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paris - winter

We’ve had a spate of nice weather here. A friend just told me that we’ve had the grayest winter in ten years. I’m not so sure, but it has been overcast since, well – October? September? … I actually haven’t minded it so much since I seem to have succumbed to the tristesse (sadness) of Paris that sweeps across the city in winter. We had a lovely snowstorm which for me was all-too-brief. But I’ve been keeping busy indoors and not minding the chilly winter as much as others have.

Today it was beautiful, with blue skies highlighting the buildings of Paris and silhouetting the still-barren trees. I went to lunch at a friend’s place that has two balconies, and it was nice to breathe in some fresh, cool air, rather than being coincé (trapped) inside. Afterward I took a pleasant walk along the canal Saint-Martin, then headed home to make dinner for some visiting friends. (Yikes, two big meals in one day?)

As always, it’s lot of fun having the blog and it’s great to interact with everyone. Thanks for reading it! Since spring is here, I’ve got a few general announcements and thoughts to pass on. Hope that for all of you the weather is cooperating and you’re taking some time to bask in the sunshine, or the snow – or whatever, wherever you are.

-Aside from a few goofs here and there, I’ve kept my word about issuing a monthly newsletter. Here’s the March issue. If you want to signup, you can do so here. Note that it’s an opt-in system and you will get an e-mail that will prompt you to confirm that you want to get it. You won’t get anything other than the newsletter, which will come once a month.

-A number of folks access the site on mobile devices. If you’re one of them, there is a mobile-friendly version of the site with a nifty icon for your phone. On your smartphone, when you point your browser to the site, on an iPhone, tap the icon with the little arrow in the box that will prompt you to “Add to Home Screen.” Then, voilà – you’ll have an icon on your phone. (I don’t have another smartphone because I can only afford one, and I am already surrounded by too much technology as it is. But I am sure there is some way to add it to other devices in a similar manner.)

-If you have my Paris Pastry app, there’s going to be an update coming up soon. Some new places have opened in Paris, a few places have expanded to new addresses, and I’m adding some more descriptions and pictures to the app. It’s free if you have the Paris Pastry app. So check for an update shortly.

-Twitter is great and I’m happy to be on it! However I’m not on it 24/7. Plus being in Europe, we’re in a different time zone from some of you. And to make matters worse, I occasionally have to eat and sleep. So unfortunately I can’t respond to everything that comes my way. It’s great to check in, for folks to say hi, or perhaps ask a question. But please excuse me for not being available and if you send me something and I don’t respond, I’m either eating, sleeping, working, or…

-This July, I’ll be a speaker at Food Blogger Connect in London. It’s a weekend-long food blogging conference and I’ll be there with my pal Jaden Hair, and photographer Penny De Los Santos, as well as others I’ve yet to meet. You can sign up at the link.

Santé

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50 comments

    • Claudia

    Admission with blushes: I kinda squeal when I see there’s a David Lebovitz blog notice in my in-box. News from Paris! Food ideas from Paris! David is writing from (usually) Paris!

    Love, love, love your books and have been brave enough to try a few things from them and from this blog but mostly… I savour what I read. (I would like to add, with perhaps another blush or two, I also savour what I’ve made. Cooking is like breathing to me and I do both passably.)

    Thanks for writing!!

    • Nikki Fein

    Glad it is sunny up there in Paris. Even down here on the Riviera we have had what the locals have called a ‘long winter’. Here’s hoping Spring is upon us…

    • Merisi in Vienena

    Good to hear that you are having bright skies again! Same here in Vienna, thank goodness. I read somewhere that this was the darkest winter since 1951.

    I tried to immediately register for the Food Blogger Connect in London, but clicking the link only sent me back to the previous page each time I tried.

      • David
      David Lebovitz

      I just checked the link and it worked on my end. You can also put “food blogger connect” into your browser and hit the site directly.

    • Annabel

    It’s been pleasant here in London today, too. Spring is coming – I hope! And Paris is particularly lovely in the Spring – only 47 more days until our next visit! Not that I’m counting, or anything…..

    • ClaireD

    What a beautiful photograph! I think I enjoy your pictures nearly as much as the wonderful recipes and your humor. We’ve had a mixed bag this winter in Austin. The first two weeks of February we had highs in the 70s and even 80s. Trees have budded and things are blooming all over town. Luckily this weekend it’s returned to normal, highs in the 60s, and our last reprieve before the heat of summer falls upon us.

    Thank you for the blog and the newsletter. Always fun, always interesting, and frequently educational.

