Paris, Day 3

Look, this trip has been mostly work to this point. Which is fine, because that's why I came. But I've really wanted to start getting into being in Paris. So tonight I was fortunate enough to go out with my friends Vanessa, Tarick, and Cedric. We went to a restaurant off the beaten path, but one that Vanessa really loved and which she thought I would like as well.

The place must have been 200 years old or something...really old feel to it. Had a great atmosphere to it, lots of locals just doing the French thing - wine, laughter, food. They eat so late, but really savor each moment and morsel. Something to be learned there.

The food was quite interesting. First, appetizers. They brought out the yummiest bread ever, just perfect crunch and texture. They ordered a cheese and meats tray, which ended up having a lot of yummy and interesting food. I don't know all that I ate, but some of it tasted like organs. The sausage was super fatty, which I guess is good. The meats were salty but savory, and the cheese was melt-in-your-mouth good.

For dinner they suggested I order a dish with white beans, meat, some veggies. I don't know if I loved it, but I will say this...I felt like I was in an authentic kitchen somewhere in the middle of France. It just tasted like home - like a big bowl your mom might give you on a cold night. I ate as much as I could, which wasn't much, and enjoyed the fact that there were huge bones and stuff in it. Very authentic.

Dessert was simply divine. They ordered a medley of dishes, and the chocolate was maybe the best I've had. The apple pie had a light and flaky crust, but super rich apples with spices and sugar. The chocolate cake...well, it was warm and soft and rich. The creme brulee was good as well, but compared to the others, child's play.

My friends were interesting and engaging. I really appreciated their speaking in Engligh. Sure, it would have been rude to not include me at all, but they went out of the way to ensure I had a good time, that I learned about their culture, and that we enjoyed the company. They also made sure that I got home safely via a taxi, which was nice.

I saw the Eiffel tower, and look forward to going up it. We ate near the Parthenon, which is where national heros are buried and where I actually want to go. They drove me past the Louvre, and a bunch of other buildings that I couldn't pronounce but which simply looked majestic.

Tonight was a great night. I took some photos of the restaurant, and will post them when I get home so I remember this night for a long time.