Today was our last day in Paris. I spent the morning in the Marais with Oliver Gee and a small group. This afternoon, after lunch, Claire and headed off, via Métro, to Le Jardin de Luxembourg. 

This evening, we had dinner with my friend Cyril Denis. At his suggestion, we dined at Les Marche, in the 16ème. I met Cyril a few years ago when he led a food tour for La Cuisine Paris. We immediately became Instagram friends, staying in touch. Earlier this year, I (with Annie and Kiki) did another food tour with Cyril. In May, I attended a cooking class he was presenting at La Cuisine Paris.

After our nightmare experience, I wrote some things, in the emotions of the moment, that I must retract. Even though our hotel stay has been delightful, I will look forward to renting apartments in Paris. I realize I’ve been renting apartments for 15+ years without a major issue. One bad experience won’t turn me away from the comfort and convenience of an apartment. It’s nice to have the space and the niceties of an apartment, such as a refrigerator and freezer. I like going to the supermarché and buying items for consumption “at home.”  In the afternoon, I enjoy having a cocktail and a small plate of charcuterie. The Hotel Muguet is very nice and we were fortunate enough to get a cancelled room at the last moment. The room is 10’ x 12’ and one must close a window to walk along that side of the bed!

Tout le monde-Thanks for following along this past week.

À bientôt,
Jeff

Le Château de Versailles - What can I say? Nice house? Nice yard?

​Dinner was at one of favorite restaurants, La Fontaine de Mars. The cassoulet was excellent. 

This morning, we want to Giverny. The weather was wonderful, as was Monet’s home and garden. FYI-It’s not hard to take pretty pictures of flowers in Monet’s garden.

This evening, we had dinner at Milagro (85, Avenue Bosquet). I’ve had dinner there before, and it was excellent. Tonight, it was truly outstanding. The food is meticulously prepared and beautifully served. I had Ceviche, served in some sort of cold broth. It was followed by veal, served with potatoes. This isn’t bistro food. Justin, the owner, is a delight. 

Just a quick post for today. Rained AM so we headed out at about noon for a Big Bus tour of Paris. After thirty years of traveling to Paris, Claire and I still love doing this. This evening, Karla B. joined us for dinner at Bouillon Racine. What a perfect evening!

It rained most of the day, which was good since I was quite busy. Long story short: The apartment was terrible and disgusting. AirBnB was super. We are now in a very nice small hotel, in a very small hotel room. Based upon our recent apartment experience, we are very happy. If you are interested in the entire story, read the linked document, below.

Today was our trip to Reims and three Maisons Champagne. It was a great day.

I will refrain from going on a rant. Bottom line-I am totally done with apartment rentals (AirBnB and VRBO). They are a never-ending hassle with unlimited misrepresentations by the owners and/or property managers. Moving forward, I will be happily staying in hotels.

On a more positive note-A totally uneventful trip to Paris (Thank you United Air Lines). This evening, a wonderful dinner at one of my favorites, Le P’Tit Trouquet. Mme M.,  the owner, is always delightful and gracious. Merci bien! FYI-The food is incredible, as is the service.

Our next trip to Paris is almost here. Claire and I leave Monday, arriving in Paris on Tuesday morning.