    Claire

    • Amy

    A strangely appreciative sounding post from you… haha still enjoyable to read as always, just a little peculiar!

    • Monica

    For an odd second, I was worried you were going to make some “bad” announcement about the blog, like maybe you were going to stop! I think this cold is just messing with my mind. In all seriousness, thank you for maintaining the blog, for the newsletter, the app, and most of all, the recipes and cookbooks! I love your writing and your recipes are the ones I go to when I don’t want to be disappointed and want a “sure-thing”.

    I make the candied almonds you mentioned in the newsletter over Christmas – I loved it but wonder how I can get mine as shiny. I used 1/3 cup water (per the book) instead of the 1/2 cup and will try that next time. I thought the trick was to keep at it, and it did get shinier as I went at it but they were still not like yours. Guess that’s to be expected though! : )

    • Holiday Baker Man

    Love the tweets!

    • Cathg1g2

    I love the newsletter, March one is tops, those salted almonds look delish, such a good idea as a hostess gift.
    I really really enjoy your writing and read The Sweet Life prior to my trip to PAris a year ago and then promptly downloaded the app and as good fortune fell my way, found Popellini for the few days post Christmas that it was open and ate one of every flavour with my daughters, my husband meanwhile passed Go straight to his nirvana Poilane.

    • ClaireD

    David, I cannot find the app for your site to put on my iPhone. Can you point me in that direction? Sorry to be such a pest these days!

    Thanks,
    Claire

    • jhon

    I love the newsletter, March one is tops, those salted almonds look delish, such a good idea as a hostess gift.
    I really really enjoy your writing and read The Sweet Life prior to my trip to PAris a year ago and then promptly downloaded the app and as good fortune fell my way, found Popellini for the few days post Christmas that it was open and ate one of every flavour with my daughters, my husband meanwhile passed Go straight to his nirvana Poilane.

    • Sissy

    Have you tried making the “kicked up party nuts” from the Srirachi Cookbook? He adds Srirachi and chopped rosemary to the sugar — wonderful!

    • Vintage Finds

    So relieved you were not about to say your hanging up the apron! Love getting your images and chatty update on what’s going on in Paris with weather or events (the food is a given!). If I haven’t been for a little bit, makes me miss it less!

    Once again, thank you!
    Jennifer.

    • Sissy

    Did you change the iPhone version of your blog? For some reason it has gone away and now back to your regular web version whenever I access your blog on my iPhone. Is there a way to get it back? Thanks

    • David
    David Lebovitz

    Sissy and ClaireD: That application (not to be confused with my Paris Pastry guide app) was created by my publisher but the platform is no longer supported.

    But you can add my site to your homepage with an icon, using the info that I gave in the post. Unfortunately I’m not much a techie nor do I know how to work with the various smartphones out there; To do so – 1) Go to the site on an iPhone, 2) Tap the “Add to Home Screen” (use the icon at the bottom of a square with an arrow) and the custom icon will appear on your screen.

    • ron shapley

    Hello David……………….Beautiful winter’s end in NYC also….in fact, I took a similar picture as I strolled through Riverside Park Sunday… I love your “dispatches” from Paris et. al. You put me there..

    • Bebe

    Dear David, don’t scare us like that. Things that start off like this post usually end up bringing bad news. Like you’re giving up your blog. What a downer that would be.

    So glad it’s just a this-and-that memo on various topics. Phew.

    Sunny and warm in Southern California over weekend – up to 90 in some places – but cooling toward maybe a little rain. No complaint as we need it.

    Thanks for sharing Paris with us. Many of us miss it.

    • PaulaR

    I walked through Place des Vosges today, and it was jammed with people enjoying the warmth. And I am darn sure I saw pink buds on a tree yesterday…

    • Paris Paul

    I don’t know if it’s the grayest winter in ten years, but I know it feels like it! Even if, as a writer, I enjoy my time inside with bright yellow lights while outside it’s a cold gunmetal gray, I must admit that I had a great Sunday walk, spending more time outside in one day than I had in the whole week combined.

    • Lisa

    Just got back yesterday from a week in Paris. The sun was finally shining as I walked to Montparnasse.

    Went to a bunch of places you recommended. In fact your site was our guide for most of the trip. Thanks so much!
    And yes the coffee at Tuck was the best I have had so far in Paris. Yikes the chocolate at Alain Ducasse, well my suitcase ended up being 30 kilos on the return trip. Well worth the extra cost.
    Thank you for sharing all your fab places.

