Honoring Connection and Culture: AATF Retirees Meet at Salut Before Its Closing
- Maureen Elwell Peltier
- Dec 8, 2025
- 2 min read
Written by Maureen Elwell Peltier
December 8, 2025
Once a French teacher, always a French teacher, at least that’s what the retired teachers of AATF believe.
On Tuesday, December 2nd, ten of us gathered at the Salut Bar Américain in Edina to speak French, exchange stories and memories, and indulge in French food. It was a wonderful afternoon spent among like-minded people and a perfect opportunity to get out of the house and reconnect with others who share a passion for the French language and the cultures that use it.
We chose Salut Bar Américain in Edina because, unfortunately, this beloved French bistro is closing at the end of December, 2025 after 20 years of serving the community.  Like their Saint Paul location, the Edina establishment’s lease expired, prompting difficult decisions about its future.  According to Jonas Trent, author of article, The One Thing to do in Minnesota Before the End of the Year, the owners of Salut, Parasole Restaurant Holding, have decided not to renew the lease for the building, meaning Salut must sadly bid us adieu.
Getting together with our professional (and many times personal) friends is uplifting. Jeanne Comeford who is retired from Saint Paul Central High School, said it best:
A delightful meal with good conversation in a restaurant with an atmosphere à la française. Un vrai régal !
Our next retired teachers’ luncheon will take place in June. Please visit our website (aatf-mn.com) for more details. Everyone is welcome.
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Photographs by Maureen Elwell Peltier
Jonas, Trent. The One Thing to do in Minnesota Before the End of the Year. Only In Your State, 2 Dec. 2025, https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/state-pride/minnesota/one-thing-to-do-before-year-end-mn. Accessed December 11, 2025.