It happens, when unexpected…a new friend…with an incredible shared experience!

Grand Marnier souffles

Coffee explosion and raspberry devine!

Homemade caramels and a chocolate truffle..honestly!

An afternoon to remember!!

Like we’ve been friends forever!

Happy girl!

A Madeline with a refreshing from age sorbet/glacé

Shawn is happy with her choice!

I had the white fish with eggplant and hearts of been (referring to tomato shape)

Another appetizer, fish ..thinking raw….on a bed of puréed peas

Two types of butter

Appetizer and champagne

July 4, 2016

Writing this on the 5th, still acceptable in my book!  I want to keep this as close to real time as possible, or this trip might get away from me! I know I still have some catching up to do…no promises made, just a sincere attempt to try!

The 4th of July…I’m a big fan of displayed fireworks! I remember looking out my bedroom window as a child…on occasion ( usually in Summer, but we were up in Arrowhead most Summers), I was able to watch the fireworks display from a distance that Disneyland would set off….for various occasions. Also, while in Arrowhead, it was tradition to go out on the boat with family on the lake to watch fireworks set off from a barge for all the oohs and aahs!  So, this year will be different….not a single sparkler to be found, but I’ll be fine with that this year…in France, not a real celebration. I’ll get my fireworks fix on Bastille Day on the 14th…perhaps over the Eiffel Tower. That ought to be a pinch-me moment! 

My day began with coffee with my Airbnb hostess, Lucy, at her favorite coffee shop near here. I will try to find it again ….not a given on these hills and staircases!. Always a challenges, but part of the fun! It’s a delight to connect with transplanted “locals”. Confirming my comfort in the accommodations provided and the upcoming cooking class…a good week ahead!

There is great anticipation for an afternoon extraordinaire! I have been invited to join a new friend, Shawn, for a meal at La Mère Brazier, here in Lyon. It was to be a gastronomic delight by many reviews, and Lyon is the “gastronomic” capital of France. Great historical beginning to such claim, who was I to argue! 

Not sure how to proceed because so many specifics come flooding into my memory, but do you actually want to read about it all…I think not, because it is one of those, you had to be there, to really get the experience! Needless to say, it’s a memorable time I shall not forget….

Yes, I actually tried a foie gras and chicken paté appetizer (outside that vegetarian box again) with a glass of champagne to start. 

Small delectable courses followed as the photos show. There were moments of amusement with the photos, but it was all understood.

Looking at the soufflé, I thought, there’s no way I could finish this….but I did!

The meal was extraordinary, but so was the friendship that was created. It was as if we had known each other for years….compadres in this world of travel. It reminds me of how truly blessed I am….although we all know, Liza has her challenges…she is truly grateful!