The Brasserie des Beaux Arts. One of those timeless French restaurants. A row of plate glass windows looking over the river. Starched white tablecloths , thick carpet , zinc covered bar. The service hurried without being unduly so. Just a hint that if you're quick and don't dawdle they might be able to fit in an extra sitting . ' The font ' has oysters. Angus has foie gras .
At the corner table a languid Labrador pretends to be asleep. Next to us a cheeky Westie cocks his head , inquisitively , everytime a waiter passes . Near the door a grandmother with daughters, grandchildren and something white, fluffy and indeterminate . Dogs and humans all well behaved . The dogs certainly quieter. Why do Anglo-Saxons view dogs in restaurants as health hazards ? A reflection on Anglo-Saxon dogs ? Or Anglo-Saxons ?
A quick lunch before ' the font ' heads back to London . Angus offers to come along. A moments hesitation but the thought of a journey involving Angus, airport security, customs and an urn deemed to be best conducted alone .
I'm now imagining Madame Bay with an iPod as she vacuums. Does an iPod go with chiffon?
ReplyDeleteI was thinking similar lines to Kim at Golden Pines!....the picture I have in mind is, what shall I say, "Colourful".
ReplyDeleteI'm sure a trip away was medicine for the soul... I'm grinning at Madame Bay and her newest quest...I'm sure she will master it...I believe she could be a character on one of the humorous British TV shows and carry it to success...as I see it. :-) Happy Thursday. The roses in the photo were lovely.
ReplyDeleteWe have that insane attitude towards dogs and restaurants here too in Canada. There are more dogs I would prefer to sit and eat next too than humans I think!
ReplyDeleteDidn't expect to find you back home so soon and 'the font' off for London again. By looking at the pictures I am sure you had a lot of things in the yard to take care of. Cherries look good enough to eat :).Glad Madame Bay is doing better.
ReplyDeleteHere in Canada, unless you have a sight dog, forget it. Too bad I say. I echo Jacqueline's thoughts....I'd rather eat with the canines than most humans!! Call Me Maybe is a catchy tune!!! And a Canadian singer I believe.... Enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteWith love from your Canadian pals,
Dianna along with Tor, Willow and Tucker
Wish dogs were allowed in restaurants too.
ReplyDeleteThe garden is very inviting! Here in Alaska the scenery is greening up rapidly with the long hours of sunshine.
Madame Bay learning new dance moves? I suddenly have a case of the giggles!
ReplyDeleteI think I'd enjoy restaurants a lot more if they'd allow dogs in instead of children...
So glad that Madame Bay has recovered from her 'allergies' and is dancing again.
ReplyDeleteAngus, I am wondering if you are already missing having a dog around. (I know I did, within a few days of Hamish's demise.)
Cheers, Gail.
We tried taking Lulu into a French restaurant once. All went well until the ladies at the table opposite thought she was so cute that they started feeding her titbits. That went well until they stopped and wanted the food for themselves. Unfortunately, standard poodles don't fit under the table and their noses are at exactly the right height for helping themselves............
ReplyDeleteWe thought that now she's older and calmer (!) we might try again. Maybe not.
I had rather eat around most dogs than people! I hand feed my dogs most people find that strange here in CA. But I love them.
ReplyDeleteDo you have a theory as to why European dogs are so much better behaved than American dogs?
ReplyDeleteThe secret to a good marriage lies in that moment of hesitation and our reaction to it....As I sit here eating my peanut butter and jelly sandwich I wonder if you harvest the cherries on your magnificent trees Angus? Someone wondered this morning if you missed having a dog around.....oh my....It is evident between every line you write my friend~
ReplyDeleteI too would rather dine with dogs than children, but alas dogs are excluded and children are not!
ReplyDeleteSusan
Americans are unduly and hysterically germ-phobic; we would all be better off (and this is in the literature) being reared among pets everywhere - helps our minds, hearts and immune systems.
ReplyDeleteAh, Madame Bay, always willing to try something new. I love that eating in restaurants with dogs is so accepted there. I would happily dine with dogs! I happily dine with children (even the noisy ones) because if they don't get a chance to dine out with others then how will they learn to behave in a restaurant?
ReplyDeleteI think with both dogs and children it is all about your attitude and how you react to them sitting there.
Sounds like Cost Centre #2 made Madame Bay's day! :)
ReplyDeleteOh, the garden! I'm swooning over the roses! Just gorgeous! How I envy you your climate.
ReplyDeleteDuring lunch at a very nice hotel restaurant in LA, I had a child vomit curdled milk on my sweater. I'll take a dog any day.
you sound at loose ends Angus. Sorry you lost your old pal. I know how you must feel: So much to do, so little spirit left to do it. It will get better.
ReplyDeletemy lad in the cafe without wilf. bittersweet. a big bear hug to you.
ReplyDeletethere is beauty in great sadness. and you have already
proved you have the soul of a writer. you see through things as
a beautiful, funny, kind but on the mark connoisseur of life itself.
if you get a chance... do see the film "the best exotic marigold hotel."
i promise hands down. you will not be disappointed!!! especially now
that you will be travelling more. it's wonderful and you will laugh.
tammy j
Hey there Mongoose...
ReplyDeleteWe dine IN with our dogs, lol! (Humans are always welcome!)
It's so nice to see you writing although I am sure your heart must be heavy.
Sending warm thoughts your way.
With love
MAXMOM IN SOUTH AFRICA
looking forward to the time your dogs go out to eat with you again....xx
ReplyDeleteBow wows are the BEST to have around...whether dining out or not.
ReplyDeleteMany people tell me that they want to return to this earth as one of my pampered pooches, but my "pooches" aren't really pampered in my opinion, just well looked after and nurtured like children should be.
Angus, don't for one moment think that you were enjoying your cafe liegeois alone....you can't fool our dear friend by going to the cafe in the evening........but I understand.
Hugs and love,
Virginia
P.S. To the Font, I have her in my prayers as well.
Bow wows are the BEST to have around...whether dining out or not.
ReplyDeleteMany people tell me that they want to return to this earth as one of my pampered pooches, but my "pooches" aren't really pampered in my opinion, just well looked after and nurtured like children should be.
Angus, don't for one moment think that you were enjoying your cafe liegeois alone....you can't fool our dear friend by going to the cafe in the evening........but I understand.
Hugs and love,
Virginia
P.S. To the Font, I have her in my prayers as well.