New Year’s Eve á Paris, 2023

As the title suggests, this will be a post about spending the end of 2023 in the City of Lights, Paris. I had never been to this country or city before and was very much looking forward to it. It did not disappoint. Over only three nights, the city and its people made us all feel welcome. It was a wonderful way to usher in a new year. Please enjoy these images and quips…

Hotel for the trip, quaint rooms and lively first night…

Sacré-Coure…

Always take the funicular…

Art in Montemartre…

Time for NYE…

And New Year’s Day…

Small sidenote – this will be my last blog post. Over the last 16 years, this blog became something of a diary for myself. It’s a great way to show the history of the last number of years, but people and technology have now moved away from this format. I’d like to say I could keep it up and keep it going, but that doesn’t really seem to make sense, especially as we usher in 2024. It really has been a great ride, a wonderful place to leave memories, and something I truly hope at least a few people found entertaining.  Thanks for all the reading. 

Maison Marcel (on Broadway), Chicago, IL

["Can you give me a hand?"]

[Who doesn't love a plethora of spider plants cleaning your air?]

We might as well get this out of the way now - this place is French. Which means French-style drinks, sandwiches, breads, and best of all - pastries!!!

I've already been in 3 times and will be going back as able. Why? Well, they check off a few boxes for me when thinking about a midday break, like - 1. Coffee drinks 2. Wi-Fi 3. Actual food available 4. Music not too loud 5. Seating is generally plentiful (on weekdays) and 6. Did I mention pastries!!!

The folks behind the counter are also French. They speak it to each other. I presume that's what makes the food so good! And how about some more of that...

How about an Apple Danish? (But French-style, not American-style)...

Or maybe you have an affinity for the cocoa bean? Let's try the Chocolate-Almond Croissant...

Or if you're real fancy before 12noon, why not try a macaron?

Ok fine, I have to eat "real food" before my desserts... just grab a nice breakfast offering or even this simple baguette sandwich (but be ready to gnaw through all that crusty bread!)...

...and then have your macarons!!! (Raspberry, Pistachio, and Hazelnut (aka, "Nutella"))

They have a rather robust hot breakfast menu, including a simple egg plate that includes a selection of their breads. When I ordered it I received half slices of four breads with my eggs - Sourdough, Baguette, Croissant, and Chocolate Croissant. You also get butter and jam. It was a good sample of most things, and then you can just take some macarons home.

This is also a breakfast / brunch-only spot. It closes each day in the late afternoon - don't plan on going after work, for dinner, or late-night pastries. It is all wrapped in a very cozy French-styled space, with enough room to find a nook and hunker down for the winter - the entire Chicago winter! I just might. 

If you don't already want to go from the images above, there's not much else I could say to convince you. But, I know I enjoy the experience here and will be going back.