Dinner was just ducky!!!

Me and Rubber Duckie outside the Paul Bocuse Restaurant!

So, after all the arrangements, the travel, the getting lost, the anticipation we arrive at the Paul Bocuse Restaurant in Lyons. Let me assure everyone that it was well worth traveling 3,000 to enjoy the meal of a lifetime in this magnificent destination restaurant!

The outside of the four story building was decorated with a large painting of the master chef -- Paul Bocuse, himself. There were also paintings of cakes and other treats painted on the building. Also, on the side of the building were plaques to show how high the river Saone which was across the street from the restaurant, had risen in various floods. The most impressive flood was almost two hundred years ago. However, it was a pleasant, dry day so we did not waste any time worrying about floods.

A young man in a costume (or uniform) that was a cross between an organ grinder and a doorman, bright red with a small hat on his head and lots of shiny buttons everywhere, with strips down the pants legs greet us. He led us through the courtyard and into the restuarant where the hostess and maitre d' had our reservation. The young man then led us to our table and feasting began!

Lise and JP with us at Bocuse!

We were all handed enormous menus and we studied them for awhile debating whether to eat a la cart or to choose the menu for the table. The whole table had to agree. Eventually, we all agreed that the Menu Grande Tradition Classique which is prepared for the table would be the best choice.

The first thing placed in front of us was a tiny, demi tasse size cup of the most deliscious cream of pea soup I have ever had along with a crudite. This Lise told us was considered something to "open the appitite." Just enough of a tasty treat to make the diner ready for what was to follow!

Roger, Rubber Duckie, and I pose with Paul Bocuse!!!

While we were ordering, Lise told the maitre d' about why we were there, that I had won dinner for two anywhere in the world and had chosen to go to his restaurant. The next thing we know the Great Chef himself came out to see us and posed for pictures with all of us! He even gave me an autographed menu!

The next course to arrive in front of us was the Esalope de Foie Gras de Canard Poelee au Verjus or pate de Foie Gras on toast with a special sause. I did not think I would like Foie Gras but this was unbelivable! It simply melted in the mouth. The piquant sauce was sweet and sour a perfect compliment to the Foie Gras. Next, the waiter brought out the Soupe aux Truffes Noires V.G.E. a treat created for the French President in 1975. The truffle soup was a delicate consome that allowed the full flavor of the truffles to shine. A marvelous flakey puff of pastry topped the soup. Next we enjoyed Filets de sole Fernand Point. I think this was the high point of the meal for me. The sole was cooked to perfection, just past the raw stage but not at the dry point. A spoonful of pasta was folded into the fish and the whole was covered with yet another incredible sauce. This one tasted as though it had a hint of cheese in it. I would have picked up the plate and licked it clean if it were not for the fact that I did not want to be considered a crass American with no manners!! However, both JP and I used some bread to mop up the final drops of sauce! Then came a short interval almost like an intermission when we were given a Granite des Vigerons du Beaujolais. The only way to describe this palete cleanser is to call it a sorbet made with Beaujolais. It was light, tasted like nothing else I'd ever had and left my mouth ready for the next course: Volaille De Bresse En Vessie "Mere Fillioux" or Chicken roasted in a Bladder. I know, this sounds odd but it was the lightest, moistest chicken I have ever had. It had been prepared with truffles, and was served with another indescribable white sauce which also had truffles in it. This was accompanied by a medely of buttery vegtables including thin slivers of carrot, beans, and snow peas as well as a serving of rice. At this point all of us were beginning to feel quite sufficed but there was more to come!


The Dessert Trolly!!!

One of the espcially nice things about this restaurant was that the service was not intrusive. The diner was certainly well taken care of, the service was impecable but there was no sense of rush nor of being hovered over. One dish was smoothly removed and another took its place while we were all able to converse and enjoy the meal.

The Chicken was followed by Selection de Fromages frais et Affines -- the cheese trolly. I have rarely had the opportunity to choose from so many cheeses many of which were local. There was a creamy goat cheese and a brie that I tried as well as another local cheese that was sharper in flavor. After the cheese plates were removed we were given tiny pots of chocolate mouse accompanied by a three tiered dish of petits fours. We thought this was the end but we were mistaken. The crowning glory was yet to come.

