Musée du Quai Branly

 
French presidents seem to like leaving a legacy, normally cultural or intellectual (except Sarkozy). Mitterand, for instance, would be associated with the pyramide at the Louvre museum or the gigantic library (Bibliothèque). Chirac's legacy is the Museum Quai Branly. Located not far from la tour Eiffel, it is a museum dedicated to arts from Asia, Oceania, Africa, the Americas and other indegenous or non-western people (SouthPacific islands, Australia, NZ and Canada). Being of Asian origin, I immediately feel home in this museum which seems to put values in 'my people's' art so to speak (Chirac was said to be enamored with Japan and Africa).
The architecture of the new building is  very pleasant to look at from the outside (architect : Jean

Nouvel), and inside, long and narrow corridors shaped like a river complete with projected lights (actually words) simulating currents take you to different parts of the world. Gigantic objects from south America such as totems or other decorations for houses, statues from Indonesia and Africa, masks from Africa and other objects decorative or functional and jewelry from south America and from practically all Asian countries can be found in this museum. Being a gay man, I was particularly impressed by the statues from Nias (Sumatra island in Indonesia) which depicted men with huge penises (that seem to be in erection too !). There was also a pre-Dogon (Mali) statue depicting man and a woman in a single individual (the individual has both breasts and a penis). I think the museum has indeed achieved its goal, to present objects from non-European people for their beauty only (rather than anthropological or ethnograpic or scientific interests). These are objects to be savoured by the eyes and the heart of each visitor.

Chocolats

Even when I did not speak French well, I love saying Chocolats (pronounced : Sho - co - luh). Chocolate just sounds  sexy and romantic, sinful and good in French. Paris boasts a number of chocolatiers (chocolate makers/houses or artisans), including Patrick Roger, Jadis   and Gourmande, Fouchet, Gaudard and many more.

Chocolats supposedly is the antidote to depression. When you feel down, chocolats will pick you up like a strong lover. Indeed, people say they crave chocolats when they don't have lovers or boyfriends or girlfriends. And even if you have a lover, chocolats can spice up your romantic or sex life. Get the kind of chocolats that melt on his body/skin and you will be showing him a lot of love with your tounge.

My love affair with Jadis and Gourmande was like a fairy tale. At that time I had spent more than 3 months in hospital and eating bad industrial food for the most of it. I craved and craved good chocolats. This did not happen until my very best friend, the guy I think I used to be in love with came up to visit from the south. What did he bring me ? A box of Jadis and Gourmande chocolats. I swear, the second I bit into the chocolat I hear songs and was transported to a place where one could fly. It was that good. I remember trying so hard to control myself (and tried to only eat a few pieces each time), though not a complete failure, it was too hard to deny oneself such joy. Since then, I crave Jadis and Gourmande, who has several stores in Paris (and a web site).

A friend also introduced me to Patrick Roger. The gift came in a very sober and elegant box (turquoise green and black vs red from Jadis and Gourmande). And the elegance permeates the chocolates of Patrick Roger's. Whereas Jadis & Gourmande will dazzle you with different flavors (lime, passion fruit, coffee), Patrick Roger are more subtle but with incredibly rich tastes . If you get a box of chocolates from Patrick Roger, you will also marvel at the beautifully and artistically eye-pleasing pieces of chocolate. They are a visual work of art in themselves. The price is another difference between these two chocolatiers....Patrick Roger understandably more expensive.  Their boutiques in Paris ressemble high couture showrooms. Both artisans of course have huge collections of chocolates (dark, milk etc, ganache or pralines) and flavors (lime, strawberry etc).

Finally, there is a recent artisan chocolatier that I happened by chance in le Marais, Edwart. The

artisans are young and definitely creative. They are more daring than the more traditional artisans in their search for new flavors. My favorites include the japanese whisky filled dark chocolate. Yum. To illustrate their dare, last time I passed by their boutique, I had curry flavored chocolate ! They come in cute boxes and each piece is exactly bite size (smaller than those made other chocolatiers).

I buy Patrick Roger when I am in the mood of having a night listening to classical music, or reading a good novel. Jadis & Gourmande when I want to feel up and happy. And Edwart when I feel adventurous. Your pick !