So, Rona. Was it the extra lemon tart (my favorite dessert in all the world), or was it the undercooked chicken? Personally, I'd blame it on the bird! Can't for the life of me imagine having to deal with a crisis of the liver in front of 4 other people. I'd probably implode instead. Loved this story.
Well, Nan, no one else suffered any ill effects, so my appetite deserves the blame. Good thing all but one of the others were sleeping--and the one who woke was a very old friend.
Evocative piece, Rona! (I thought you were heading us toward a disastrous night for all with the undercooked chicken and only one toilet, something like that unforgettable scene in BRIDESMAIDS.)
We are sisters in failure when it comes to lemon tarts. The one time I tried, I dropped it while lifting it from the oven, wearing shorts. I have the scar to prove it.
Loved reading this. It's the apricot tart that I most remember from my first trip to Paris. I search far and wide for it my last trip, but to no avail.
This one left me wanting more, right down to the thoughtful crumbs that continue to fall here in the comments section. This was a perfect, edible bite of your la vie bohème. I'm definitely on Team Lemon Tart (and am guilty of em dashing my way to the finish line.) How do you feel about Portuguese custard tarts, Rona?
Wonderful, Rona. I'm also a lover of tarte au citron. Your delicious essay has made me crave one. Fortunately, Tokyo has a few fine patisseries. So with luck, I'll be able to track one down. Thank you!
Rona--she says, practicing the em dash for fun--when I met you, you were finishing a contraband sandwich in the outdoor courtyard of a museum, while staff insisted you were allowed to eat only items purchased on campus. It seems you have more than one lively tale centered on food. So many are! This one is delightful, despite the crise de foie, and I'm glad the incident didn't turn you off lemon tarts for the rest of your days.
The lemon tart and key lime pie live in my mind as deserts beyond perfection. And your writing conjures up so many delicious memories. Merci, ma chère!
So, Rona. Was it the extra lemon tart (my favorite dessert in all the world), or was it the undercooked chicken? Personally, I'd blame it on the bird! Can't for the life of me imagine having to deal with a crisis of the liver in front of 4 other people. I'd probably implode instead. Loved this story.
Well, Nan, no one else suffered any ill effects, so my appetite deserves the blame. Good thing all but one of the others were sleeping--and the one who woke was a very old friend.
I want one or possibly three of those lemon tarts. Damn!
If we were both a little younger, we could hold a contest. Better lemon tarts than that awful stuff gorged upon by guys seeking Guiness world records.
I'm happy to challenge you even though I'm a thousand years old.
Rona eats like a bird. A vulture. I love how you place the little zingers that bring a smile in just the right place. And now I need a lemon tart!
Thank you, Maureen. Some of my best lines are my husband’s. what would I do without him?
Hah! Hopefully, you won't find out any time soon, Rona!
In junior high and high school, my best friend Anna and I would often make lemon tarts after school. I’ve got that recipe down pâte!
A commenter is disappointed that I didn’t post a recipe. Unlike you, I can’t bake a thing.
Ha! That’s literally the only thing I can bake.
Evocative piece, Rona! (I thought you were heading us toward a disastrous night for all with the undercooked chicken and only one toilet, something like that unforgettable scene in BRIDESMAIDS.)
I remember that scene. Remember the saying "Your eyes are bigger than your stomach?" That was me--and no one else in the room.
I adore a good lemon tart. I wrote a short story about trying to make one (and failing!)
We are sisters in failure when it comes to lemon tarts. The one time I tried, I dropped it while lifting it from the oven, wearing shorts. I have the scar to prove it.
Ouch! Also, heartbreaking.
Loved reading this. It's the apricot tart that I most remember from my first trip to Paris. I search far and wide for it my last trip, but to no avail.
Mmm...l love all things apricot but haven't seen many apricot tarts anywhere.
Rona, thanks for the.memories! I too stayed in that apartment with Ian and Jane, and I ate those life-changing lemon tarts.
Just about all their friends stayed there, so it seems. How lucky we were.
What a funny story, Rona! Life can be so humorous!
Yes, especially when it’s embarrassing! Knowing I have a future story has pulled me through a few horrors.
Yes, I understand completely! I always say, God is a practical joker. It's so very important to be able to laugh at ourselves.
This one left me wanting more, right down to the thoughtful crumbs that continue to fall here in the comments section. This was a perfect, edible bite of your la vie bohème. I'm definitely on Team Lemon Tart (and am guilty of em dashing my way to the finish line.) How do you feel about Portuguese custard tarts, Rona?
Portuguese custard tarts cannot possibly compare. Creaminess requires tang. Lemon all the way! Thanks, Jules.
Sending you a virtual lemon drop shot, Rona. It's a liquid tart, really. No crumbs. https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/256748/lemon-drop-shots/
You could probably make some-there are good recipes out there-but they will never taste like those ones from long ago…I love food memories.💕
I am no baker, Rachel, and for me the allure is about choosing perfect one baked by a pro. Food is love, it’s been said. I say food is life.
Wonderful, Rona. I'm also a lover of tarte au citron. Your delicious essay has made me crave one. Fortunately, Tokyo has a few fine patisseries. So with luck, I'll be able to track one down. Thank you!
Thank you, Jeffrey. Have you written any food-inspired essays yet? I’d like to take a gustatory journey with you.
😊 If I do write about food, I know where to look for pointers on how to do it!
Rona--she says, practicing the em dash for fun--when I met you, you were finishing a contraband sandwich in the outdoor courtyard of a museum, while staff insisted you were allowed to eat only items purchased on campus. It seems you have more than one lively tale centered on food. So many are! This one is delightful, despite the crise de foie, and I'm glad the incident didn't turn you off lemon tarts for the rest of your days.
Oh, so THAT was when we met. I have a couple more food yarns up my sleeve. Do stick around, Elizabeth.
No plan to do otherwise!
"I’ll tell get to a comically bad meal in Italy" Is that even possible : )
Well, a typo is always possible when you proofread your own work.
I have experienced a gall bladder attack, unfortunately. I think "crisis of the liver" is a much better description.
I hope never to have one of those. Now that I am old and cautious, my chances of avoiding it are excellent.
The lemon tart and key lime pie live in my mind as deserts beyond perfection. And your writing conjures up so many delicious memories. Merci, ma chère!
My pleasure! Or should I say, mon plaisir?