started the week with friends at Livio (my favorite Italian in Nueilly), then at Chez Janouz in the Marais. But the ultimate meal was mid-week at L'Institut Vatel - this is a culinary school. It is named after the person that managed the kitchen and events for King Louis (I forget which one). He had such passion for his work that he killed himself when the fish was not delivered for a big event. (Now, I was told this story - it's just hearsay, you know).
But I can vouch for the institute and the meal! We had a group of 14 or so from both my company and the client. There was a special menu - "Chris Farewell", with starter of Ceviche or Foie Gras, and plates of Ris de Veau (veal), Fricassee de Homard (lobster), or Filet de Boeuf (steak). After the meal, there was an assortment of formages (cheese), and finally le chariot des desserts (about 15-20 dessert choices). It was excellent food, and also nice to be with the group I've worked with. Yes, I took all the deserts (and no, I didn't eat all of them completely - just tried a bite of each). It was a memorable night!
Then on Thursday, the "Order to Cash" team I've been working most closely with took me to lunch! Friday, the office had breakfast pastries and juice for me! It was all a bit overwhelming. I can say that I've never had such hospitality from a customer before. I was tempted not to leave, and see if I could get the treatment again a month later or so!
I spent my last Saturday in Paris taking a long walk through the most famous sights of the city. I left in the morning, followed the river to the Louvre, through Tuiliries, Place de Concorde, Champs Elysees to Arc de Triomphe, then to the Trocadero and Eiffel Tower. I got home in the evening to finish what was left of food in the apartment and reminisce on the last 6 months. It was an amazing experience - once in a lifetime opportunity that I was lucky to have.It's a bit sad to wander Paris on your own on your las day - definately an experience best
shared. But I'll close with quotation from Hemingway (I recommend A Movable Feast - read it while you're in Paris): "That was the end of the first part of Paris. Paris was never to be the same again although it was always Paris and you changed as it changed... There is never any ending to Paris and the memory of each person who has lived in it differs from that of any other. We always returned to it no matter who we were or how it was changed or with what difficulties, or ease, it could be reached. Paris was always worth it and you received return for whatever you brought to it."Au revoir.
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