Sunday we took the light rail RER train out to see my old college friend John Schweizer. He and his partner Julien live out in Luzarches, a small town north of Paris.
The Gare du Nord was a mix of old and new with the imposing edifice on the street, but much more modern inside. The trains seemed very new.
On French trains you have to push a button to open the doors. So this sign seemed a bit concerning
It says "Don’t let our children play with the doors. It’s dangerous for them”. We hope it’s not possible to open the doors when the train's moving (but didn’t test the question).
John picked us up at the station and suggested a stop at the local mushroom cave on the way home. He had just had a sinus surgery so I ended up driving - an adventure in a big car on narrow roads, but easier than UK or Ireland driving.
The mushroom cave was fascinating. The mushroom farmer put on a head lamp and guided us to see the mushrooms growing in the dark cave (he also grows potatoes and endive in there). He sold us a kilo for 5 euros (about $5.50). Doesn’t get any fresher than that.
We also made a stop at Chantilly, famous for its château and its stables which raise and train horses
Final stop was John and Julien's beautiful new home, comprised of an old tower and attached house with a lovely garden
Here’s the chef (with a bandage from his surgery) and his kitchen
John made us what he called a simple lunch of fresh mushroom salad (from the just harvested mushrooms), fresh tomatoes, roasted white asparagus, brandade (a mixture of (salt cod blended with potatoes, garlic, and olive oil and baked). And then a cheese plate. A feast - delicious and fresh
We had a really lovely day. So grateful to have the opportunity to catch up and share a meal so lovingly prepared
