Savoring Paris (2024)

[bunniefuu]

[audio logo]

[stirring music]

[singing in french]

For our full menu, we are

going to be offering a fun twist

on our traditional

French fare, something

I call Je T'aime Paris.

Now, for those of our diners

who are not Francophiles,

that means I love Paris.

Of course, we are

going to be offering

our diners their

favorite homemade meals

just like mom used to make.

We'll have a sandwich

version of the coq au vin.

And Ella, you will

be excited to learn

that your [speaking french]

has made it on to the menu.

That is a croque monsieur with

comt cheese, Ella's brainchild

and it is fantastic.

We are now going to

take a one-hour break

to get the presentation

set up and the testing.

Use that time to

peruse your packets.

And if you have any questions at

all, you know where to find me.

Keep your head up.

We all know you should

have gotten that promotion

but you'll get the next one.

Will I?

Can't wait to try your sandwich.

Never had comt.

Really?

[sighs] Changed my life.

A cheese changed your life?

Mm-hmm.

I was 22.

I had just graduated

college and I was

working at the sandwich shop.

I saved all the

money I made and just

blew it on two weeks in Paris.

[moans]

It was the best.

I have photos

actually, somewhere.

The first thing I did when I got

there was visit a fromagerie,

buy some cheese, and had

a picnic by the Seine.

Aww.

I know.

I was a baby.

That bite of comt made me feel

like I got dropped into my body.

Hmm.

[phone beeps]

Your mom found

you another condo?

Yeah, she won't give up.

And you just won't say no.

Yeah.

Come back hungry.

[playful music]

So isn't it gorgeous?

Mm-hmm.

So much light.

And the neighborhood

is skyrocketing.

Schools around here, all 10's.

It's great.

I mean, I don't

have children, mama.

I'm well aware.

But you buy a home

for future you.

Plus, the sellers are highly

motivated, meaning divorcing.

Ella, the condo is a gem.

Gosh, I really

appreciate all the effort

you put into finding

this place but it

just doesn't feel like me.

What would feel like you?

[sighs] I don't know.

I know you're scared.

It's a big step but

it's time to commit.

Buy a home, build equity.

You keep gunning for a

promotion, freeze your eggs.

Freeze my eggs?

The thing is, honey,

[sighs] we only get one life.

[playful music]

[stirring music]

[chatter]

Yeah, you're right?

You know what I mean.

Oh, just in time.

Hi.

[phone beeps]

[sighs] Thank you.

I am glad they chose

my [speaking french]

Hmm.

Oh, yes.

Fantastic.

[exclaims]

[playful music]

Not what you hoped for?

It's a little different

from what I pitched.

Well, you how we do things here.

There's research

and development.

[phone ringing]

Hmm?

So not the life changer?

I'm not sure we can

legally call this cheese.

[moans] Trs bien.

[chatter]

[sighs]

[moaning]

FRIEND: Are you OK, girl?

I'm just realizing that

comt I had in Paris,

that was the happiest

time of my life.

What if I'm never

that happy again?

What if this is it?

What if this is the happiest

I'm ever going to be?

I can't live like that.

Corporate ladders, and plastic

cheese, and flash frozen eggs.

- Ella, sweetie.

- What?

You were sounding burnt out.

You just need a vacation.

[stirring music]

I do need a vacation.

[chuckles] Yes.

Yes!

Yes!

FRIEND: No.

Ella.

Yeah?

Where are you going?

Paris.

[upbeat music]

Oh, pardon me.

[singing in french]

I'm very sorry.

[vocalizing]

[singing in french]

Oh, [speaking french]

[singing in french]

Oh.

[speaking french]

Bonjour.

[sighs]

[chuckles]

[speaking french]

I speak English.

ELLA: Oh, that's helpful.

Although, it's good for

me to practice my French.

But maybe not good for me.

[chuckles] OK.

Let me guess, you're American.

Yes, I'm from the States.

Well, apologies, but I

don't sell cheese in a can.

Thank you for the disclaimer.

I am actually looking for comt.

It has a special

place in my heart.

As it should.

Comt as a special cheese.

It's aged for up to two

years in mountainside caves.

So when will you be eating it?

As soon as I get outside.

And for how many people?

Just me.

What are you writing.

Name of the cheese maker

and its origin, of course.

Hmm, of course.

Hmm.

My name is Ella so you'll

remember me when I come back

for more fromage, monsieur?

Not ready to share the

personal details of your name?

Pardon?

Nothing.

No.

Oh.

Holy smokes.

Yeah, the euro is strong.

ELLA: [chuckles] All good.

[device beeps]

[speaking french]

[sighs] Thank you.

[upbeat music]

[singing in french]

[speaking french]

[speaking french]

No, I was just asking if you

wanted me to take your photo.

Oh, thank you

very... merci beaucoup.

I have gotten it already.

But that's very gallant of you.

As Moliere declared,

"Frenchmen have an unlimited

capacity for gallantry."

I believe the rest of

the quote is, "And indulge

it on every occasion."

[speaking french]

I'm impressed.

[chuckles] So you are

just visiting Paris?

Do you need a tour guide?

Are you offering to be one?

Are you flirting with me?

Are you flirting with me?

No, I'm just being civil.

Oh.

Well, what you call civil, we

call coquette in the States.

[speaking french]

[chuckles] I have to go

but can I get your number?

[dramatic music]

I'm only staying two weeks.

Thank you.

[speaking french]

Adieu.

I think I'll stick to au revoir.

[sighs] It's Ella.

I'm here about the sublet.

CLOTILDE: Oui.

[speaking french]

Bonjour.

I'm Clotilde.

I'm Ella.

No, no, no, the

French don't hug.

We just...

[speaking french] Come in.

This is the flat.

Oh, it's beautiful.

CLOTILDE: Yeah, I know.

I have a love of beauty,

a need for it really.

Plus, there is so

much history here.

I was raised in this

flat and now it's mine.

[chuckles]

ELLA: Aww.

- Are your parents...

- Dead?

No.

Or not that I've heard.

[chuckles] No, my dad

has been in meditation

for the last 15 years.

[chuckles] And my mom is in the

Seychelles with her new husband.

I think her fourth.

Oh.

Well, this would

be [speaking french]

Hey.

Oh.

I love it.

It's perfect.

- I want it.

- [speaking french]

Yes, please.

Oui, oui.

And I'm a great roommate.

I'm out early in the morning

in case you work from home.

[sighs] I don't work.

How do you make that possible?

Family money.

[chuckles] And you?

Yes, I work at a

restaurant food chain.

It's called Bistro Bon Vivant.

CLOTILDE: Oh.

Oh, mon die...

No, that horrid

fake French place?

Come on.

[sighs] I went to one in

the States and I remember

there were escargot tacos?

[sighs] That was not my idea.

But I can tell you

that the escargot

is made out of cod, if that

makes you feel any better.

It doesn't.

So you're on vacation

in Paris, right?

Yes.

Well, sort of.