Fresh rasberries with rasberry sauce

The dessert trolly was a beautiful thing. We were surrounded by almost a dozen lovely desserts ranging from chocolate cake to fresh berries. Lise had the rasberries and sauce pictured on the right. Roger also had fruit and I chose a strawberry tart and some of the fresh rasberries. The tart was an amazing morsal, the pastry melted away on my tongue and the cream and glazed strawberries complimented each other perfectly. I wish there were words to describe the taste experince.

All in all this was a meal to remember, a 10 on a 10 scale. It was classic French cooking at its very best, a master chef whose restaurant is definately worth traveling almost three thousand miles to go to for dinner! Thank Rubber Duckie, Allen's Pond Sanctuary, and all the sponsors for this incredible experince!!!

Paris to Grenoble to Revel

After a good night's rest and a tasty petit dejuner we set out to walk around Paris a bit before getting our TGV train to Grenoble.

The first thing I noticed was the sound of the French sirens just like in the old Pink Panther movies. Then I saw a little park with a gate and sign with a dog and a red slash across the dog, obviously, no dogs allowed in the park. However, what really caught my eye was the man who was relieving himself in a corner of the park. No dogs allowed but humans can make a mess? This must have been an anomoly however, I am afraid it will be one of those memories that will stick in my mind!!!

We walked along the Siene and visited Notre Dame. We got in the free entry line which allowed us to walk around the inside of the Cathedrial. It is really amazing to think that people with no modern tools, no machinary, no cranes built this structure almost a thousand years ago.

We walked back along the Siene past boats being used as restaurants and boats people were clearly living on. We saw a family of ducks, people fishing, and all manner of ancient items and edifices. Unfortunately, Roger twisted his ankle which cramped our walking style a bit.

After lunch we collected our bags and headed to the Gare De Lyon. The TGV was amazing. It was fast, comfortable, and the views of the French Midi amazing. For miles, it looked almost like the midwest, flat, lush, farmland. We went past herds of sheep and cows, some horses, ancient clusters of buildings surrounding even more ancient church spires. It was an incredible landscape. I was impressed by how rural it was, and the lack of industry in that region. It was beautiful.

At last we arrived in Grenoble and Lise was there to greet us as we got off the train. I still find it amazing that I am here in her beautiful home in Revel a small town in the French Alps about 500 meters above Grenoble. It was a long journey but worth the trouble to get here!

London to Paris

Our Flight was uneventful. We arrived at Heathrow, went through customs with no problem and took the Heathrow express into Padington Station. Since it was a Sunday things were pretty quiet which was good for us in finding our way through the tubes to Kings Cross/St. Pancreas Station. We were several hours early for the Euro Star to Paris but again, it made us feel relaxed. By the time we boarded the Euro Star though, we were really tired. First Class was comfortable and we had a great meal with the main course being Mousaka and a good one too!

When we arrived in Paris it became clear that one of us (and it was not Roger) had made better use of her time in French Class. I found the correct route, bought tickets, and got us Paris Maps, no problems! The Hotel Lyon Bastille was clean, and comfortable. We ate at a little Brassarie around the corner and then collapsed in bed for a good night's sleep!

Duck Travels

Now that I have had a good night's sleep and petit dejeuner avec cafe au lait I am ready to post again!

Once Austin Limo picked us up, it was a smooth ride to Logan. I still think that getting driven to and from the airport is a real treat! The relaxation factor of not having to battle with the Southeast Expressway is priceless. Thank you rubber duckie and Austin Limo!!!

At the airport everything continued to go smoothly. Virgin Atlantic even offered us an upgrade for an amazingly cheap price, so Roger decided to take it and travel in comfort. He does like his creature comforts. The duck was very pleased as well as you can see! We were off to a really good start!

Next, we had to go through security. No problem for lucky ducks. Rubber Duckie went right through without a hitch! One always gives a sigh of relief after getting through security. We were early enough that we had time for drinks and a snack at one of the airport restaurants though we waited for the World Cup madness to end first. People were jammed into the bar yelling and tooting horns and waving flags as the World Cup games progressed!

