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Happy Europe Day!!

European Union Celebrates in NYC!!

New York's iconic Empire State Building is bathed in the colors of the European Union (EU)
as Europeans celebrate the anniversary of the EU on 9 May.  On that day in 1950, the historic 
proposal for the first tentative steps of European integration were taken.

Almost seventy years later Europe is Whole and Free.   The EU currently has 28 member states,
including the United Kingdom.

Here in a jovial moment, Ambassador Joao Vale de Almeida of Portugal greets delegates and  friends
at the EU's New York celebration.  

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                                        NOTRE DAME STANDS


Despite the terrible fire which collapsed the roof and destroyed large parts of the
famed Gothic Cathedral, Notre Dame de Paris still stands as a beautiful testament
to Civilization, Culture and to Christianity.

Notre Dame has suffered and has been damaged, but after 850 years, the masterpiece
of architecture and hope endures.

France mourns, the world weeps, but Notre Dame still Stands!  

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Best Baguette in New York 2019

Once again the French culinary community has been honored at an annual
contest honoring either the Best Baguette or the Best Croissant in New York!

This year it was the best Baguette being selected!

Arranged and sponsored by French Morning the online newsletter of all things
French as well as having such Gold Sponsors as the new budget carrier XL Airways
connecting New York to Paris as well as offering flights to Miami and San Francisco, 
the weekend event, brought together over a dozen New York bakers for a culinary
competition.

The Saturday afternoon contest was held at the club SPIN in the trendy Flatiron district.
Over 400 attendees came to the venue which offered glorious tastings of the signature 
baguettes as well as wine and cheese.  Who would have thought that tasting so many
baguettes would be both a full lunch as well as so much tasting pleasure?

                                                     

Each of more than a dozen bakeries from New York and New Jersey participated after
having first been selected from a larger Metropolitan list.

       

The Judges deliberate among themselves while the Bakers await the news!

Among the contestants were Maison Kayser, Pain d'Avignon, Breads, Recolte, 

Choc au Pain, La Boulangerie, Almondine, Epicerie Boulud, Le District,

Le French Dad, Orwashers, Silver Moon, Vaucluse. 

And before anyone thinks making amazing Baguettes is only mastered by the French, 

think again.   Many American bakers and even Jay Wang of Taiwan and owner of 

Recolte are in the serious competition. 

The Jury winner for First Place is MAISON KAYSER!

Pain d'Avignon earned the Best Specialized Bread and 

Best Public Selection was

Breads Bakery.  

For more information   FrenchMorning. com 

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Carlos Gardel Recalled...

The Franco/Argentine tango King!

Carlos Gardel and Ignacio Corsini playing on Radio Nacional in 1930 

                 Yes, there's even a Subte or Metro Station in Buenos Aires honoring the Tango King

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Carlos Gardel Remembered

Carlos Gardel, the celebrated Franco/Argentine singer, songwriter, 

composer and actor is well remembered in his adopted country.

Though born in Toulouse, France in 1890, the young Carlos moved 

with his mother to Argentina in 1893.

After a hard life Carlos worked his way into the tough but promising

entrainment industry.  Before long he was a well known songwriter

and composer of Argentina's signature music the Tango.  

By 1917 he became a recording star in Argentina and subsequent years would 

take him throughout Latin America.  By 1928 he was a star visiting Paris,

Barcelona and later New York.  

He died in a tragic plane crash in 1935.  

Here in Buenos Aires the Gardel house is now a museum in the  Palermo

district. 

                                             

       He remains the most prominent singer./songwriter in the history of Tango. 

                                           

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South Atlantic Echo

                                                      ARGENTINA

Plaza Francia, the small but elegant park in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Situated in the chic Recoleta district, the Park was designed by French architect and planner Carlos Thays, and dates to 1910.   The Plaza is dominated by Emile Peynot's Monument of France to Argentina, which commemorates the South America's country's Centennial.  The female figures on the Monument  symbolize both Argentina and France, guided by the Angel of Glory.  

The monument which commemorates scenes from the history of both France and Argentina,  was gifted to the city of Buenos Aires by the French community.   

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                               Wrapping up the Christmas Season!!