Wednesday, November 6, 2013

holybelly café

In times of hardship, it's important to remind ourselves that the pain and struggle is only temporary. Each coming day will not seem so dark nor so cold. The same is true of the sunnier periods, too, though. Saying so may seem pessimistic, but I think it's an important prerequisite to genuine gratitude. I've been concentrating on counting my present-day blessings now that I'm on the brink of another transition (internship --> thesis research). Let's begin with my first chocolat chaud of the season á la Holybelly, shall we?
To me, hot chocolate is cozy comfort materialized and sweetly made edible. I'm thankful, too, for evergreen-cool road trip stories, the daily possibility of stovetop apple-banana oatmeal, email reminders to download the latest New Girl or Grey's Anatomy episode, catch-up cocktails with girlfriends, falling asleep to really hard rain (an upside to Parisian autumns), unexpectedly good hair days, flirting while my heart flutters, clean clothes straight from the dryer, lazy Sunday mornings, countless inside jokes with coworkers, thoughtful packages from my parents, la chance to explore a new city for the first time (more details to come), and wine tasting, beer tasting, and chocolate tasting... all in the same week. I musn't forget to express my gratitude for Kinfolk gatherings either:
(Photo Credit: Hebe Wilson)
(Photo Credit: Hebe Wilson)
Photo Credit: Hebe Wilson
Photo Credit: Hebe Wilson
The Friday before last, I ventured to Holybelly for the first time. Lauren warmly welcomed me out of the humid-chill (a downside to Parisian autumns) with a cocktail of gin, cider, and, pear. I mingled with other friendly diners as I sipped. On the menu that evening: kale salad with hazelnut, fig, and fourme d'amberte, osso bucco served with wild rice aux trompettes de la mort, fruit pavlova, and apple tart. Multiple glasses of wine from Nico's family vineyard were enjoyed throughout. From these photos and description alone, you can probably sense how wonderful it was. What may not translate, however, is the very particular feeling borne from sharing a locally- and family-tradition-sourced meal with kind strangers just as passionate about these experiences as I am. The setting and atmosphere couldn't have been more perfect either. Lauren, Lise, Sarah, and Nico's talents converged beautifully at the latter two's café, now earnestly serving Melbournesque "delicious food & coffee" by the canal. After last Sunday's coffee date with Lorelei there, I'm looking forward to making even more convivial memories. So, so thankful. What's on your gratitude list?

10 comments:

  1. Looks like so much fun! What a wonderful opportunity to do something a bit out of the ordinary while getting to know other like-minded people. I've been meaning to ask you, have you heard of voulez-vous dinners? I believe the initiative started in Paris, but it's now gaining popularity in SA as well. Basically, someone chooses to host a certain number of people for dinner at a certain rate and you dine in their home (or wherever) while meeting new people. You can book online from relatively cheap to exorbitantly expensive. Cool right?

    ps. Of course you can use my SA photos - I'm flattered that you would even want them on your blog :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It really, really was. I have heard about them! So intriguing.

      P.S. Merci ! You're the best.

      Delete
  2. Lovely write up Danielle! I'm really sad I wasn't there... hopefully they'll do a repeat performance soon.
    PS. Thanks for the follows ;) xx

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh this is such a wonderful list, so inspiring to read what you're thankful for :) I love Holy Belly such a great cafe. Kinfolk sounds like the most wonderful experience I wasn't too sure what is was before I read this but it sounds like the loveliest evening

    http://www.farfelue.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Faye! Hope your "now" gratitude list is just as long if not longer :) and yes, Holy Belly and Kinfolk are both amazing.

      Delete
  4. I just discovered your blog, and it's making me long to return to Paris! I love your photography especially. Your list of things for which you are grateful was lovely as well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Alissa! Hope you get to come back soon (to Paris, not my blog... though I'd appreciate both, ha)!

      Delete
  5. I went here for brunch recently and it was absolutely incredible!! I didn't get to try out any of their lunch options but it looks like I should go back and try something that's not on the breakfast menu! Great review :) I wrote my own here if you wanna check it out!

    Laura @ What’s Hot?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you enjoyed it, Laura! And thanks for sharing. Holybelly continues to impress me.

      Delete

Penny for your thoughts...