Saturday, October 22, 2011

A Week in Paris. Monday night: La Fermette Marbeuf

Some of my friends might imagine life in Paris in a certain way: cafes, fashion, wine, etc. I know I had a very unrealistic notion before I came here. Now I can tell you that life in Paris can be as varied as you want it to be. I am going to talk about my past week over the next few posts, starting with Paris, moving to experiences around Canada, India, and perhaps others.
 Monday night I had dinner at a beautiful French restaurant, La Fermette Marbeuf in the 8th. http://www.fermettemarbeuf.com/. I can imagine some of you by now are wondering if I do anything except eat. The answer is yes, but much of the social life here revolves around the table. Restaurants here do not expect you to eat and run; instead people arrive a bit late for the reserved time, take forever to order, and are found hours later lingering over their coffees. Conversation is flowing the whole time. Here I never see a couple sitting across the table from each other with nothing to talk about. I am not sure why that is different here but it is.



La Fermette Marbeuf was built in 1900, and contains some of the most beautiful features I have seen, including this beautiful atrium; it has a true ambience. Being there made me think about how I had imagined Paris, la belle epoque, romance, food, wine... c'est la vie!
And indeed this is a part of Paris and part of its history, but not something local Parisiens experience regularly, or at least I don't think so. I am very lucky to be introduced to some of these gems by my friends and colleagues.


Several people at my table had the 5 course menu degustation.  I showed great restraint and had only three courses: Langoustine bisque, filet of salmon, and 3 wonderful cheese to finish. Our waiter had a bit of an attitude, but the manager was wonderful and made everything right. Along with my colleagues, my boss, his boss and wife, we had a very enjoyable evening. \Just as we left the restaurant at 11, the lights on the Eiffel Tower started their hourly sparkle show. What's not to like?


2 comments:

  1. Thanks for the recommendation. This looks like a great restaurant.

    Yes, the food factor is a recurring theme. My request, continue doing that. Share your fitness regime also with the reader. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Walking - but I may need to take up running to keep up with my caloric intake!

    ReplyDelete

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