French Travels: What was the best thing you ate in France?

What was the best thing you ever ate in France?

Is it about stars, or the chef? The anticipation? The food? Maybe, but even more, its about you joining a new table. Meeting new friends and old. 

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Does the aroma wafting from the kitchen pepper your conversation? Is there an intriguing taste that leaves you speechless?

Oyster Mushrooms at Bon Marche in Paris

In Paris... it was only 9:30 am but I felt the pleasure of drinking in the deep and reflective experience of being with Cori and Brenda and Paris, Paris: Journey Into the City of Light author and travel, food, wine and pilgrim extraordinaire, David Downie who Michael Ondatjie says is "The master of educated curiosity." He and his amazing photographer wife, Allison Harris, showed us the secrets of the Marais. We walked into (yes, not just by...) the small and chi-chi Chez L'Ami Louis, frequented by Bill Clinton and other celebs, then through Marche des Enfants Rouge, were led to the gorgeous boutique of astonishing chocolate, Jacques Genin and ate an authentic bistro lunch at Cafe des Musees. Allison and David were generous, gentle and energetic historians of the many layers of the Marais; which must be made of stone, chocolate and Moroccan delicacies. It was at the Cafe des Musees where we also returned to the Veau Debacle.

Chez L'ami Louis in the Marais 

Marche les Enfants Rouge

Merci beaucoup! David Downie and Allison Harris 

We found and arrived, as planned, to La Procope, a restaurant that had been in my mind for a long time. I swear almost since the day it was founded in 1686! Now La Procope still sports Napoleon's bicorn hat. Surely this meal was the best meal.

Judy and the Best Crepes 

Cori and the Best Glace 

Brenda and the Best Parfait 

La Procope Restaurant

But if I think back, we enjoyed the best meal on the very first day. Cori, my assistant, and I were planning all day and frankly, worked up a ferocious appetite! For dinner we visited Parnassus 138 in -- I know you'll be surprised -- Montparnasse.  I was excited to share the best neighborhood restaurant with her. 

Well, now I really don't know -- what was the best meal? What do you think!?

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Cori with her Plat du Jour at Parnassus 138 in Paris

My Salad of Duck Gizzards at Parnassus 138