Book of Days Tales

The last Saturday in July is black Saturday (samedi noir) in France because it is the day of the year when road traffic is most dense due to the many departures on holiday for August (le mois de vacances). Traffic problems are exacerbated by France’s extreme centralization, with Paris being the hub of the entire national highway network. The Autoroute du Soleil, the highway to the south of France and Spain, is usually particularly busy. In 2004 there was more than 700 kilometers (430 mi) in accumulated traffic congestion. This route passes from Paris through Lyon, so if you get tired of traffic jams you can stop and find a traditional Lyonnaise dish. 

Lyonnaise potatoes — pommes de terre sautées à la lyonnaise – is an easy classic.  Start with some russet potatoes.  Peel them and cut them into ½” slices. Poach them in water for 2 minutes, then drain and dry them thoroughly. In one skillet melt some butter and gently sauté the potato slices until they are well browned on all sides.  In a separate skillet melt some butter and sauté a sliced onion until it is nicely colored. When cooked transfer the onions and their butter into the skillet with the potatoes. Toss them all together, add a handful of chopped fresh parsley, and serve.