I guess I'm looking

for something.

CLOTILDE: For what?

I don't know exactly.

Oh, thank you.

[speaking french]

I've got great friends,

and a good job, family,

and everything I

could ever want,

except the joy of

having any of it.

[sighs] [speaking french] We

all feel that way sometimes.

But there is no place better

than Paris to find joy.

So you will move in today.

Sant.

Sant.

[upbeat music]

MAN: Bonjour.

Bonjour.

Merci.

[singing in french]

WOMAN: [speaking french]

Bonjour.

Bonjour.

[speaking french]

WOMAN: Do you speak English?

Yes, but I'm

working on my French.

So what can I get for you?

[singing in french]

This one.

Bonjour.

What can I get you?

Won't anyone in Paris

speaks to me in French?

Probably not.

Oh.

SERGE: [speaking french]

I see you're back.

You remembered.

Did you enjoy the comt?

Enjoyed?

I reveled.

That comt is why

I came to Paris.

It was well worth the airfare.

You came to Paris for cheese?

I came to Paris

for the experience

that I have while eating cheese.

So that's what I'm going to do.

I'm going to spend the next two

weeks just gorging on dairy.

Yeah, stock up on that feeling.

[moans]

[clicks teeth]

I'll probably do

some other things

too, museums and shopping.

Do you offer cheese

making courses?

I have always wanted to

learn how to make cheese.

No, I don't.

So you're going to do

all that and then what?

And then I'm going to go home

and hope that 10 days in Paris

cured total corporate burnout.

Good luck with that.

So what would you like today?

Cheddar, perhaps?

Your disdain is

palpable and noted.

What's wrong with cheddar?

Nothing, except, I mean, there

are so many cheeses in the world

and Americans eat only cheddar.

That's not true.

We also eat mozzarella.

Oh.

ELLA: In stick form

and in deep dish pizza.

I see your point.

SERGE: [laughs] So what

would you like today?

Dealer's choice.

How about a mimolette?

Sounds mysterious.

[soothing music]

You know, if any cheese is

going to change your life,

this would be the one.

Do you say that from

personal experience?

[device beeping]

Voila.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

[playful music]

You know, I like cheddar.

I like it on apple pie.

I like it on Buffalo wings.

I like it on a chili dog.

You know, you really should

rethink your cheddar shade,

Monsieur...

[playful music]

Fromage.

[singing in french]

[phone beeps]

- Do you speak English?

- Oui.

- Yes.

- Oh, you do.

- I do.

- Oh, you sound American.

Yeah, I am.

[chuckles]

Great.

Sorry to bother you.

Yeah.

Can you tell me where

the Place des Vosges is?

The Place des Vosges?

Yes.

This is the Place des Vosges.

I'm in it?

You're in it.

Oh, lord.

All right.

Thank you very much.

[chuckles]

Are you here for

work or vacation?

Well...

Don't do both.

Really, if you're here,

try to be like the French

and have a proper holiday.

All right.

[chuckles] I'm Anya, by the way.

Oh, hi, I'm Ella.

Hi.

I'm sorry.

Well, from one American

to another, turn off

and really allow yourself to

recharge while you're here.

OK.

Thanks.

I actually came here

on vacation and voila,

ended up a Parisian.

- Really?

- Yeah.

Wow!

Oh, my group is back.

Excuse me.

Well, try to enjoy Paris, Ella.

Thanks.

Hi, guys.

All righty.

So we have made it to

the Place des Vosges.

Place des Vosges.

ANYA: And during the

17th and 18th century,

it was epicenter of French

nobility, originally

built under King Henry IV.

[soothing music]

Bonjour.

[speaking french]

I come bearing cheese.

Oh, from that handsome

grump of a cheesemonger

down the street?

Do you know him?

CLOTILDE: I know everyone, baby.

What is his name?

CLOTILDE: I have the perfect

champagne for the cheese.

So how was your day?

I woke up excited.

I ate a piece of cheese that

didn't taste like the machinery

it came from.

Mm-hmm.

And then I realized,

[sighs] I'm delusional.

[upbeat music]

CLOTILDE: Why?

[sighs] I thought I was going

to escape my life and come here

for two weeks, and then

go home and suddenly,

everything would be different.

And it's not.

So you came to Paris to

find yourself in two weeks?

I guess I did.

Hmm.

[chuckles] It will not happen.

You must stay longer.

Your tourist visa gets you

three months in Europe, right?

Yeah.

And my apartment is available.

Oh, gosh.

Oh, so sweet.

I just... I can't...

I can't just quit my

job and move to Paris.

What, am I going to

nope out of my life?

CLOTILDE:

[speaking french] Why not?

Well, because...

[dramatic music]

Why not?

Why not?

Why not live a life

I actually want?

Oui.

Do you know that I have

always done what I should?

I've never done anything

just bold in my entire life.

Ella, you need this.

I think you're right.

I think I do need this.

Yes, you need this.

Oh, my gosh.

BOTH: Yes.

I'm going to do it.

I'm moving to Paris.

Ella, to living your life.

Sant.

Sant.

[laughs] [moans]

[moans]

Do you know that cheese man,

that grumpy cheese man said

if one cheese was going

to change my life,

it would be this one?

No way.

Oh, my gosh, I

think he was right.

CLOTILDE: [chuckles]

[playful music]

LAURIE (ON PHONE): Honey,

you can't just quit

your job and move to Paris.

I already did, Mom.

LAURIE (ON PHONE):

Well, undo it.

Take a longer holiday

or a sabbatical.

And then what are the stakes?

What are the stakes if

nothing changes and I just

go back home to the same old?

I'm sorry, by same old do you

mean the job you've invested

10 years of your life in?

How are you affording

this midlife crisis?

I am not midlife, thank you.

And I have savings.

Yes, for a down

payment on a home.

I don't want a home.

I want this.

I want... I want time.

You know, honey,

if there's a problem,

you can't run away from it.

OK.

Love you.

[sighs]

Good morning.

Ooh, la, la, you

look [speaking french]

Oh, I'm OK.

My mom and I are having a

little fight about, thank you,

me choosing to stay.

But you're here for

joy, not for logic.

She has always been

really fixated on making

really smart choices, having

everything be really stable.

[chuckles] Funny,

the opposite of my mom.

I mean, to be fair,

my dad passed really

suddenly when I was

10 so it left my mom

with this sense of uncertainty.

She just has a hard

time understanding

that I need to wander.

Or she's just jealous of it.

Ella, [speaking french],

stop with the self-doubt.

[speaking french]

you're boring me.

[laughs] Thank you.

Also, I'm throwing you

a party this weekend.

ELLA: Me?

[speaking french] My friends

want to meet the American

who noped her life.

Wow.

Oh, no.

CLOTILDE: Quoi?

I'm going to have

to wear something.

I don't have... I don't...

I really love your style.

Where do you shop?

[upbeat music]

[singing in french]

Bonjour, I'm back.

SERGE: I'm aware.