    • MD Smith

    Greetings David,

    I look forward to meeting you at Food Blogger Connect (FBC5). Among all the things I enjoy about your blog is the evolution of you using a French term or idiom and then defining it for us. Thank you!

    • Ana in Chicago

    For reason I’m not getting the confirmation email, and I tried twice.

      • David
      David Lebovitz

      Hi Ana: Sometimes you need to put the domain (davidlebovitz.com) in your ‘safe’ mailbox list as those kinds of things get go into spam folders. Check in there and see if it’s in there. -DL

    • Carren

    Yikes!! I also took in a deep breath when I read: “I’ve got a few general announcements and thoughts to pass on…” I thought, “Oh no! Oh please no! You can’t stop this blog!”

    At risk of sounding like a groupie, but so obviously consistent with everyone else’s comments over the years, I too experience a quantifiable surge of excitement every time I see a new notice from “David Lebovitz” in my in box. Your writings are such a pleasure to read. I also enjoy the comments from the readers, and learn a lot from them too. I love your recipes (I’ve got all your cookbooks, which I so much enjoy reading — and using, as recently as last night! — both for the quality of the recipes and the fun stories you include. I truly hope you know how much pleasure you bring so many people in so many countries. Your generosity is exceptional. It’s a bit strange this blog relationship; I feel so very fortunate to have you as a friend.

    Now, as for the current weather in San Diego… well, we won’t go there.

    • Ana in Chicago

    Received it, thanks! Duly subscribed.

    • Judith Basham

    What a shame for me that you are in London during the time when we will be soaking up sunshine in Spain :(

    Perhaps one on these days I will be fortunate enough to sign up to your Paris trips!

    • Linda H

    Long winter continues here in Illinois. Snow/sleet/rain for us today and tomorrow. The carrot on the stick is 50 degrees by the weekend. (Followed by 33 later, but we are ignoring that.) Thanks for the newsletter.

    • Karen Tripson

    Two sunny days in a row here in Seattle! Very happy to hear about the newsletter. Made your (or Paule Caillat’s) French Tart Dough Saturday to avoid a rolling pin and was thrilled with how easy it was. The doubled recipe perfectly filled a 24-mini muffin pan. Filled the pre-baked tartlets with chevre, roasted sweet peppers and browned shallots. The tender pastry pleased a tough crowd who excel at rolling pins. I sang your praises at the party. Thanks again for making me feel confident to jump in where I have no experience.

    • Nick

    Its nice to have an early spring up here in northern Europe, despite my pedant friend insisting its not spring until the equinox. My morello cherries and damsons are budding like mad and we have our fingers crossed, hoping the frosts stay away.
    Enjoy the sun while you can, even if it means wrapping up. That hearty food cooking itself while you’re out tastes ever better.

    • TasteOfAdriatic

    I see you’re enjoying first breath of European spring, which is great! Received your March newsletter and reading it with eyes wide open, while at the same time trying to make beef stew with gnocchi.
    Greetings from already spring-warm Croatia!

    • Kate

    Nothing but sun sun sun here in Melbourne Australia. Still over 35 degrees Celsius every day even though it’s Autumn.

    • Jenny

    Thanks for the blog David.. Yours is the only one I subscribe to. I don’t cook a great deal, but I love reading about the recipes and I love hearing about one of my favorite cities and the joys and travails it offers.
    Another favorite place is Brisbane, where I live. Our state Queensland, Australia, has had a challenging summer. There’s been persistent rain, torrential at times and widespread, heartbreaking flooding for many people. Expecting a cyclone to brew off our coastline later in the week, but sounds like it will blow out to sea. Some people have endured so much wild weather this year I don’t think they will cope with much more. Fortunately for my home, just a few small leaks in the roof and a tree blown over in the back yard.
    Thanks for bringing me something from the other side of the world once a month. Sometimes I even cook something! Jenny

    • Poornima

    Please don’t stop blogging! From another fan of yours….

    • Katharine

    Ah, Paris… a City for all seasons and all reasons, I can’t wait to see you again. And thanks for the imagery David.

    • Kathryn

    Hi David,
    I’ll admit it, you put a scare in me! I thought I might be reading your last blog post. Glad it’s not.
    I was happy to see you are joining Penny De Los Santos in London at Food Blogger Connect in July. She’s a wonderful photographer. She did a great food photography workshop on the Creative Live website a few years back. I learned quite a bit from her. I enjoy following both of you on Instagram.
    I imagine spring- like weather is greatly appreciated in Paris after months of gray skies. We have had a pretty mild winter here in Atlanta. I am looking forward to sunny and warmer days, which are coming soon.

