It really is wonderful to have an ‘old blog’ to borrow from. A few days ago, hubby and I visited our neighborhood French restaurant. While there, I remembered that I did a post about it years ago…2009 to be exact. I revisited my previous blog to read that post. It’s like visiting an old friend. But I digress. It’s a gift… although hubby doesn’t always think so. Here is part of the original post, but of course, I’ll be adding to it.
The photo was taken before heading out. The hands…giving a shoutout to my Guardian Angel. Here we go…original post with new bits added. Easy to figure out the additions.
2009: I spend quite a bit of time sitting in waiting rooms with my son. I’m not complaining; just stating the facts. (I WOULD GIVE ANYTHING TO HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF SITTING IN A WAITING ROOM WITH HIM AGAIN). That is selfish on my part because he is healthy and whole now, running free in Heaven.
While sitting there, I spotted this magazine. I was hungry, and the burger on the cover had my name all over it.
When I started looking through the magazine, I was SHOCKED to find that one of the best new restaurants in the Valley was in my neighborhood and it was FRENCH. Seriously, we could walk to it.
When I told hubby, he was just as excited. We put it on our “short list.” A couple of days later, we went over and had lunch. Both of us had the Cabernet burger, which was featured on the cover. It was AMAZING.
Kierstin and Snir Mor are the chefs/owners. She is from Northern California, and Snir is from Israel. They actually met in Paris while at Culinary School. So romantic. They created a little bit of France right in our neighborhood. I could make this walk daily.
When we were leaving, hubby asked Snir, “Why here?” Surprise is not known for fine dining options after all. Well, it turns out that they have a little one, and the grandparents live close by.
Viva la grandparents! I am so glad they left France- our gain!
OK, 2016: Doesn’t this look delicious?!
Every time we visit, we fall in love with Amuse Bouche again. The food, the ambiance, the food, the staff, THE FOOD. The other day we both had the Salmon Wellington, which was Heaven on a plate. Light, flaky, oh, the aroma.. and the Dijon sauce was inspirational.
For dessert, we shared Pots de creme chocolat. It never fails to please. So rich, so decadent. I really could eat several a day. That is one advantage of being thin. Sorry folks. Just stating facts.
My smile was much larger after lunch. Hubby’s was also (camera shy, but I am working on that). We should have taken a photo…just lazy and really full.
Snir and Kierstin have a website, and if you visit, you’ll see some of the people talking about how fab the food and restaurant are. The New York Times, and CNN Travel, to name a few.
It is so nice to be able to walk, bike (or crawl, dragging a bottle as it is BYOB).
FYI…three little ones now.
I will miss them when we move.
Speaking of that…As many of you know, I closed The French Elements several months ago, as well as the Etsy shop. The French Elements had a lovely 10-year run, but I was ready for a change. A big change. It’s sad that some people were “offended” by the fact that I closed MY SHOP and voiced their opinion. I fulfilled my custom orders and was ready to move on. I have to tell you that when I canceled my Business License, it was the most liberating thing I have done in years. People have noticed I am smiling; well, that is part of the reason. I am no longer a one-woman “sweatshop”. People change professions as they grow, and I am so happy to be doing something that gives me energy and life…oh and it can involve my husband (even though I will be going to Mexico without him…just a week but a very necessary week. It’s a sacrifice-hehe). VIVA LA CHANGE! I know my Guardian Angel is giving a thumbs up to dreams coming true.
Hi dear, what a lovely post. And to find a little bit of Paris so close to home is fantastic! Change is good..I am so glad for you. I’ll be in touch soon! Love you!!! xoxo
Hi Andrea! Thank you for stopping by. You would love this restaurant. It is very tiny, they offer outdoor seating which is nice this time of year. The FOOD…OMG…amazing. Talk soon. xoxo
Dearest Barb,
That was a very pleasant surprise indeed, to find out in a waiting room of all places. But what a gem, so close by. Happy they now have 3 little ones, so it is a true love story as well as successful and hard work.
Oh, I’m so with you about cancelling the Business License. I will not yet this year but would love to for 2018. It is a lot of hard work and stress. Now I have a person not willing to pay for things purchased. So aggravating! Would rather be totally FREE again after all those years. Started in 2009, in September but so much bad luck in health and also with my lousy webmaster…
But we look towards our freedom too!
Loved this post!
Hugs,
Mariette
Hi Mariette,
That restaurant was a great find. I remember showing my son the cover of the magazine. He couldn’t see well but COULD see that hamburger.
They are a cute couple for sure! I’m so glad they are crawling distance. lol
I loved TFE and it served me well but I was ready to cut it loose. Life is short and at this point I don’t want to waste any time on things that aren’t important to me. I used PappaShoppe as a host and never had problems. They were great.
As I was finishing up a large bridal order of sachets…I knew I was DONE! No regrets!
Stay well my friend.
big hugs,
Barb
Wish I had known that option back in September of 2009, dear Barb…
They are a great company Mariette. Never had any downtime. Just wonderful.
It was fun browsing through your blog once again, noticing things that I missed the first time. It’s good to hear that you are moving on, sometimes we can easily get stagnated when we remain in the past. I think you’re new look upon the next step is right.
Thank you Mikala…I obviously agree. Wasn’t it Kenny Rogers who said “know when to fold em”? I feel much lighter now. It is liberating!
I too enjoy French food. I remember the French food I had in Cannes.
Cannes is a fabulous city. Love it!
What a lovely post Barb! Sounds like a fabulous restaurant, the food looks scrumptious.
How silly of people to be upset with you for making the decision to close your business and move on to new ventures! Enjoy your trip, looking forward to the pics.
Hi Suze! Thank you for stopping by. That restaurant just gets better. I’m on their mailing list and they have a Swiss evening coming up week after next. I’d love to go but it is on a Thursday and Hubby has a work function on Saturday night. All that goodness in a short period of time might put us over the edge. Hehe.
It is crazy about some people’s reaction to TFE. I’ll keep the FB page because of the memories attached but the business just never felt right after my son died. When I finally made the decision it was like a ton of bricks were lifted off. I still make things from time to time but never to sell again. That part of my life is over and that is a good thing.
I am excited about our next chapter. I know my sweet one is smiling down.
xoxo
Oh, YUM! Wish I lived closer… we used to have an amazing French restaurant (it was also French owned) here with the most delectable desserts — tarts, napoleons, creme brulees, etc. — and French faire, but alas it went out of business several years back. My favorite thing was that the interior was painted and decorated as if it were an outdoor cafe with windows and window boxes on the interior walls and cobblestone floor with cafe tables lining it. Such a novel idea. Glad for you that you have such a lovely place!
Hi Christi! I’m sorry your French restaurant went out of business. There’s always hope that another will come to town. We have a few in our area but hands down…this is the BEST! I love I can crawl if necessary. I will always treasure this place.
big hugs,
Barb