Emily in France 🇫🇷 An Early Pancake Day

There's no Groundhog Day in France.

The French do not celebrate Groundhog Day. In fact, when I attempted to explain the idea, years ago now, I was met with a lot of skepticism. I suppose that's understandable; allowing a rodent's fear of his own shadow to decide how much longer winter is going to last is, indeed, pretty odd.

The French do, however, celebrate a holiday on February 2: Chandeleur, also known as Candlemas, is a holiday celebrating Jesus' baptism. In secular France, however, it's better known for being a day to celebrate crêpes.

According to tradition, on Candlemas, one makes a batch of crêpes, flipping them in the air with the pan in the right hand while holding a gold piece in the left. If the crêpe lands in the pan, it ensures wealth in the New Year.

And I suppose, if there's no wealth to be had... at least you've got crêpes.

Where I'm Eating

Ob-La-Di is one of my favorite local coffee spots – and not just for the Beatles-themed name. As always, you can find my ever-evolving list of my favorite Parisian restaurants here.
 

Where I'm Going

1. To hike the GR1, a circuit that goes all around Paris.

2. To (finally!) try le Maquis, which was selected as the Best Bistro in Paris by Le Fooding.

3. To Coven, a feminist bookshop and café, to sign up for their new book club.

What I'm Writing

1. This guide to traditions surrounding Chandeleur in France for Devour.

2. This in-depth look at Michelin's decision to profile 50 sustainable restaurants in addition to its starred ratings for Paris by Mouth.

3. This review of local L.A. coffee chain Go Get 'Em Tiger for my blog, Tomato Kumato.

What I'm Reading

1. This visual essay showing key culinary scenes from fiction in Un Monde Littéraire.

2. This very nerdy look at when it's appropriate to use an accent in The Art Newspaper.

3. This divisive exploration about which subway seat is best in the New York Times. (The correct answer, by the way, is 4.)

A bientôt !
Emily in France