Day 12 - September 20 - Aligre Market & Fabric Stores - 12,800 Steps

Today was spent mostly in the 11th & 12 arrondissements, using the bus for transportation. I started off at Place d'Aligre where there is a large covered market that is open everyday except Monday; however, the building is currently undergoing renovations, so the produce market is on the adjacent street while the meat and cheese remains in part of the building.  There is also a flea market in the square.  Since my trip is winding down, I didn't buy any food, and I'm not much of a flea market shopper, though I did look around.  Lots of old silver, mostly plate, china, and jewelry, as well as some clothing, books and art.

When we were here in 2015, Kathy & I went to the St. Pierre Fabric Market on Montmartre, which is so huge it is overwhelming.  This time I was looking for smaller quilt or patchwork shops.  I found three online, which are all in the 11th, fairly close to each other.  Of the three, two were a disappointment.  One had virtually no fabric but mostly notions, such as trims, ribbon, buttons, thread, zippers, etc.  I bought some #7 needles with large eyes.  The other had fabric, but mostly for garments. I bought a few remnants that should be okay for quilting. The third was a Patchwork Boutique and quite a nice quilt shop.  Lots of cotton fabrics from all over the world, including France, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, and Moda fabrics from the US.  I bought several fat quarters of French fabrics.

I had lunch at Place Voltaire - a salad with warm chevre on toast with tomatoes and hard boiled eggs. While riding the bus home, I realized that I was really tired, so decided to just go back to the apartment to rest for the remainder of the afternoon.

I met Sandy and Susan for dinner at Ambassade d'Auvergne.  This was the third time I'd been there as it is very close to the other apartments I've rented.  Our reservations were for 7:30, but we weren't actually the first ones there, and by the time we left, the place was full and lively.  Generally, the French are fairly quiet in restaurants, but this crowd was pretty loud - maybe they weren't French.  The wait staff was very attentive.  We ordered a bottle of wine and a starter of snails to share.  I ordered the roasted duck, which was cooked perfectly.  It was served with aligot, which is one of their specialties. It is mashed potatoes, garlic, and cheese that is whipped until it is a stringy/sticky consistency.  They bring the pot to the table while beating it, raising the spoon up high with the gooey stuff.  I love it! But, I couldn't eat all they gave me -- probably because I was looking forward to their other specialty: chocolate mousse, dark chocolate mousse that they bring to the table and serve from a big bowl.  I was even asked if I wanted more, but I passed.

It was fun visiting with Sandy and Susan, but I'm envious because they are here for yet another week.

It was 10:00 when I got back to the apartment.