I can say "I had coffee in Paris this morning" and I wouldn't be lying.
But I would still be a little despondent.
Maybe "despondent" is a little too strong of a word. Sad? Gloomy? Longing-y? What is the word?! I'd just like to be actually in Paris, drinking coffee (in a "Paris" mug not necessary).
But I'd have to bring my own coffee because when we were there this past May, the coffee, no matter where we were, tasted like hotel room instant coffee crystals that expired four years ago.
Not that I know what hotel room instant coffee crystals that expired four years ago taste like.
(Also, not that I don't, 5 years as a consultant in and out of Hilton Garden Inns all over the west coast.)
I would have thought that coffee in France is outstanding. That it would taste worldly and sophisticated. That it would taste as dark, and full, and sweet as love. That it would romance me the way the city did. For God's sake, the French press is named after them! Paris! Sitting in the shade at a sidewalk cafe! Spreading creamy butter and sticky sweet love all over a baguette!
And drinking the awesomest coffee ever!
It wasn't like that.
At least, not the coffee.
Today is National Coffee Day, which explains the associated-but-rough transitions between paragraphs because I am a little wired. I celebrate coffee every day with a large coffee to go from Le Pain Quotidien (disappointingly, again, not French, but Belgian). But today, I drank two cups. I'll be awake straight through to tomorrow, which is National Mulled Cider Day. I don't mind sleeping through that one.
I'll be exhausted, I'm sure, but I won't be sad. Even though I'm not in Paris, drinking mediocre-at-best coffee.
Coffee, it seems, lowers the risk of depression in women.
Except for women who watch this video.
The video is shot in Paris. (Oh, and? Eyelashes!)
Rachael says
This post just made me smile, which I needed, because it was just that kind of day. And now I know that I have to overindulge in mulled cider tomorrow, so thanks for that!
Janice Hong says
Crap! I forgot today was National Coffee Day and now I only have 2 hours left to drink some coffee! Is it too late...? haha
Rachel says
Sarah, many thanks for your recommendation of Tasting Kitchen! Brought my friends there for dinner and we all loved it! Still dreaming of the saffron cream mussels and spoonbread..hope to try Gjelina another time
Sarah J. Gim says
glad you liked the Tasting Kitchen, rachel!
elizabeth scott says
there is absolutely NOTHING as good as coffee in paris
http://pocketshrink.blogspot.com
ps: i can't figure out how to follow your blog
Jane says
Hi Sarah,
I hope you're having a great week! I helped build an infographic about kitchen safety and thought you might like to use it on The Delicious Life blog.
Here's the link: http://www.jesrestaurantequipment.com/jesrestaurantequipmentblog/save-a-finger-share-this-infographic-with-your-friends/
There's code at the bottom that makes it easy to post, but if you have any questions, let me know and I'll try to help.
Thanks!
~ Jane
[email protected]
catty says
Well, you need to take another Europe-bound plane ride and head to Italy. The coffees there are AMAZING ;)
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