So what can I get for you today?

I was thinking maybe

some cheese in a can.

Would that be by the truffles?

No, I keep the canned

cheese refrigerated.

A joke?

Yes, madam, a joke.

I think you mean mademoiselle.

I'm not married.

Well, madame is not determined

by marriage status but by age.

Thank you for that.

So, once again, what

can I get for you today?

How about everything?

Fine.

Would you like it all

wrapped separately

or should I just melt it into

one giant, disgusting fondue?

No fondue is disgusting.

That is my favorite food

outside of a croque monsieur.

But I'm serious about

the everything thing.

I really want to try

every cheese there is.

SERGE: But there are more

than 365 types of cheese.

There is no way you'll

try every cheese.

No, you're wrong, I'm

staying for the summer.

So I've got 89

days, 365 cheeses.

That's five cheeses a day.

I'm going to need

a bigger cr*cker.

[chuckles] Wrap me up five

of your best, monsieur.

[chuckles]

[upbeat music]

[singing in french]

Well, am I too much?

Do you need to be too little?

[chuckles] What

can I do to help?

You can ice the champagne.

Oh, my goodness, these

are really nice bottles.

Are you sure you don't

want to save them

for a special occasion?

Life is too short to save

things for special occasions.

Besides, you are special, no?

[chuckles]

[speaking french]

You?

Toi?

Oh, Ella, this is

my cousin, Gaston.

Gaston, this is

my roommate Ella.

We've met, actually.

Yeah.

Yes.

Paris is a small city.

[chuckles] [speaking french]

[chuckles]

[singing in french]

So are you going to

flirt with me again?

I don't know.

Are you going to flirt with me?

[chuckles] [speaking french]

Oh,

ELLA: [chuckles]

Where are you from?

Well, right now I'm

living in San Diego but I...

[laughter]

[chatter]

[speaking french] Ella.

She lives in California.

Oh, bonjour.

[speaking french]

Bonsoir.

[chuckles]

Do you know any famous

American movie star?

Movie star?

I don't know any movie stars.

But my mom was in a music

video for Debbie Gibson.

[speaking french]

[speaking french]

[chuckles]

[speaking french]

Oh, sorry, sorry, sorry.

[singing in french]

CLOTILDE: [speaking french]

[laughter]

[speaking french]

[laughter]

[chatter]

[singing in french]

Too much fete?

Oh, just feeling a little

out of place, I guess.

At the party?

In life.

[chuckles]

You know, I think the

cure to what you are feeling

is connection.

Yeah?

[serene music]

Hmm.

Like, maybe dinner

Friday night with me.

Oh.

[chuckles] You're

Clotilde's cousin.

She won't mind.

You're quite a

bit younger than me.

So?

[chuckles] I feel

like I shouldn't.

Do you want to live your

life by shoulds or by wants?

Oh, boy, you're smooth

as cream, aren't you?

[laughs] Well, only if

you're laughing at it.

[laughs] [groans]

No shoulds, Ella.

If you don't want to go out

with me, [speaking french]

But if you do...

[speaking french]

[speaking french]

[upbeat music]

[singing in french]

Bonjour.

[speaking french]

With banana, strawberries?

Why not both?

How much can you fit in there?

Hi.

[speaking french]

MAN: [speaking french]

[singing in french]

[speaking french]

Napkin?

Thank you.

Well, this is embarrassing.

Actually, it's quite

entertaining for me.

Well, I don't care.

I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Be careful.

Nothing is good if

you have too much.

I disagree.

Some things you just

can't get enough of.

Well.

[sighs]

I'm sorry.

Always a pleasure.

[speaking french] Ludo.

LUDO: Hey.

Going this way too, huh?

Well, did you grow up in Paris?

Nope.

South of France with my mom.

And what brought you here?

What brought you here?

Well, what about cheese?

Did you just grow up to

be a cheese whiz or...

In another life, I

used to be a lawyer.

Really?

So why cheese?

Why cheese for you?

You're a tough nut to crack.

Then don't try to crack me.

All right.

See you later.

[bell rings]

Hello.

Yes, still heading in

the same direction.

Well, how about that?

[sighs] All right.

So are you coming in for

your five cheeses of the day?

Oh, I'm going to

walk off the crepe.

Au revoir, Monsieur Fromage.

Let's stop about

the Monsieur Fromage.

My name is Serge.

Serge Pellerin.

A bientot, Serge.

A bientot.

[stirring music]

Serge.

Yes?

Are you hiring?

Yes.

I mean, I need part-time help,

three or four days a week.

Hi, [chuckles] I'm a

tourist but I can intern.

Why would you want to do that?

Well, why wouldn't

I want to do that?

Cheese is expensive.

You could pay me in

my five cheeses a day.

Do you speak French?

Oui.

[speaking french]

So no.

Tell me, beyond your

vacation comt revelation,

why do you love cheese?

Is this a job interview?

- Maybe.

- Well, cheese is delicious.

It makes us smile.

Say cheese.

[clicks] OK, all right.

[stirring music]

Cheese is impractical.

It's illogical, isn't it really?

Why would you use 10 pounds of

milk to make 1 pound of cheese?

Why would you wait

months or years to eat

something that could k*ll you?

[chuckles] It doesn't make

any sense and yet, cheese.

It's the things that

don't make any sense

that make life worth living.

Right.

We'll do a trial period.

Really?

[chuckles] [sighs]

I can't believe you're going

to work for the handsome grump.

[chuckles] That's not very nice.

Sorry, but that's what

everyone says about him.

Best cheese, worst attitude.

And that's a

compliment in Paris.

[laughter]

Well, I'm excited.

Maybe that's why I was

sort of called here,

to start a whole new career.

[chuckles] Are

you sure you don't

mind me going out with Gaston?

Yeah, sure.

Of course, he's dated

several of my friends.

Several?

CLOTILDE: Mm-hmm.

I love Gaston but when it

comes to matters of the heart,

he can be, how do I

say, a dilettante.

[laughs] [sighs] OK.

What do you think?

[gasps] [speaking french]

But you're missing something.

I am?

[upbeat music]

[chuckles]

[speaking french], red.

Oh, I can't wear red lipstick.

It doesn't...

Pardon?

Everyone can wear red lipstick.

It's the first color we see.

But also, it's a warning.

It's a statement that says,

I'm comfortable with my skin.

Go, girl.

[sighs]

[speaking french] Ella.

This is my favorite

restaurant in France.

[chuckles] [speaking french] OK.

[speaking french] [chuckles]

[speaking french] Wait,

allow me.

OK.

Merci.

GASTON: [speaking french]

Wow.

This really is

your regular spot.

Everybody's so friendly.

[chuckles]

[speaking french] No,

they are not friendly.

They are differential.

I'm a food critic.

Oh, that explains

the VIP welcome.

OK.

So tonight's work then?

Well, with you here,

it's also a pleasure.

I really should have

guessed you were a writer.

You're very good with words.

[chuckles] Merci.

