but old expat me would have sought one out in every city I stepped foot in. It’s amazing how important ‘a little taste of home’ can be.) 
My caffeine and sugar rush in check, we headed further down the road to see what we could fine (this being Paris and all, you’re bound to bump into something fantastic sooner rather than later). 
Et voila… l’Arc de Triomphe! Which unfortunately for us was under construction, but is still an amazing site to see, even if it did look like it was wrapped in a big, bubble wraped, band-aid. However, its less than stellar appearance didn’t disappoint this guy at all…
Look at that smile! Of all the places we’ve traveled together (which in fairness, isn’t a whole lot), visiting the Arc de Triomphe, has been the thing Gregory has been the most excited about. (OK, he may not look overly enthused, but if you know Gregory, then you know that this is a happy face). 
Besides seeing important sites like the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées, we had another landmark to see that was just around the corner… 
Yes ladies and gentlemen, The Penthouse Club. No, we didn’t go in, we merely stood outside while Gregory regaled me with stories from when he used to work there. I would love to repeat some of them but I have always liked to keep this space a PG kind of place. (I bet some of you may be re-thinking your ‘Ask Gregory’ questions right about now, aren’t you…) 
Laughing at naughty stories sure does work up an appetite and luckily for me, Gregory and The London’s, I knew the perfect place to go for lunch… Chipotle! 

Now, now, I know that it’s about fifty shades of wrong that we were in Paris and not only did we go to Starbucks but we were eating at an American fast food place too… but I’d eaten lots and lots of French food… four years worth of French food, and sometimes a girl just needs a burrito. It’s not like burritos were easy to come by in Le Petit Village, because trust me, they really weren’t.

So yeah, we stuffed ourselves full of beany, burrito goodness and it was so good… SO GOOD. But then a few of minutes later, I was out on the sidewalk saying goodbye to Mr. & Mrs. London and I was so sad… SO SAD.

21 responses to “Paris {cinq}”

  1. I keep hearing about Chipotle, I want to try it! And I definitely want to hear those stories from the Penthouse club!

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  2. fun!!! So sad the Arc was under construction while you were there! Next time you're in Paris, try to make it to the top- incredible views of the avenues! So beautiful!

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  3. Chipolte in Paris? Well, I guess if they have McDonald's. Glad it tasted good, because the McDonald's in Rome was an unearthly burger. Can't imagine how it was considered a burger. The real reason we ate there was we were waiting for the night train, and I was dying for ice in a drink. And, they did not serve soda with ice there. Unbelievable. Ice was what I missed most in Europe. In hot Nice, I was motioning for ice and trying to convey the idea of ice, and the man said, glass, she wants a glass. I would have given my firstborn for a glass of ice instead of tepid drinks.

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  4. I love the anecdote about your mom wanting eggs. My dad wanted the same thing in Spain! We went by a restaurant advertising eggs on a sign they had posted outside. You know, the usual Coca-Cola type poster, obviously meant for tourists. I had to gently explain to him that those eggs were for dinner and no restaurant would have them for breakfast!Also, if I didn't have a Chipotle-type restaurant here in Madrid, I'd totally go in Paris! 🙂

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  5. ah chipotle in paris! when i lived in london, i just always wanted mexican (or tex mex) food and it was impossible to find.

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  6. Ummm…what is The Penthouse Club? Am I being naive asking this question?

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  7. I went to the mall this weekend so….yeah…yours trumps – expensive coffee and all! and i was face-timing with Ami the other day and she told me about your all's meetup…I want in!!!!! 🙂

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  8. Chipotle is rather irresistable!

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  9. Sometimes a taste of home is just what you need! I think many of us will relate to that. I'm always disappointed when a building is partly covered for renovation work. Having said that, the Arc de Triomphe still looks beautiful here.

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  10. I went to Starbucks in Paris too and didn't eat French food. Totally get it. Although I also thought I was the coolest person EVER having Starbucks in New York despite the fact I had it in London all the time. I don't know why. I thought I was in Friends.

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  11. Yes, I understand the Starbucks fascination. The novelty has worn off for me also, being back in the States, but if I was back in Paris I would surely be there. The opposite is also true – I miss the French lunch/dinner so much there is now way Chipotle would overrule even the dingiest little brasserie!

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  12. I can't even judge you for going to Chipotle – when I was in China, going to McDonald's was the most amazing experience, because I missed American food SO much. We didn't climb the Arc when we were there, but it was so amazing to see it in person! I couldn't get enough bread/pastries when I was there though, so I can't fathom being tired of pain au chocolat au une tartine. I miss it now so much (that I'm back to cafe noir for breakfast).

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  13. Nom, nom, nom. I've not been to Chipotle in Paris for absolutely no good reason at all. Fortunately, I'll let you in on a little secret: I'm soon moving to a place with endless burrito options! And definitely plan on making up for it with my lack thereof in Paris. I expect it to soften the transition while I miss the City of Lights like crazy. Glad you enjoyed your visit a few weeks (months) ago! xo

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  14. How absolutely funny! I'm not a huge Starbucks fan either, but I do like that it's consistent no matter you travel AND you can get a to-go cup. We did the same thing in Paris recently! I always hit up the Chipotle when I'm back in the US too. Bon appetit! 🙂

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  15. What a wonderful, wonderful day! 🙂 And being away from the U.S. for so long I can totally understand you'd look out for Starbucks and fast food 😉 Funnily, I've never been to Starbucks in the States (only Dunkin Donuts) but I do look for one in every big German city :)You make me want to visit Paris soon with all the amazing pics!! 🙂

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  16. I can totally relate to your Mom having had enough of pastries for breakfast. Why is it that the French, despite being a nation of gourmands, just cannot make scrambled or poached or boiled eggs & forget about bacon & eggs. I mean, what is that all about? Man cannot breakfast on croissant/pain au chocolate alone, they are for high days & holidays as far as I am concerned. Mind you on those high days I can always go an almond croissant with the almond cream in the middle mmmm.

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  17. I may be a die hard Anglophile and happily eating my way through London while I live here, but Chipotle is still a staple in my diet. Maybe it's my only show of homesickness, but I always crave American food more living over here. But thank God for Chipotle…I don't know where I'd get burritos in London without them. And I love it that you stopped there in Paris!

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  18. I guess I am the only person who has never been to Chipotle. 🙂

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  19. Argh! The Arc de Triomphe looks awful! I hate it was under construction when you saw it. 😦 When I visited Bath, part of the Royal Crescent was being restored and was covered much the same way. (Bubble wrap! LOL!) I was bummed until I realized I could Photoshop that mess and no one would be the wiser! 😉

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  20. After living in France for so long, I'd say you get a pass for indulging in some American goodies when you were here. I went to Starbucks yesterday (something I never do because it's really expensive here) and thought of you. I was channeling my inner Sara Louise. : ) Hope you're well in 'Murica. ; )

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  21. I've just been catching up on your Paris posts, I'm getting excited for my trip this summer! I've never heard of Chipotle but I'm curious now, I'll have to hunt it out!

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