Un Jour Ailleurs

One of the (many) fantastic things about Paris is that there is at least one café on every block - which is tremendous because you can always find a coffee, a kir, or whichever other beverage is going to meet your needs at any time - but the trick is finding the one you want to keep on returning to.

So, with this in mind, I spent my days just walking - strolling really - around in the sunny weather looking for just the right spot - which was when I stumbled on au petit fer à cheval in the Marais. It was adjacent to, and across the street from, at least six other similar establishments, but it just looked right.


My new local

... AND which was where I had the most outstanding meal of my stay, quite by chance. It was lunchtime and although I wasn't really hungry, I was talked into ordering the plat du jour by the (of course) charming waiter.


Entrecôte de veau

A superbly cooked veal steak with a spectacular red pepper sauce on a bed of endives - I don't know what secrets the chef used to get rid of the typically bitter and sharp taste of the endives, these were so delicious - with carrots on the side, in a soufflé! I was so happy and so satisfied with this dish after not having much luck previously with the more traditional meals, that I lingered for some time and ate as slowly as I could to enjoy every mouthful while it was still hot and lovely.

I went and thanked the chef afterwards - naturellement - and enjoyed the pleasure of people watching with my fellow café-goers, whilst listening to the local gossip provided by the couple sitting at the table in front of mine, especially reserved for them everyday! Delightful ...


At the café

So once I satisfied myself lunch-wise, I hit the streets as a tourist again - life is hard ain't it?


Guimard's metro

... will take you to see the sights.


La Tour Eiffel (encore)


Pyramid?


Pyramids at the Louvre


Pont de Napoleon III - Grand Palais

And because sight-seeing can be a highly energetic activity, it is always wise to ensure you have the right provisions (i.e. enough sugar!) to get you through it all.


What surprise lies inside?


Une tartelette

Yes Brent, I am now officially one of the bourgeoisie!!! Shame, shame on me ...