There was even time for a little airport shopping to pick up those last minute gifts to bring with us. While in the shop, Rubber Ducky met a few freinds! So, with books, and other entertainments we were ready to board Virgin Atlantic Flight 12 for Heathrow.

The Duck Has Landed

The old adage states that getting there is half the fun. For us, getting this far (Paris) has been a 24 hour adventure!

Saturday was a day spent running around completing last minute errands, having Janet at Stephen & Co. cut my hair, picking up a few more gifts to bring with us, adding last minute items to the already overfull suitcase, paying left over bills, and checking to make sure everyone we are leaving behind will be okay. It is very difficult to step out of one's life for two weeks even when it is to step into such a wonderful adventure! Austin Limo arrived early to pick up the two lucky ducks!

I think one of the biggest treats of this whole adventure was being driven to Boston. We arrived at the airport relaxed and ready to enjoy the flight! Check in was a breeze, we were even able to upgrade.

Jet lag is catching up with both me and the computer. Can't upload photos I want so I will continue our duck tale tomorrow after a good night's sleep!

even

Quack and Pack

The Duck Gets Packed Up!

OK, so we are leaving tomorrow. I haven't even begun to pack yet. There are two kinds of packers, those who take everything but the kitchen sink (and some probably even bring that) and those who leave with almost nothing, not even a toothbrush.

So what do I need? Organization would help. A list would help. I find I can think of packing methodically weeks before going anywhere but when the actual moment of packing arrives I can't think. I start to throw things in a bag. I wonder if the clothes fit? Will they still fit when I get there? What if the style is wrong? Overdress? Underdress? What about weather?

I can always blame my mother. I am a product of learned helplessness in packing. My mother did it all when I was grownig up. We lived in a New York Appartment and there was storage in the basement of the building. Before going anywhere my mother would call the super and have the bags sent up. She was of the generation with a complete set of matched luggage. The suitcases nested in each other from very, very large to a small overnight size bag and my mother's cosmetic case, a hard cover square case with a mirror in the lid.

My mother would meet the bags at the door. She greeted them with a can of Raid. My mother appeared to live in mortal dread of BUGS. She sparyed all incoming objects from the bags to the Christmas tree with Raid to make sure no strange bugs entered her appartment.

Then the packing began. Mama began by making a list of what we needed to bring. How many sets of pajamas, how many undies, etc. She assembled everything on the living room couch. Then the packing began in ernest. She had silky lingerie bags for undies, gloves, and hankies. She had a leather jewelry roll for her jewelry. She would layer the bag like a layered pudding cake. First there would be a layer of skirts and/or slacks covered by a layer of tissue paper, then a layer of sweaters, then more tissue paper and so on. You get the picture. Then shoes would be wrapped in tissue and tucked along the sides.

All of this has left me with a packing phobia. I admit it. I hate to pack. I wish I was rich and could just take my wallet with credit cards and a good book, board a plane and buy all new clothes when I get to whereever I am going.

Since that's not possible, I'm off to pack. See you on the other side of the Pond!

Duck tales from long ago

Lise and I met in First Grade at Marymount School, 1026 Fifth Avenue, New York City. Here we are in first grade at Marymount School. Lise is the one on the left in the second row, and I am in the middle of the first row.

I know many people that remember meeting friends but I do not remember meeting Lise. She was just there. As were most of my classmates. Lise and I attended Marymount for 12 years.

I do remember my first visit to Marymount the spring before starting and visiting that classroom with Mother Timothy. There was a diorama of some clay animals in a box. "Oh, look, Giselle's camel has fallen over," Mother Timothy said straightening the tiny clay creature. I can still see the scene, the window, the view of the inner courtyard from the window that had iron bars in front of it with the diorama on the window sill. I was thrilled. I expected that in first grade we would make clay animals everyday. I waited all year to make a clay camel but we never did that.

I remember being a little jealous of Lise. It seemed to me that she always had money for the school store and could buy candy. She would buy Mint Juleps and I always wanted some. However, my mother would not give me money for these delectable candies. I felt a bit like Amy in Little Women who wanted to be able to buy pickled limes to give her friends. I really wanted to buy Mint Juleps to pay back my freinds who occasionally shared them with me.