Printemps a Paris - Chicago style!

Mon Ami Gabi - Springtime in Paris - Chicago style!

"The only way to survive away from Paris,

is to find a precious bit of Her at home."

- Temple Tsenes-Hills

One of my greatest fantasies is to live in Paris. Alas, I am firmly grounded in Chicago-land and will not be able to realize that dream for a few years yet. In the meantime, I visit as often as I can. I also have a few Chicago-land places I regularly visit for a much needed Parisian-infusion. One of those places is Mon Ami Gabi (M.A.G.). It's a French bistro that is incredibly authentic (in look and 'feel'), the delicious menu is traditional French. But the best thing about M.A.G. is that everyone there treats you like an old friend. Peter and I go at least twice a month - even if only to have a half dozen oysters and a few glasses of champagne on their gorgeous patio (see above photo) - yeah, Mon Ami Gabi will have it's own dedicated post soon.

As soon as the weather becomes pleasant enough to sit outside, Peter and I head to M.A.G.'s outdoor patio to properly welcome Spring. Well, this past weekend was that day. Greg has been our M.A.G. bartender for 10+ years and, as soon as we sit down, he personally brings two chilled glasses of bubbly to our table. For this visit he brought a new Champagne cocktail for me that was so delicious I just had to share it with you. I call it La Dame Rose (the Pink Lady). This cocktail tart and sweet, the perfect compliment to Spring...

Domaine Chandon Rose Sparkling Wine

In a champagne flute:

-pour: 6-7 oz of Domaine Chandon Rose Sparkling Wine (make sure that it's well chilled) *well chilled = 1 hr. in the freezer for a room temperature bottle

-cut a thin slice of lime, then cut that slice in half,

-squeeze the twice halved slice of lime on top of the Rose

-drop the rind into the flute (add more for taste, if needed)

-for the best flavor, sit outside in the sunshine with your lover or your best girlfriend (or 3 - girlfriends!), preferrably in a garden (but a table floral arrangement will suffice), music is optional (but highly recommended).

*Do not use expensive champagne or sparkling wine for this cocktail. It's simply sacrilegious to dilute fine champagne or sparkling wine with anything.

I deliberately choose a domestic sparkling wine - very cost friendly and you can find it at your local grocers or liquor store. It's a realistic way to bring the experience of Paris into your everyday life. What do you think? Delicieux, oui?

Vivre! Rire! Aimer!

Temple

On Mon Ami Gabi's fantabulous patio