“I’m in Paris. Anyone here? New Year’s Eve plans?” My desperate text message went out to everyone I knew who might be in Paris. I arrived early for a January class in order to settle into my apartment. It also meant the possibility of New Year’s Eve alone.
My friend Sean called. He and Richard were having a traditional French New Year’s dinner party. “We would love to have you. Oh, could you come tomorrow and help cook?” Two things that are indispensable when traveling solo: a local cell phone and the ability to cook.
The next day we prepared the eight-course dinner and filled the apartment with savory scents. We prepped salad, made velouté, slathered herbed butter over snail shells, boiled langoustines, marinated pork, simmered sauce, and assembled a colossal cheese plate. The evening ended with us waiting in line at Pierre Herme to buy dessert.
On New Year’s Eve, eight of us gathered together in Richard’s 18th arrondissement apartment. Over the four-hour dinner, I chatted with the other guests, forming friendships that would continue long after the party. Midnight came while we feasted on the domed chocolate dessert. We raced outside onto Richard’s terrace, and popped open champagne. We clinked glasses, gave each other traditional two-cheek kisses, and cooed over fireworks lighting the Parisian sky. Shouts of “Bonne Annee” went out and came back from neighbors and those in the streets below. Snuggling together on the chilly terrace, we sipped champagne and welcomed the New Year in Paris.
This post has been entered into the GranTourismo HomeAway Holiday Rentals Travel Blogging Competition for November on the topic "Living Like Locals."
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Great story. Hadn't heard that one! Traveling is SO much different now than it used to be ...
Posted by: Paula | November 27, 2010 at 05:23 PM
Great story....As I always say (joke) "I don't know if people love me for what I am...or for what I cook...and make them eat !! LOL
Good for you!!
Posted by: Cristina, from Buenos Aires to Paris | November 27, 2010 at 11:29 PM
Sounds like the perfect Parisian new year's eve, Kathy! Mmm, langoustines. Good luck in the contest! :)
Posted by: Nicole | November 28, 2010 at 08:03 AM
Sounds like a magical New Year to me!!
Posted by: Liana @ femme fraiche | November 28, 2010 at 10:10 AM
Thank you for the comments!
Paula - I still have a few stories I'm saving for the right time. It seems there's always a story behind/along with a fabulous meal.
Cristina - I know what you mean. Sometimes I wonder if I get invited to things solely because they know I can/will help in the kitchen. My brother always invites me to dinner when he wants polenta.
Nicole & Liana - It was a magical New Year's and also a lot of fun preparing the day before.
Posted by: Kathy | November 28, 2010 at 01:29 PM
Lovely! Took me right there with you with the anticipation of the dinner.
Mr G is always in my ear about spending Christmas and New Year in Paris, and would you believe I'm always the one who says 'non'. One day, when the time is right, I'll take him up on it!
Bonne chance for the competition :)
Posted by: Corinne @ Gourmantic | November 29, 2010 at 02:01 AM
Oh that's what I love! So much better than going out to an expensive NYE party, non?
Merci beaucoup for your entry! Best of luck!
Posted by: lara dunston | November 29, 2010 at 01:37 PM
Sounds like a perfect celebration! And your photo....I could stare at that for hours. Good luck with the contest.
Posted by: Aida Hatem | December 02, 2010 at 01:06 PM