France has embraced the sustainability and makes it incredibly easy to be environmentally friendly.

Almost every bit of packaging is recyclable. When you shop in the markets, you get paper bags for fruits and vegetables. There are very few plastic bags in use. There are some and almost are made of 100% recycled plastic. There are recycling containers all over the city on most streets. They recycle almost all kinds of plastic and paper. Glass is separately recycled and there are specific glass recyclable containers. On the streets, they are right next to the other recyclable containers.

The building I live in has recycling except for glass but the glass recycling is in a parking lot right next to the building so it is very convenient to recycle the glass.

One of the new things that I have found is there is now neighborhood composting in the complex I live in. There are two compost collection bins in the parking lot. Since it is easy to do, I have decided to use it and embrace it. At first, I was not sure how I could do it but realized that I had a plastic container that I could use to collect the compostables and then take it down and dump. It is not really hard as I do not have a lot of food waste here but figured I could do my part. My strawberry hulls for breakfast.

The slowness of the washing machine and dishwasher is still irritating compared to the United States but I know it is good for water saving and energy saving and it really is not a hardship so I am good with it.

Another aspect that really works for me and is probably good for a lot of people is at the markets you can buy single servings of everything so I do not have to buy six chicken breasts which might not get eaten immediately and have to be frozen and consumer later. It is much better for me but does make shopping on a regular basis a requirement. The added benefit of regular shopping is I go out and walk to the market so I get exercise while being thrifty and environmentally friendly.

Another aspect that was unusual at first was on all plastic bottle for milk, orange juice, drinks, the top remains attached when it is opened. It does not come completely off. This is useful as it ensures that all the plastic is recycled as the top does not get lost.

Last night was another good meal at Le Panache. They were packed which is definitely good for the business. They had a big party on the enclosed patio.

They nicely gave me a free starter for my birthday. It is nice to have a community in the restaurant business when it is your birthday.

For my appetizer of choice, I had the shrimp ravioli and then octopus for my main course. The potato mille feuille was roasted and was fantastic – it was one of the best things I have had at Le Panache and I am not even a big potato fan. I love the octopus dish.

I tried a new wine that they had just brought into the restaurant. It was from the Côte Catalans and was Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. I really like that blend and it is becoming one of my favorite types of wine.