Following our stay in Paris in August, I just couldn't stop thinking, or talking, about it. It made my french man a little annoyed, and eventually I had to admit that he was right when reminding me that to live in a place is never the same as visiting for the holidays. Sadly, I do know it is true. Living in London working fulltime is a very different story from being a tourist in London. The city is large and at times too much time passes by with only work, commute, eat and sleep and none of the fun things one can do with the time at hand.

I love Paris nontheless. Relaxing greenery in the middle of the city.
 

The Opéra national. Especially the interior, the ceiling is painted by Chagall, and it is stunning. We drove past late at night, andI knew we had to return the next day. Nights by the Seine.

French style tapas food...

This week I came across a book about Paris. Or rather, the typical Parisian woman.

How to be Parisian wherever you are: Love, Style, and Bad Habits.

It is written by four ladies - Anne Berest, Audrey Diwan, Caroline De Maigret and Sophie Mas and it describes the Parisian woman in ways such as "she smokes like a chimney on the way to the countryside to get some fresh air" or "one who randomly exclaims: this is the most wonderful day of my life".

I love the unexpected touch. I love that some things are so true. I love how many things are taken to an edge of total exaggeration. Know any woman in her 20s that is a bit of dreamer? This is the perfect gift.

It's time for another recipe. I've loved this simple dish for as long as I can remember. Probably ever since my first trip to Greece as a young child. Whenever an old memory from Greece pops up, there's something in me that calls out for this salad. 

A few years ago I went to Thessaloniki with my dad. We kept coming back to the same restaurant over and over again, only to enjoy this amazing salad. Or let me be honest, the waiters were quite funny too. Especially their faces of relief when they realized me and my dad were not a couple, just a normal dad and daughter traveling together. Anyway, we spent last week in Paris at Damien's sister's and I was asked to contribute a salad to the barbecue table. When cooking for other people it's always a wise decision to prepare a dish that you know. At least if you want to impress, with less stress, and who doesn't want that. 

Here is my best advise for how to prepare the perfect greek salad.

A little greek salad
Serves 4-6 people

5 tomatoes, nice and fresh, with a nice tomato-y fragrance
1 good quality cucumber
1/2 large red onion
100 g black olives
200 g feta cheese
1/2 lemon, juiced
10 tbsp quality extra virgin olive oil
black pepper and salt
pinch of oregano (optional)

Find a large beautiful bowl or plate where each ingredient can be placed when prepared. Begin by washing and slicing the tomatoes and removing the pulp. Wash and chop the cucumber into chunks of similar size. Peel the onion before slicing it into thin but-not-super-thin slices. Pit the olives and chop roughly. Cut the feta cheese into squares and crumble some of the squares with your fingers directly in the bowl.

Find a bowl where you can mix the oil, lemon juice, pepper, salt and oregano. Whisk with a fork before drizzling over the salad. Gently turn the salad.

The salad stays fresh a few hours so if you are prepping ahead for the party. Leave the dressing aside and pour on top one hour or so before served. It works as a main or a side, depending on the occasion and hunger levels.