Christmas Eve Day 12-24-25

Deb had a bit of a setback with her hip issue this morning so we didn’t get out much. In the late morning I went out to the grocery store to get a few more things that will allow us to have things to eat for the next few days. We have tomorrow’s meal planned but really needed a few more things to cover the days following Christmas just in case there are shops closed. 

But around 2:30 the sun was shining pretty brightly, although the wind was up and very cold, so we walked down to Gare de l’Est and across the street to Chartier. We were not completely confident that it would be open but being across from the train station and all the people traveling for Christmas we need not have worried.  They were not nearly as busy as we normally expect but there were still a goodly number of diners. As result we had an almost liesurely lunch. Usually the waiter takes your order and within 3-4 minutes you’re eating your appetizer. Then when you’re finished with that they clear the table and a couple minutes later you’re eating your main course. Today we ordered and it was almost 10 minutes before we got our first course. Deb had marinated leeks and I had my favorite, lentils in a vinaigrette.  For the main course I had Duck Confit and Deb had the Boeuf Burguignon with pasta.  We saluted our neighbors with a Bon Noel and a toast then tucked in to our food. The duck was exactly what I hoped and just fell off the bone. 

Deb’s was fork tender and had the distinct flavor of the red burgundy wine it was cooked in, but alas there was too much for her to finish. When we were finished we shared a rum baba for dessert. Our waiter today (#13) was incredibly nice, usually they don’t have much time to talk, today he spent several minutes conversing with us about the restaurant. He also said he had to leave before we were finished because he was working a double shift so that one of his co-workers could spend time with his family. So we paid a bit early and he left, but as we were eating our dessert he came out in street clothes and stopped again to thank us and wish us a Merry Christmas.  

The sun was getting close to setting as we walked back and the wind was still blowing. As we are both creeping up on 80 years old we chatted about our future for travel and what sort of compromises will be required. We were also extremely happy that we weren’t being forced to live out on the streets. On the way we stopped for the last part of our Christmas Day meal, more on that later.  That pretty well describes the day today.

We hope that everyone reading this will have a happy and peaceful Christmas. Joyeux Noel!!