Edgas Degas portrayed it. As did Edouard Manet. It even appeared in the movie, Moulin Rouge, and in another 'Dracula' type movie. It was also mentioned in a famous novel written by the son of an Italian engineer. What is it, what have the French nick-named it, and who was the famous novelist?

ing

Ooh, this is driving me mad peasy! I've gotten as far as Emile Zola and initially figured it is something to do with the Revolution or the Paris Commune. But now I've come back to the Folies-Bergère, except I can't find another name for it. Somebody please put me out of my misery! Oct 04 05, 12:26 AM

TabbyTom

My guess is Les Halles, the great central food market nicknamed "Le ventre de Paris" ("the belly of Paris") Oct 04 05, 2:08 AM

peasypod

Ooooh, I love driving people crazy. Nope and nope. Wow, I've even stumped TT, for now at least. No clues til morning guys, but perhaps I'll let loose that Zola was the dude you're after... Oct 04 05, 4:02 AM

ing	Okay, my next offer is the Paris Stock Exchange, la Bourse. I never thought I'd say this, but I wish I'd seen Moulin Rouge! Oh, and I'm also thinking that the 'Dracula' reference is more along the lines of Anne Rice than Bram Stoker...? Oct 04 05, 6:02 AM

lanfranco

You know, we had a question about absinthe recently, and it fits all the criteria. Both Manet and Degas painted absinthe drinkers, it is featured in the films "Moulin Rouge" and "Van Helsing," and in Zola's novel "L'Assommoir." The French call it "The Green Fairy." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absinthe Oct 04 05, 10:32 AM

peasypod

Yes dear, I'm well aware of the recent Absinthe question but still proves a hoot to drag it out again in a somewhat differing approach. Of course, it may have something to do with a person leaving behind a bottle of it at work on Monday night and has still not retrieved it. I'll give them til today and then I'll claim it as mine. It *is* in such a pretty bottle.... Oct 04 05, 3:35 PM

ing	Well colour me incredibly disappointed; I think the Stock Exchange would make a much more interesting story! Oh well, I am last released from my torment. Oct 04 05, 7:22 PM

peasypod

So you can rest easy tonight ing. Disappointed eh? Next time I'll bring out the Can-Can girls and the hors d'oeuvre trolley... Oct 04 05, 7:30 PM

ing	Thanks peasy, I'll cope! I've enjoyed my quest...now I just have to come up with something to challenge you lot. Oh, the pressure! Oct 04 05, 7:39 PM