This was always my dream

and now I'm living it.

I think that's really cool

that you know who you are

and what you want.

ADELE: Gaston?

[speaking french] [chuckles]

[speaking french]

[speaking french]

[speaking french]

[speaking french]

[speaking french]

Adele, this is Ella.

Enchante.

Always good to see you.

[speaking french] [chuckles]

Do you mind if I order?

I always know what I want.

By all means.

ADELE: Compliments of the house.

[speaking french]

Merci.

Ella, to Ella who refuses

to live a life of shoulds

and also to Ella

who is stunning.

I double take every

time I see you.

Sant.

Sant.

I'm full.

I'll be stuffed for days.

[chuckles]

Thank you for such

a lovely evening.

Thank you for joining me.

I can take you out

again sometime?

For work?

It's never work

when I'm with you.

[chuckles]

Oh, I'm not quite there yet.

[upbeat music]

[singing in french]

Au revoir.

Hmm.

[upbeat music]

ANYA: That's right.

You'll actually find the

residents of Victor Hugo...

ELLA: Anya.

Bonjour, Ella.

Wow.

Ca va?

Bien.

Merci.

[laughter]

[speaking french]

[speaking french]

OK, thank you.

Merci.

Bonjour.

Bonjour, Ella.

[speaking french]

Oh, excellent choice.

ELLA: Bonjour.

[sighs] Happy first

day of work to me.

Oh, I forgot to hang a banner.

Good one.

So where do we start?

We start each day by

caring for the cheese.

You see, this one is cracking.

It's losing moisture.

Needs a breather.

And this Gouda has mold.

Do you have to throw

that whole thing out?

Cheese is just mold.

So we cut off the bad

mold and that's it.

OK.

No, no, no, no.

[speaking french]

I can help them.

No, we open in 10 minutes.

They're just waiting.

Yeah, well, we're French.

We expect everything

to open an hour late.

Put that on.

[upbeat music]

[speaking french]

Did this woman just ask for

a quarter kilo of the Pouligny?

Well, that's Valencay.

But that's all right, keep that.

She'll like it better.

She asked for the Pouligny.

We're not here to

satisfy her wishes.

We're not?

No, actually, we're here

to challenge her palate.

- Tell her that.

- OK.

SERGE: Oh, I forgot,

you can't speak French.

Cut this wheel, I'll do it.

I'm so sorry.

[singing in french]

[bell rings]

Thank you.

Ta-da.

[singing in french]

[laughter]

[laughter]

CLOTILDE: [speaking french]

Are you ready

for your first [speaking french]

or as you call it, Bastille Day?

I am.

I am indeed.

Although, do I have to storm

a prison or topple a monarchy?

Because I just don't know

if I have the energy today.

Yes, but we have

c*ck first.

OK.

[chuckles]

Also, I'm throwing

a soiree at Vicky's.

You have to come.

I have another date with Gaston.

Another date?

Yeah.

You've been seeing

each other a lot.

I know.

It's kind of getting serious.

[laughs] [french], but sorry, it

never gets serious with Gaston.

Oh.

[chuckles] Yeah, I know.

Well, what we have is

fun and flirtatious.

- CLOTILDE: OK.

- You know.

Feels good and...

OK.

Hmm.

Serge invited me to a picnic.

No.

You're becoming more

French every day.

[chuckles]

[upbeat music]

[ducks quacking]

So you have to try.

All right.

Here's your five

cheeses of the day.

Oh, gosh, you're definitely not

going to have seen

this coming but I'm

reconsidering my decision.

Why?

Because the point was for

me to do things differently,

and I'm doing the same

thing the same way.

I'm just eating this cheese

in a structured manner.

It's for savoring.

Less is more.

SERGE: But then if you're

only going to eat one a day,

it must be the mimolette.

The cheese that changes lives?

Well, it did change mine.

OK, you admit it.

Tell me the story.

[chuckles] I told you I

used to be a lawyer, right?

I lived in Nice, ran

marathons, worked weekends.

Yeah, I know that

story very well.

And then a few months

after my divorce,

I went on holidays with my

mother in the mountains.

And while on a hike one

day, we found this farm.

The shepherd came out,

welcomed us with water and this

very same cheese,

this mimolette.

I thought it was good

but not anything special.

But then the shepherd told

me to go slow, to savor it,

and the flavor changed.

Magically, it became

richer, softer, sweeter.

It's hard to explain.

So you just quit your

job and moved to Paris?

No, that would be irresponsible,

like what you did.

Instead, I learned about

cheese, started making it,

took a business course,

and years later, here I am.

OK.

Wow, you made a whole new life.

I'm going to have to go.

Why?

Oh, Bastille Day party.

Yeah, sort of.

I have a date.

Ooh.

Madame has a date.

ELLA: [chuckles]

With whom?

He's a food critic.

His name is Gaston.

Gaston Bachelard.

Yeah.

You know him?

Everybody knows Gaston.

He's a cad.

He's a cad?

Yeah, Lothario.

[speaking french]

Yeah.

I know what it means.

I guess I thought

you meant bon vivant.

No.

Well, thank you for this.

This was just so lovely.

Can I help you clean up?

No, no, please leave it.

I'll take care of it.

Just take this for later.

ELLA: Well.

[serene music]

See you at work.

ELLA: OK.

SERGE: Have fun.

ELLA: Bye.

[upbeat music]

I double take as usual.

Hello.

Bonsoir.

GASTON: Bonsoir.

[moans] You smell like cheese.

Oh.

What?

You don't like the

intoxicating scent

of buttermilk and barnyard?

Lucky you, I'd say.

[chuckles] Bien.

Hey, is that our

waitress, Adele?

- Adele?

- Gaston.

[speaking french]

GASTON: [speaking french]

[speaking french]

[chuckles] [speaking french]

[speaking french] Bonsoir.

Pardon, I'm Adele.

Hi, Adele.

I remember.

We've met before.

Bonne soiree.

Bonne soiree.

Hey, Ella, this is the boat.

[upbeat music]

Oh, it's so loud.

What?

I said it's so loud.

Oh, we'll go there.

Oh.

[chuckles]

ELLA: [chuckles]

GASTON: Perfect view.

Oh, so dreamy.

GASTON: Hmm.

Oh, I have something for you.

For me?

Yeah.

A gift?

In honor of the

cheese I always smell.

[chuckles] Sorry.

OK.

You've got to try

a bite of this.

OK.

[singing in french]

What do you think?

That's amazing, right?

Not exactly my flavor profile.

No?

It didn't make you,

like, feel anything.

It's cheese.

[laughs] I know.

But oh, well, maybe

you're too young.

[chuckles]

I'm not that much

younger than you.

Oh, people mature at

different rates, I guess.

Some of us never mature at all.

Is that true?

[speaking french] But

I do generally tend not

to take things too seriously.

Oh, that's why you have the

reputation of being a cad.

[scoffs] Who said that?

Clotilde?

Your boss, the grump.

