A Perfect Evening in Paris

Twenty Years in Paris – Part III

We arrived in Paris at the Gare du Norde train station and took a taxi to the Marriott Champs-Elysees where we discovered our room was not yet ready even though it was 4:00 p.m. and check-in was at 3:00. We asked if another room was available and after a few minutes of feverishly pounding his computer’s keyboard and making phone calls, the front desk clerk was able to change our room so we could unpack and get ready for dinner. Knowing that we were celebrating our 20^th anniversary, the hotel manager kindly sent a celebratory cheese plate and bottle of white wine for our enjoyment. Abandoning all dietary common sense during our trip, we dove right in.

The manager sent us a cheese plate and a bottle of white wine for our anniversary.

After such an elaborate appetizer, we had to think twice about heading out for dinner. Well, not really! We knew what was in store for us and finished dressing for dinner. This night’s destination was a small, left bank restaurant serving classic Parisian dishes.Our first night’s dinner was at Chez Dumonet where we were seated just inside the front door, directly in front of their elegant, antique mirrored bar.

After the requisite Champagne aperatif, we chose typical French favorites – Duck Breast and Boeuf Bourguignon with a fine red wine. Dinner was amazing, as usual.

Duck Breast

Boeuf Bourguignon

And what better way to finish such a meal than with a Grand Marnier souffle. Coffee is optional but dessert is not. What’s not to love about Paris?

Grand Mariner souffle

Walking back to the hotel from dinner, we passed several iconic landmarks bathed in what gives Paris its nickname, “the city of lights.”No where else in the world can you find such a sophisticated mix for the senses than in our favorite city, Paris.

Hotel des Invalides

Amazing food, breathtaking sights and the opportunity to share it with the one you love – what could possibly make for a more perfect evening?

A walk along the River Seine at night.