My Gastronomic Magnum Opus

Before I fell in love with Paris's romance with food, wine, and laying on bright green lawns in the middle of a sunny day, I have to say I was predisposed by thier stereotypes - cigarettes, fake dimples, accordians, and berets. And there are many more to say the least. Thankfully, with the exception of the cigarettes, they were mostly incorrect.

One stereotype however, was so spot on, that it was hilarious! I cannot count the times I have seen Parisians in films racing around the city with groceries on one arm and a bitten baguette on the other. The French love their bread...and they should! Without eliminating the Italians, the French have some of the finest breads in the world. Fine boulangeries are to France what Starbucks are to America. They are everywhere!

If you think about it, a warm crusty baguette is the perfect accompaniment to any meal at any time of the day. It goes with butter and confiture or jam for breakfast, jambon fromage sandwich for lunch, and on a cheeseboard or on the side of a glass of wine for dinner. But it wasn't till I collided with this masterpiece, that I was completely taken away...and taken away forever-at that. Imagine a grilled slice of baguette about 1/2 thick cut on a bias, lightly buttered and salted. As soon as the edges start to brown, it comes off the grill. Immediately, French Goat Cheese is spread onto the sizzling hot grilled bread, and here it comes.......topped with Balsamic braised Onions. Slightly sweet, tangy, and savory all at the same time. Then, the lusciousness of the goat cheese makes every single bite, oppulent and almost too much for your mouth to handle. Two seconds after you swallow your first bite, it is a MUST to pair this gastronomic magnum opus, with a good red wine - my favorite right now is O'Brien Seduction. This powerhouse couple is a match made in heaven. Trust me when I say you haven't lived 'till you've tasted this. Even if you aren't into red wine, this will make you become infatuated with the nectar of the gods.

Ever since I tried this mouth-watering work of art, I have found myself eating it 5 or 6 times a week, for meals, and inbetween meals. I day dream about it. But one thing is for certain, when I am fortunate enough to enjoy it, sitting down sipping on that glorious glass, I am transported to a plaid blanket picnic setup on that bright green lawn in the middle of a sunny day in Paris and I get it....I get why the Parisians race around the city with groceries on one arm and a bitten baguette on the other.