You know him?

Yes.

He makes buying cheese as

pleasurable as paying my taxes.

[laughs]

[speaking french] no.

As for me, I'm not a cad.

I just enjoy romance.

Have you ever been in love?

OK.

So I have cared deeply for

people but I have never said

I love you to a girlfriend.

Why not?

I believe the words have power.

And when I say them, I

want it to be forever.

And I do want to say them

but just to the right person.

Yeah.

[firecrackers bursting]

Oh!

GASTON: [speaking french]

ELLA: Oh, it's so pretty.

GASTON: I love fireworks.

ELLA: Oh.

GASTON: You know, Ella,

you say that I am smooth

but also, I am honest.

[romantic music]

And it's true when

I say that I love

how I feel when I'm around you.

How is that?

Alive.

[stirring music]

[speaking french] Ella.

ELLA: Mom, he said

he loves me a lot.

And this was right

after telling me

that he's never told anybody

that he loves them before

and that when he does say

it for the first time,

he wants it to be forever.

Honey, he's French.

Sweet nothings are

their national anthem.

Honey, just tell him you

don't feel the same way.

Ella, you don't

feel the same way.

You've barely known

this man six weeks now.

Logic has its limits.

What if I will feel the same?

What if I will because he's

wonderful, and he's passionate,

and he's great.

He really knows who he

is and what he wants.

Kudos to him.

But you're not going to achieve

self-discovery through some kind

of dating osmosis.

[chuckles] OK, Mom,

let's talk about you.

Let's talk about something else.

What's going on with you?

As a matter of fact,

I sold that condo

for above market value.

Oh, congratulations,

that's great.

Exactly.

A nice little payday I thought

I would spend in Paris.

Seriously?

Mom, that's so exciting.

I'm glad to hear

you say that because I

booked the cutest little

hotel very near you.

OK.

[chuckles]

LAURIE (ON PHONE): See

you in three weeks.

[upbeat music]

Bonjour.

Bonjour.

[singing in french]

SERGE: [speaking french]

Oh, hello.

Hi.

Hi.

What's up?

What's going on in there?

It used to be a popular

bistro back in the day

but the owners just retired.

They had asked me if I

wanted to buy the business.

Oh, why don't you?

Well, because what I

have now is contained

and I don't need

uncontrollable variables.

Oh, like life?

[laughs mockingly]

[chuckles] I think

you should do it.

I think you should

open up a wine

and cheese bar, and host

tastings, and events,

and workshops.

Well, you seem to have

passion for the project.

Why don't you do it?

Well, maybe I will.

Maybe I'll open up my own

cheese shop right next to yours,

and I'll greet my customers

with a smile and by name.

But all you'll sell is cheddar.

Absolutely.

It's versatile and

subtle, yet satisfying.

Yet you eat it on a

chili dog so your taste

can't be accounted for.

Sorry.

So how was your

date with the cad?

Fine.

Actually, he knows you too.

Oh, let me guess.

He called me a grump?

[growls] I know what people say.

ELLA: Oh, thanks.

Merci beaucoup.

Ella, will you cut half

a Camembert for that man.

That man?

You mean Hugo who's been

coming here a year and a half?

Hugo whose wedding you catered?

Ella, I pay you to

work, not to talk.

You don't pay me at all.

Ella, the Camembert.

OK.

That guy.

OK.

No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

[groans] For the soft rind

cheeses, use the skeleton knife.

OK.

[speaking french] Be gentle.

[serene music]

[speaking french]

Hi.

GASTON: Bonjour.

Gaston, the cad.

Serge, the grump.

Oh, well, I see we've all met.

[chuckles] I'm just going

to take a short break.

Hugo.

Hugo.

What are you doing here?

I have a

[speaking french] for you.

[gasps] Nothing in a

Chanel bag is a little gift.

[gasps]

So you don't smell like cheese.

Thank you.

I do kind of like

smelling like cheese.

Oh, mon die...

[chuckles]

Gaston, I just wanted to

talk with you about what

you said on Bastille Day.

OK.

What did I say?

Je t'aime bien.

Yes, and I meant it.

I appreciate that.

I know what a big deal it

is for you to say that.

I'm not sure that I

could say it back.

Because your French is terrible

or because you don't like me?

No, I do like you.

I like you.

OK, then just say,

Gaston, I like you.

OK.

I just am afraid that

might not be enough.

Why wouldn't it be?

I'll text you later.

Au revoir.

Is there any inventory

or anything I can do?

Actually, I thought

we close early today.

I have a surprise

for you in my home.

No, I'm not him.

[upbeat music]

[chuckles] OK.

SERGE: Welcome,

kitchen is on the left.

ELLA: What is this?

Is this like a little

mini guillotine.

Are we going to re-enact the

French Revolution in miniature?

[chuckles] No, that'd

be strange even for me.

No, we're making cheese.

Actually, we're

making Camembert.

[squeals]

And why we're making Camembert?

Because it's a quicker cheese.

It takes only four to six

weeks to ripen so it should

be ready before you leave.

Oh, don't remind me.

[sighs] Thank you, though.

I'm really excited.

I've always wanted to

learn how to make cheese.

I know.

You told me the first time

you came into my shop.

So it's fairly straightforward.

We'll pasteurize the milk, start

a culture, then add the rennet.

Gosh, I'm so impressed.

You taught yourself

how to make cheese.

I was just, you know,

very bored, very sad.

I needed a distraction.

What were you sad about?

I taught myself

to make cheese when

I was going through my divorce.

I was married for nearly a

decade to my [speaking french]

College sweetheart.

Oh, yeah.

So we were renovating a house,

had adopted a puppy, you know,

the whole thing.

And then what happened?

She realized that she had

feelings for someone else.

And I'm not sure it

was cheating per se,

but it was an

affair of the heart.

All right, come here.

Now we can add the culture.

Oop, oop, oop, sprinkle it.

Yes.

That's it.

All right.

So while we wait for the rennet,

I want to show you something.

ELLA: OK.

[gasps]

The landlord has asked

me to watch over it.

You've been holding out on me.

Mm-hmm.

[chuckles] It's so beautiful.

You know, you could

put a long hightop here

and you could do wine

and cheese tastings.

And then partner with local

wineries and host events.

And you could do

cheese-making activities.

You could.

I would do this in a heartbeat.

Then why don't you?

Because I can't

legally work here.

[chuckles] And I have probably

blown through my nest egg

by now.

But you would if you could?

[sighs] Definitely.

I feel like there would be so

much joy and community here.

I wouldn't be saving

the world but I'd

be bringing people together.

I think I could find

meaning in that.

Yeah, I think I would, too.

ELLA: So why don't you?

Why don't you do it?

You've got the client base.

It would work.

Yeah, well, what I have now

works well and it's contained.

Is it contained or

is it comfortable?

I'm not judging.

Fair enough.

[chuckles] I get comfortable.

I stagnate.

[serene music]

I would help you.

You would?

I would.

