“It’s Paris. You don’t come here for the weather.” This quote, often attributed to me, is a humorous reminder that Paris offers much more than sunshine. While the city’s weather can be unpredictable, its art and culture are truly captivating, making it a place I return to time and time again.
A MUST SEE Exhibition… Or Not?
I recently visited the Fondation Louis Vuitton, a striking museum designed by Frank Gehry, to see the Monet-Mitchell exhibition. Everyone raved about it, calling it a “must-see.” But as I ventured through the drizzly Parisian streets, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of apprehension.
The weather, a classic Parisian experience, was chilly and damp, making the journey to the museum seem even longer. The gray skies and gray-tinged architecture, a common sight in Paris, added to the somber atmosphere. I often wonder why Parisians embrace such a monotone aesthetic, but perhaps that’s a topic for another time.
Despite the chilly welcome, we eventually reached the museum, only to be greeted by fogged-up windows and a light drizzle. The museum website touted the exhibition as a “dialogue” between Monet and Mitchell, showcasing their unique responses to nature. However, my personal experience was far from harmonious.
I found Monet’s delicate water lilies captivating, but Mitchell’s abstract, broad-brushed canvases left me cold. Her dissonant color palette and violent brushstrokes felt jarring compared to Monet’s serene landscapes. While the curators’ attempt to juxtapose the works was understandable, it simply didn’t resonate with me.
A Seafood Feast in the Bastille Market
On a brighter note, the sun finally peeked through the clouds, painting the skies a beautiful blue on Sunday. I joined a friend at the Bastille Market, the largest in Paris, for a seafood feast.
She had never tasted oysters, and I eagerly volunteered to be her teacher. My love for oysters began at the tender age of two, and I was determined to share my passion.
However, our quest for freshly shucked oysters took a turn when we discovered that the vendors only offered them for immediate consumption. Thankfully, a nearby stall provided the perfect solution: a roasting pan! Soon, we were the proud owners of a dozen-and-a-half shucked oysters, alongside boiled shrimp, sea snails, baguette, and salad fixings.
Our seafood lunch was a delightful explosion of flavors. The Normandy oysters, known for their fatty, nutty taste, were a far cry from the briny oysters I’d grown up with. We enjoyed every bite, vowing to repeat this culinary adventure with our friends from Ann Arbor soon.
Oysters are not only a delicious treat but also a nutritious one, packed with protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. So, the next time you’re in Paris, be sure to indulge in a Parisian seafood feast and experience the flavors of this vibrant city!