    • Taryn

    Your e-mails are always something to look forward to!

    • Parisbreakfast

    Loving Paris’ grey skies but it’s my 1st winter here so I’m biased. Plus grey
    sky’s are good for painters, reflective while bright sun washes out colors bla bla. Still yesterday was simply gorgeous and a delight. Saw someone wearing just a mariners stripped T (plus pants and shoes of course)…such impatience for Spring…

    • Elizabeth

    Oh, so *now* it’s lovely and sunny? Starting the day after I left? Oh, well, there’s always next time. But thank you for the recommendations for Mexican restaurants; I had lunch at Itacate one day and Candalaria the next, and preferred the second. Did you know that one of their chefs is starting a tortilleria? The woman at the counter gave me a card when I asked – Luis Rendon, http://www.milamores.fr. It opened this past week, she said.

    Sorry you missed the sunny weather, but c’est comme ça, as we say.. Yes, I know about the tortilla shop (I mentioned it in my February newsletter) and am looking forward to slathering some Mexican tortillas with French butter! -dl

    • Basak

    It is great reading your posts and newsletter and books! It is great checking on your life and cooking and drinking and comments about other stuff. It is a bog pleasure to look at your photos doesn’t matter how blurry or simple are :-)

    I am really appreciated that you put an effort to share everything with us. I have a blog and maybe 5 friends on it, with that scale I can only imagine how hard it is to keep up with everything since you have to live your own life too. I know you love your job and what you are doing but still, sharing everything is a real BABY you are taking care of perfectly.

    I am glad you are here David, thank you.

    • Mari @ Oh, Sweet & Savory

    Such exciting developments. I’m so looking forward to your monthly newsletters!

    • J.S.

    In response to one of the previous comments more than the article: Fresh tortillas spread with good cold butter and then sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar and rolled up are so good! Can only be done with fresh homemade tortillas though, one of my Mexican friends showed this snack to me and I tried to duplicate it with supermarket tortillas and it was not the same thing at all :/

    • Wayne

    Thankful for the mobile friendly site, but those big ads that popup and attempt to stay pinned to the bottom of the sceen are darn annoying. Seriouseats.com started putting them up that way too. Interferes with scolling, is too easy to unintentional click, and none of the ads are remotely enticing…

    Thanks though for all your great writing, recipes and photos. Mont D’Or post has dominated my attention since i saw it this morning. Hope our local cheese purveyor can save me having to mail-order.

      • David
      David Lebovitz

      Hi Wayne: I’m not aware of ads that appear in the mobile version of the site, except my those that are part of my ad network (which are the same ones on the site.) I really avoid have ads that are intrusive – I will ask my web folks about that. (Perhaps it is the mobile platform that I am using that is creating the ads – I don’t see them on my phone.)

    • Lucia

    Hi David,
    Just a quick question for you….we are headed to NYC next month and are desperately hoping you can direct us to a NYC app that would be similar to your Paris Pastry app. Does one exist? We were some of the first to use your app when it came out and it truly made our trip to Paris delicious and fun. Would love to find something similar for New York. If not, what resources do you use when prepping for a trip to the big apple?

    Thank you for the blog, the app, and now the newsletter! You are the best and I always tell everyone when they are headed to Paris to ditch any guidebooks and just use Paris Pastry because that’s really all that is needed…in addition to a good pair of walking shoes.

    • mazz

    So sad to read about Chez Panisse’s fire, as I always associate it with you …..so glad that no one was there.

    • Dorothy

    I might have missed something (happens frequently), but when I access your website’s mobile version, I can’t find the “recipes” tab and I have to go to the traditional version of the website to find it. Is that just the way it is, or is there a way to find the recipes tab using the mobile version?

      • David
      David Lebovitz

      There aren’t any tabs as those couldn’t be included in the mobile version unless the site was completely recoded. So it’s just a way to read entries and if you are searching for something in particular, you’ll still need to go to the actual site itself.

    • JB

    Hi David, What is the location of the first photo? I lived in 7 rue de babylone for a year in the early 2000s and could swear you captured it from the park across the street…Thanks for the continued news and reminders of my favorite city!

    • Joseph Conoscenti

    Just finished reading L’appart , just wonderful. Since I’m not a cook, would love to read other entertaining books by you.

A

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