I mean, I leave in six

weeks so you'd have

to get a lease like tomorrow.

[chuckles] But we could get

this place open before I leave.

[sighs] All right.

Partners?

Really?

SERGE: Why not?

Partners.

[chuckles]

[upbeat music]

Thank you so much.

[speaking french]

[chuckles]

Yes, I'm off to Ibiza.

I'm throwing a little party

at my friend's penthouse

overlooking the [french].

So the apartment's all yours.

Don't behave yourself.

I'll try.

[chuckles]

[speaking french]

OK.

Oh, merci.

[speaking french]

[speaking french]

[singing in french]

[upbeat music]

[singing in french]

[knocking]

Ooh, la, la, you look beautiful

but you still smell like cheese.

Oh.

Do you not like the perfume?

I love the perfume.

I just... it's dinner.

I made fondue.

Oh.

[chuckles] [speaking french]

Oh, no, you don't like fondue?

It's the backbone

of French cuisine.

Oh, it's the fast

food of French cuisine.

It's so salty and one note.

I know.

But you know, I've

never had your fondue.

That's right.

This much cheese is good.

OK.

OK.

I admit this is some of

the better fondue I've had.

Thank you for admitting it.

But you know, I'm

surprised that you want

more cheese after your what?

Five a day.

I'm just down to one now.

Oh.

So why did you

stop with the five?

[upbeat music]

I was trying to enjoy what

I had, and all I could do

was think about the next one.

Like, the maybe better one.

But yes, maybe it

is the better one.

Maybe.

But how could you really

enjoy and appreciate

what you have in front of you

if there's endless options?

How could you have

lasting satisfaction?

[scoffs] OK.

Satisfaction doesn't

have to last.

You just make some more.

Is that how you want

to live your life?

Just chasing the next cheese?

[chuckles]

I mean, no, it's not

chasing the next cheese.

It's living a life of

discovery, and joy,

excitement for the unknown.

This is who I am, Ella.

SERGE: Hey.

Hi.

You're here early.

Yeah, I couldn't

really sleep last night

and I started

thinking about paint.

Did you decide if you

wanted cloud or eggshell?

Oh, and did you see

the changes that I

made to the business plan?

[sighs]

Are you all right?

Yeah.

Yes.

Yes.

No.

Maybe.

I was thinking about something

my mother said last night,

which is that my life

here is a fantasy.

And I'm going to go home and

have no job, and no savings,

and no prospects, and really

no interest in obtaining

any of those things.

And there's still no

answer on who I am

or what I'm supposed

to be doing.

It's just a rude awakening to

find out that wherever you go,

there you are.

You still have a month.

So I'd say, don't give up.

Jump.

[upbeat music]

ELLA: Ooh.

[grunts]

ELLA: [laughs]

[singing in french]

[speaking french]

[singing in french]

[speaking french]

[singing in french]

OK.

Claude just finishing the stools

and delivering them next week.

Thank you.

And Eve... oh, good,

Eve is on board

to have a little flower stand.

That'll be sweet.

We still need a name

for the expansion space.

And the grand opening, are

we going to have a party?

I don't like parties.

Too many people.

Too much attention.

Right.

Who wants a party if too many

people coming to their new shop.

Want to grab dinner?

[serene music]

Yes.

[speaking french]

Oui.

[upbeat music]

You know this is the

first thing I did when

I got here, come picnic

on the Seine both times

I came to Paris.

I mean, most tourists

first up is the Eiffel Tower.

Why did you come here?

Well, my dad.

He passed when I was young.

And he used to tell me all these

stories about the adventures

we'd have together.

Picnic on the Seine

was one of them.

[chuckles] He had a whole bucket

list of things he wanted to do.

Well, I do not

believe in bucket lists.

No?

Instead, I have a

reverse bucket list.

Yes, Madame, I cross off

everything I don't absolutely

need to do until all

I have left is what

I can't live without doing.

OK.

[chuckles] So what is left

on your reverse bucket list?

I'm still a tough nut.

I don't think you are.

I think you're just afraid of

getting hurt like we all are.

I get it.

Are you free Saturday night?

I could cook us dinner.

[serene music]

ELLA: I'd love to.

Great.

ELLA: Let's take a picture.

I have one when I was 22, one

of me when I first got here,

and one now.

All right.

Here, you have

long arms, take it.

Yeah.

Ready?

Yeah.

So grouchy.

The grump.

Whee.

Ow.

OK, OK, OK.

I'll smile.

I'll smile.

Gaston, hi, it's Ella.

Just give me a buzz

when you get a chance.

OK, bye.

Hello, you're back.

What?

How was Ibiza?

[chuckles]

[sighs]

[speaking french]

[phone beeps]

[speaking french]

I were throwing

a party for all the fabulous

people and I suddenly realized

I'm boring.

[chuckles] Clotilde, You

are anything but boring.

No.

I know.

I know that.

I know that everyone thinks I'm

so glamorous, so interesting,

that my life is amazing.

OK, I know.

But it feels empty.

You're so special.

You're a light.

I mean, my goodness,

if life is boxed wine,

you make it champagne.

I want to be like you, Ella.

[speaking french] I see

you making these changes,

making meaning, and I want that.

I want to feel like...

I want to feel...

I want to feel like I

was put on this planet

to do more than just party.

[speaking french]

[stirring music]

You are.

You've made a huge

difference in my life.

I came here to run

away from my problems.

And instead, I found meaning.

And I love Paris and

I love who I am here.

And you helped bring

that out in me.

[speaking french]

ELLA: Yes.

Oh, I don't want to go home.

Maybe you don't want to go home

because you're already home.

Oh.

[chuckles]

I thought the French don't hug.

They do when you need it.

[sighs] The only jobs I'm

qualified for are internships.

Well, that's OK.

I'm doing an internship

and I love it.

Hey, why don't you replace

me at the Fromagerie?

Oh?

And have all my clothes

stink like Camembert.

[speaking french]

[knocking]

Ooh, my mama's here.

I've never been so

excited to see my mother.

Not even as a baby.

Hi, baby!

Hi, Mama.

LAURIE: Oh, I've been waiting

for this hug for 11 weeks.

I missed you.

ELLA: I missed you too.

Look at you, very French.

You must be Clotilde.

Bonjour.

Ooh, la, la.

[chuckles]

Wow.

Wow.

Now, this is what I

call prime real estate.

I'd love a little tour.

Yeah.

Oh, but then, you

girls have to take

me for a real French croissant.

Oh, yes.

Clotilde, what do you say?

I will.

But I have to apply

for an internship

because I'm a working woman now.

So I have to find

a job by myself.

Bye, girls.

[upbeat music]

Aww, honey.

How was your flight?

It was really smooth.

No turbulence.

OK.

That sounds great.

I'm glad to know.

[singing in french]

OK.

[singing in french]

The Place des Vosges

is one of the oldest

plant squares in Paris.

Ella, taking my job now?

[chuckles]

Bonjour, Anya.

