All Things Paree (aka: Paris)!

If you read my last post you're probably laughing by now that it only took me 2.5 seconds to once again embrace the old me but we've had a few French moments in the past few weeks that just had to be shared!!

First up, our Julie & Julia night! Brad and I were so inspired by the ladies in this movie that we thought we'd throw our own Julia Child night, complete with four courses of French cuisine, all from the 'bible' of French food, otherwise known as "Mastering the Art of French Cooking". Trying to be as authentic as possible I kept the decor simple (think small cafe in Paris), asked our guests to come in their best American in Paris attire (no, not white tennis shoes & fanny packs!), and played a mixture of Edith Piaf and Arielle Dombasle. While the food was fantastic I have to give major props to our guests who came dressed to impress, one even sporting a ridiculously fabulous handle bar mustache!

The menu you ask? Here it is in all it's four course glory. Feel free to drool!

First Course
Tros Fromages aux Champagne Grapes
Upside down Martinis

Second Course

La Soupe a L'oignon

Third Course

Poulet Saute aux Herbes de Provence

Rataouille

Salade Verte aux Vinaigrette

Cotes de Rhone

Fourth Course

Reine de Saba

Champagne

Novice to French cooking? No worries, there is so much butter in these recipes, cardboard could taste divine. Especially after one of Julia's favorite Upside down Martinis!!

Our next visit to the city of lights was at our friend Lillie Belle's first birthday party. This petit bebe's celebration was full of so many cute touches she was sure to be the envy of all one year old cheris everywhere! Major kudos to Lillie's mom & dad who hand crafted most of these special touches themselves. The things they did buy, including the customized Lillie poster, were all purchased on Esty.com. For you that haven't discovered Etsy yet, it's heaven!! No matter if your style is modern, eceletic, shabby chic, just plain chic, it's all there & most items are handcrafted by extremely talented sole proprietors or small companies, so you can feel good about supporting the little man (woman!).

Croquembouche available at Madeleine's European Cakes in Seattle.