Picnic in Paris

The view from our hotel room in Paris.

Just shy of one year ago, my husband Dave and I were lucky enough to enjoy our honeymoon in Paris. We spent one glorious week walking, talking, sightseeing and eating all things French.  On one misty and cool evening, instead of going out to eat, we decided to create a small, makeshift picnic in our hotel room.  A few unbelievable cheeses, a crusty baguette, richly marbled salami and a bottle of Côtes du Rhône rounded out the spread.  It was one of those experiences that not only felt perfect at the time, but that continues in my mind to be one of the most romantic dinners I've ever enjoyed. Well, just under a year later, my husband had the lovely idea to recreate that meal that we both enjoyed so much.  We headed to Lake Wine and Spirits, a fabulous new wine and cheese shop near our neighborhood, stocked up and headed home to feast.  Four cheeses, thinly sliced Prosiutto de Parma, some dry and peppered salami, a baguette and some French wine.  It wasn't exactly the same as our hotel room picnic in Paris (here we had plates, a board for the cheeses and stemware for the wine) but it was equally romantic and memorable.

Four French cheeses, a few cured meats, crusty bread and red wine.  The perfect Parisian picnic.

Full bodied, fruity Beaujolais.  

Creamy, luscious double cream Brie.

Salty, fatty and uniquely delicious Prosiutto de Parma.

Finger food at its finest.

The original picnic.