Up to now it has been the German Chancellor who has been pressing for belt tightening throughout the Euro Zone. But - "Zoot alors" - as my friend Donald used to say - now comes France announcing the Elysee Palace will auction off 1200 bottles of its finest wines - and replace them with "more modest vintages". This an attempt by the new Socialist President trying to replace the "bling bling" of his predecessor with a more normal administration. Curiously, his predecessor did not drink alcohol.
In the heyday of U.S. Lines our European Headquarters was located in the fashionable west end of London - always headed by an American whom they called their "guvernor". Each year - no matter who was holding that office - he would be invited to France for the Burgundy wine festival. When all the fawning and tasting was done he would be presented with the cup and chain of a sommelier and given the title of Chevalier du Tastevin. But, alas, all good things must come to an end and when bankruptcy enveloped us in 1986 I always thought that such hardware and impressive title might come in handy in the hospitality industry.
tjs
Next - TBA (Mon.)
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/01/world/europe/austerity-reaches-frances-presidential-wine-cellar.html?ref=world
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