On Bastille Day, which celebrates the start of the French revolution, we went out for some traditional fare. The tip and usually a glass of wine are included. I enjoyed some roast duck and wine from the Bordeaux region for the main course, then chocolate mousse and espresso for dessert. Later, we watched fireworks near the Eiffel Tower, which is spectacularly illuminated at night. I spent a great deal of time sitting at cafes, eating crepes, drinking coffee, and enjoying French culture.
French coffee is a stout cousin of espresso dispensed in minute quantities of mind-blowing strength.
American coffee is virtually impossible to order in a restaurant. I relished the opportunity to lounge around for hours nursing a coffee and water without being hassled by the cafe management. It must be noted that everyone smokes, and I confess that there was something glamorous about drinking wine and smoking French cigarettes. But my tolerance for tobacco was low and I soon returned to healthier pursuits. Dining in Paris is not all crepes and onion soup.