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!?
Join our Families in Europe program at La Belle Gasconne this summer!
Cori with her Plat du Jour at Parnassus 138 in Paris
My Salad of Duck Gizzards at Parnassus 138
