We're Back

Well after a long sojourn in Michigan, we finally made it back to Amboise.  Most of our time in the States was spent with people and a pet recovering from various illnesses and ailments.  So as soon as we were able, we were off to Paris for a few days of pure pleasure.  It started with a meal at Taillevent.

Remarks about Taillevent from a professional critic:

Jean-Claude Vrinat is my hero. My excuse is that this great restaurateur has maintained Taillevent as one of the very best restaurants in the world, while at the same time somehow managing to remain a paragon of modest courtesy and quiet charm. Taillevent is one of the noblest temples of La Cuisine Française. It has glowed in the light of 3 Michelin stars for thirty years.Since my last visit, the décor of this fine 19th century house in the 8th arrondissement has been subtly altered.I certainly felt jolly, as I eased myself onto the brown banquette, admired the shining Christofle cutlery and sparkling glassware (a mixture of Schott and the Riedel Vinum range), and allowed my eyes to rest on a sculpture of two large ducks. 

These are excerpts from the start of a very long review.  In the end, he wrote:

I was so delighted to find that Taillevent continues in top form. But, as I left, I asked Monsieur Vrinat whether he regretted any of the changes of recent years. Yes, he replied, just one. Occasionally, his guests did not dress quite as smartly as they used to do.

Our meal was most enjoyable and the service although impeccable was not haughty or condescending. The staff was helpful in every way imaginable to make it a delightful experience.  A solo man seated right next to us curiously ordered 5 desserts and 5 different wines to accompany them.  He took copious notes, and several members of the staff discussed each wine and dessert in detail with him.  We assume he was also a critic.

We did some Spring clothing shopping.  How I talked Ron into buying a navy sweater with red embroidery and matching shoes is even a mystery to me.  The cute venduse might have had something to do with it:

Next we attended a dance (avec les vetements) at the Folies Bergere called Tango Passion:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YvEplPdZTk  

The theater's heyday was during the Belle Epoque and it needs some renovation sorely.i

We ended our getaway with breakfast at the Hotel Meurice on Rue de Rivoli.  The Hotel moved to its present site in 1835 and was known for lavish entertainment with dinners lasting from 8pm until 8am.  One luncheon was composed of hardboiled eggs from the rarest of birds only - partridges, swans, etc.

Guests at the Hotel included many notables: Queen Victoria, Peter Tchaikovsky, Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Grand Duchess of Russia, King Alphonse XIII of Spain (who brought his own furniture), FDR, many rulers and many cinema celebrities.  The Shah of Iran was staying at the Hotel when he was dethroned.