Indulgence: APICIUS

For years I have been bragging how we never go to Michelin star rated restaurants while in Paris.

There are so many other great options that are affordable and fabulous, that I always skip the haute cuisine and the haute prices that go with it.

However, this year we decided to splurge.

We decided to dine at Apicius for a few reasons.

First, our friend Stephane from Zen Can Cook did a beautiful post on Apicius, having worked side by side w/ Chef Jean Pierre Vigato in his amazing kitchen.......

Second, we could see the magnificent garden and terrace lit up each night from our balcony, as this mansion was only 500 feet from our rented apartment!

So, temptation gave in and we bit the bullet.
As they say, "When in Rome", (but in this case, Paris).

Apicius is a 2 Michelin star restaurant, chef owned and probably the most special meal we have ever had in our lives.

Save your calories and your pennies, because the food is delicious and rich. This is a 3 hour dinner and worth every bit of indulgence.

We started with champagne out on the gorgeous terrace, watching all the fancy cars being parked by the voiturier inside this private mansion in the middle of the 8th arrondisement in Paris.

Fashionistas and well dressed gentleman in jackets, most with ties, enjoying this understated elegant ambience.

The dining room is very contemporary and calming, with neutral colors and contemporary art.
Simple flower arrangements on each table and lovely amuse bouche to start the evening.

The chef comes out of the kitchen to greet his loyal customers and carves into French pork pies center stage.

This place is run like a well oiled machine.
As soon as your glass is empty, more wine is poured.

I won't bore you too much with all the details.....but look at this potato tart.

Yes, it is topped with caviar! My husband said it was the best thing he has eaten in a long time.

I had better step up my game.

My pate en croute had chicken, liver and sweetbreads (which are glands, NOT brains).

The chef brought out a lobster bisque with foam and a truffle mousse for us to sample that was so rich and complex, we moaned with each taste.

I know you always wonder how I eat all this stuff and keep going.

Well, in this case, I just took a few bites of each course, since there was so much cream and butter, I thought they would have to roll me home.

Our main plats were a cod and a roasted pigeon................

Each dish was served on a large silver platter and paired with a beautiful wine.

Dessert was my favorite part of the meal.

A traditional French chocolate souffle for 2, with homemade candies, ice cream, canneles, cookies........need I go on?

I caught the pic before the captain placed the whipped cream into the middle of the souffle to stop the cooking process. Holy Mackerel, this could be the best dessert I have ever eaten.

The service was traditional French style, with a captain, a waiter, a sommelier, and everyone else. They couldn't do enough for us.

Service was professional and polite, but friendly if you wanted it to be (and you know I did!).

It was worth every calorie and every penny.

This was the perfect ending to the perfect Paris trip.

Life is too short, so enjoy every minute.

I can diet on Monday.

See you in MY kitchen on Monday!
xo

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