You look very Parisian.

Merci beaucoup.

Au revoir.

A bientot.

You must be the mama.

Hello.

[speaking french]

[speaking french]

[speaking french] [chuckles]

[speaking french]

[speaking french]

That's my florist.

And my butcher's just

around the corner.

Oh, Mama, mom, this is

Gaston in the chair.

That's Gaston?

Now I get it.

OK.

Gaston.

Ella, ma cherie.

Oh, [speaking french]

You look tres belle.

Thank you.

This is mama...

This is Laurie.

[speaking french] No,

you could be sisters.

Enchante.

Ella said you were charming.

Oh.

Did she adequately describe

my debonair good looks?

Just once or twice.

[chuckles]

So I called you a few times.

Where have you been?

[speaking french] I

was sailing in Cannes.

Of course you were.

Well, when you get

a chance, call me.

I just want to

have a little chat.

OK.

ELLA: OK.

A little chat?

Sounds serious.

ELLA: [chuckles]

[chuckles] [speaking french]

I have to take this.

- OK.

- Ciao.

[speaking french]

[speaking french]

So that's Gaston who loves you?

Yes, unfortunately.

I realized I don't

feel the same way

and I haven't had a

chance to tell him yet.

So it's just awkward.

I really don't want to hurt him.

Something tells

me he'll be fine.

Ooh.

[speaking french]

You look fabulous.

[speaking french]

So the croissant.

Ooh, la, la.

Today, really?

SERGE: [speaking french]

Bonjour.

Bonjour.

Hi.

ELLA: Don't want to interrupt.

Just wanted to introduce

you to my mama.

- This is Laurie.

- Hi.

Serge.

Hello.

And my roommate Clotilde.

Oh, the famous Clotilde.

Well, it's an absolute

pleasure to meet you both.

Ella talks often about you two.

Wow.

Show me where the

caviar is, please?

- Oh, we don't actually carry...

- [shushes]

But there's some goody.

I know why you work for free.

You and the grump have a thing.

He's not a grump.

And it's not a thing.

We're single coworkers, and

we are together non-stop.

It's just going

to get confusing.

No.

Listen, from what

I know of Serge,

he's not really

interested in dating.

All good.

- Wow.

- Yeah.

Hi.

Ooh, which one's this?

Hmm, tastes like cheddar.

What about the grand opening?

Well, I gave it more thought

and realized that a party

could be good for business.

Really?

So yes, you were right.

Shall we hire an event planner?

Yeah.

I know the best event

planner in Paris.

Clotilde.

[upbeat music]

Pardon?

You throw intricate parties

like every other weekend.

Why don't you just

make that a business?

No, that's true.

No one can throw a

party like I can.

So I've got the job.

- Yeah.

- Yeah.

Really?

I'm so happy.

Oh, mon die...

I've got so many ideas.

[speaking french]

It's open.

Yeah, go take a look.

She's fun.

Are we still on for dinner?

Yes.

[upbeat music]

SERGE: Fun.

[singing in french]

I really enjoyed seeing Paris.

It's a magical place.

I wish we could

stay longer but...

I don't know if I want to leave.

Ella, you can't stay in Paris.

Why not?

Serge could get me a

work visa, probably.

And if the expansion takes off,

then I could recoup my savings.

That's a lot of ifs.

And none of them are

remotely realistic.

Well, I'm happy here, Mama.

Well, of course you are, honey.

You're on vacation living

a fantasy, [chuckles]

Eating nothing but

croissants and Camembert,

being seduced by a

dapper food critic

and a rugged cheesemonger.

I mean, I've read bodice

rippers that are more...

Oh, stop.

[chuckles]

Grounded.

And let's say you do stay in

Paris for one of these men.

Then what?

I actually wouldn't be

staying here for one of the men.

I'd be staying here for me.

Your visa is up in a week.

You have got to come home.

What?

Am I going to get a house I

don't want and get a job I hate?

There's nothing for me at home.

[dramatic music]

Ah.

You know, I think the jet

lag is catching up with me.

I'm... I'm going to

go back to the hotel.

You stay.

SERGE: [speaking french]

Oh, a croque monsieur.

Merci.

SERGE: [speaking french]

[chuckles]

[speaking french]

Hmm.

Wait, is that...

What?

Comt maybe?

Yes.

Yes, madame.

It's a [speaking french]

It's my fantasy

sandwich come true.

[laughs] Bon appetit.

The French way.

ELLA: OK.

Sant.

Sant.

[chuckles] I don't know

where to start here.

[moans]

Not what you hoped for?

It's the best thing

I've ever eaten.

It really is.

[moans]

[soothing music]

Oh, thank you.

[sighs] I'm so happy.

I've never been happier.

Is that true?

ELLA: [chuckles] It is.

Being in Paris right now, eating

fabulous sandwiches, [chuckles]

Learning how to make cheese.

Then stay.

[sighs]

SERGE: I mean, why not?

Yes, stay.

Run the expansion.

We can do this together.

I know I told you I came to

Paris to start something new

but life here was

more of the same.

And then I met you

and everything has

been richer, softer, sweeter.

I mean, there is

something here, right?

Yeah.

Oh, wait.

I'm sorry.

I just... I can't quite yet.

Why not?

It's just complicated.

Oh, of course.

The cad.

I don't think he's a cad.

But yes, it's... he

told me he loved me.

And you believed him.

Why wouldn't I believe him?

Ella, you're here with me.

I know because I feel...

No, Ella, sorry.

You know, it's my

fault. Yeah, my fault.

I'm trying to end

things with him because I

don't feel the same way.

Yeah, it's very messy, isn't it?

I think you should just leave.

Serge, please don't shut down.

[dramatic music]

I was really trying to do

the right thing because I

know that he's been hurt.

And he just put all his

walls up and pushed me out.

I see this as

progress, you know.

You were completely shut down

to the idea of dating anyone

and now you know.

Call it mom's intuition but

I think you're going to meet

someone great back home.

Back home?

Mom, is that all you can think

about is getting me back home?

Because I really

like this man a lot.

This whole trip has been a

way for you to distract yourself

from the fact that you're

searching for something,

that you've lost your thread.

Mama, I feel like you are never

supportive unless I'm

doing things the way

you want me to do them.

No, I have to tell you this.

Don't you want me to be happy?

Don't you want me to not have

the same regrets that Dad did?

I don't want you

to have any regrets.

I just want you to

make good decisions

and to be able to

take care of yourself.

Is that not what I'm

learning to do here?

Honey, something you

said, you have nothing

waiting for you back home.

Well, you were wrong

because you have me, El.

You have me.

[dramatic music]

Gaston, it's Ella.

I've tried you a few times.

Could you call me back, please?

[chuckles] Never

mind, I see you.

Bonjour.

[speaking french]

Hi, Bonjour.

I'm Adele.

I know.

We've met three times.

Can I speak to you?

Can I have that word

I've been asking for?

GASTON: [speaking french]

So you're dating Adele?

