Paris

The year was 1945. The month was November. The city was Paris. The world had passed through the long darkness of the "war to end all wars" - World War II, and was now ready for the brief brilliance and frenzy of the Gatsby's. The city was filled with artists, writers, composers, army officers, journalists, businessmen, and diplomats all with one thing in common: a passion for Paris. They came from all different directions in search of romance, beauty, and a tender utopia where they were free to kiss in the streets, hold a glass of champagne, and dance on the cobblestone in the wee hours. Something they found in old flower markets, haute couture, bibliotheques of novels, a night a Les Halles, La Vie Moderne, Chocolateries, Maxims, La Vie en Rose, the Eiffel Tower, magical Bistros, quiet corners, and secret benches. Paris is the mecca for both romance and food alike. The Gourmet capital of the World. Afterall, Paris means Foie Gras, Charcuterie, Wine, Cassoulet, Croissants, Muille Fuille, Champagne, Truffles, Confit, Butter, Breads,and Tartars. There is something so enchanting about sitting outdoors on a cool spring day in a boulangerie or bistro at three o'clock, sipping a fine wine, munching on a crusty golden baguette with amazing butter. Followed by fresh oysters that burst in your mouth with a perfect mignionette, escargot with a magnificent garlic parsley butter that has the ideal balance of garlic to bread crumbs, steamed mussels with Pomme Frites that are to die for - so good you have to dip the fries in the sauce, Coq Au Vin that falls right off the bone, and finished with airy profiteroles filled with vanilla bean ice cream drizzled with a luscious, velvety chocolate ganache. The city passes you by in conversations, landscapes, and street muscians. The sounds, flavors, and words captivate you and you realize you have been transported to another dimension. A dimension of what life is supposed to be. A life you are in love with.

As lovers say in the movies, "We'll Always Have PARIS..." We've actually always had Paris. It's time to revist the magic and the flavor. I think we are all ready (once more) for the brilliance of the Gatsby's. The year is 2010, the month is January, the city is PARIS.