And you're dating Serge, no?

No.

I want to but I was waiting

to break up with you.

Why would you need

to break up with me?

I thought we agreed that what

was between us wasn't serious.

We did.

But then you said

you loved me a lot.

[speaking french] [chuckles]

When did I say that?

Are you kidding me?

The Eiffel tower,

Bastille Day, fireworks?

You leaned in and you

said [speaking french]

Oh, Ella, [speaking french]

means I love you.

[speaking french]

just means I like you.

Why?

Do you love me?

No.

No.

I... I... I mean, I like you and

I like spending time with you.

I think we want

different things.

I kind of want to find

one cheese and savor it.

[chuckles] Oh, I'm

so embarrassed.

No, don't be.

I forget you can't speak French.

OK.

Easy mistake.

Friends?

Oui.

Oui.

OK.

Au revoir.

[chuckles]

Ciao.

[dramatic music]

[sighs] Can we please

talk like adults?

This whole thing snowballed but

I think we can figure it out.

There is something

real between us.

Ella, you're first to admit

that you live in a fantasy

and maybe that's all this is.

I mean, you're leaving.

I don't have to.

But even if you didn't, how

could I trust being with you?

What do you mean?

Who would I be with when

you don't know who you are?

[upbeat music]

LAURIE: I've done some thinking.

I'm sorry for not

being more supportive.

It's your decision to make, El.

It's your life.

Being here, I can see how good

it feels to be somebody new.

Fair Warning, though, if you

do decide to stay in Paris,

I'm going to visit a lot.

[chuckles]

LAURIE: [chuckles] [sighs]

Thank you.

But I'm coming home.

[serene music]

I think we should put...

How do I say this in...

Bonjour.

Wow.

[speaking french]

Voila.

Amazing, right?

It looks amazing.

Clotilde, how did you do

all this with the budget?

Julie made all the desserts,

Eve provided flowers,

and Marcel is making heaven.

But he did for Ella because

everyone loves Ella, right?

You look very nice.

Thank you.

You too.

Thanks.

Oh, I wanted to ask

you, I think that we

should invite Gaston tonight

to write about the opening.

I think it would be

a really good press.

But I understand if you

don't want to see him.

No, it's fine.

If things are OK between

you two, it's fine.

Yes, they are.

It was just... it was

a misunderstanding,

my misunderstanding.

I really should stick to

English while I'm over here.

But we're friends again.

[chuckles] Just friends.

Actually, I'm hoping we

could be friends again too.

Because I'm sorry

about how I acted,

how I muddied things between us.

We were good friends.

I shouldn't have

tried to make us more.

[dramatic music]

So can we keep in

touch after you leave?

You know, like talk cheese?

[chuckles]

WOMAN: [speaking french]

[speaking french]

[upbeat music]

[chatter]

It's really gorgeous.

Sant.

CLOTILDE: [speaking french]

Cheers.

Oh.

[speaking french]

CLOTILDE: No, [speaking french]

[speaking french]

[speaking french]

Oh, [speaking french]

Merci.

CLOTILDE: [speaking french]

ADELE: Ella.

Oh, bonsoir.

Bonsoir.

Yes.

Thank you for inviting me.

Gaston, get us champagne?

Oui. monsieur.

So merci for the invitation.

I promise to write

a glowing review.

Only if it's true,

which it will be.

[chuckles] But I wanted

you to come as my friend.

This summer was

life changing for me

and you were a

huge part of that.

Thank you.

Well, thanks to you, too.

You made me want to

savor just one cheese.

[chuckles] I'm

so glad to hear it.

OK.

[speaking french]

Thank you.

[speaking french]

Look at what you did.

Thanks, Mama.

Congratulations, honey.

Thank you.

I'm so proud of you.

[glass clinking]

Oh.

Wow.

[speaking french] And now

I'll switch to English

so Ella can understand.

If only because you all

refuse to speak to me in French.

[laughter]

I guess I just want to say

merci to everyone who has

supported me over the years.

I know I can be a grump, but

I'm also a very grateful grump.

[laughter]

And I want to say Thank you,

especially to Ella, whose

fantasies become our realities.

A good adventure may

not change your life

but it definitely changed mine.

Sant.

WOMAN: Sant.

Sant.

WOMAN: Yeah.

Do you want to

say any last words?

Sure.

Any last words.

Well, I'm just leaving.

I'm not dying.

[laughter]

But I do have so

much I want to say.

I mean, best three months of

my life because of all of you.

You taught me how to indulge,

and be bold, and savor.

And you taught me

about the importance

of friendship and beauty.

So thank you.

Sant.

Oh, wait, wait.

I'm sorry.

I have a quote.

It's from Simone de Beauvoir

and she said, [speaking french]

Bravo.

And it means, "I accept the

grand adventure of being me."

And I do.

And I promise to eat good

cheese because good cheese

requires good friends.

Sant.

[laughter]

CLOTILDE: Sant.

Sant [speaking french]

Sant.

Sant.

[serene music]

[seagulls calling]

[knocking]

Ella, your mom is here.

Bonjour.

Taxi's waiting.

Gosh, I feel like I'm

forgetting something.

CLOTILDE: I feel

like you are too.

But if you do, I'll bring

it when I visit, OK?

OK.

CLOTILDE: [sighs]

I'm not going to cry.

I'm not going to cry.

[speaking french] Go.

Oh.

Bye.

Ella, you did forget something.

Pardon.

Someone dropped this off

for you this morning.

[dramatic music]

You can eat it on the flight.

Stink up the whole plane.

(SINGING)... friend

For folks like me

No, I can't.

Not this one.

Mama, you've got to

go back by yourself.

(SINGING) Something I can lean...

Wish me luck on.

(SINGING) Something to hold

when everyone else has gone

I was lucky to have you

Feelings at my side

[speaking french]

(SINGING) Like

when you said hello

What are you doing here?

Aren't you going to

miss your flight?

Yeah, I'm totally

going to miss my flight.

[chuckles] And then

I'm going to have

to rebook a new one for today

because my Visa is expired.

But it's going to be expensive,

and annoying, and illogical,

and it'll be worth

it because I have

to eat this cheese with you.

And then we have

to make cheddar.

Why cheddar?

Because you age cheddar.

You age it for a

year or five years...

The rest of our

lives if we want to.

I want to because

you're my mimolette.

I know I'm mixing

cheese metaphors.

I'm sorry.

[chuckles]

Serge, you're my

reverse bucket list.

And in spite of

all my searching,

you are the little

voice reminding

me that I do know who I am.

I know how I want my life to be.

Richer.

Softer.

Sweeter.

(SINGING)... loves you many dear

And you and I, we are free

We were

Je t'aime

[chuckles] Bien.

[upbeat music]

BOTH: [speaking french]

[singing in french]

Oh, yeah.

I just thought of the

perfect name for the expansion.

ELLA: Oh, yeah?

SERGE: It's kind of cheesy.

ELLA: [laughs]