Dinner at REED in Paris

The restaurant REED, in Paris,  became known to me through my blogger friend, Penny, at Lake Lure Cottage Kitchen.  I emailed the owner of REED, Catherine, asking for reservations.  We were arriving from Provence by train at approximately 3:30 p.m.  Catherine sent me our reservation confirmation for 7 p.m. that evening.  She asked if I would like to attend her cooking class that afternoon, but unfortunately the timing would not work for us, but we were anxious for our meal at her restaurant.

Since we were renting a studio on Rue Rivoli, we took the Metro to the restaurant at Rue Amélie.  This street runs parallel to Rue Cler which is always bustling, with shops, markets, restaurants and people. 

Catherine greeted us graciously and we just needed to mention that Penny had taken a cooking class from her, and we were immediately welcomed as family.  She jokingly mentioned that it turned out to be "English" night as all her guests seemed to be from the States.

Chatting to each other between the closely situated tables only reinforced the talk.

What to order....always difficult when you want to experience it all.  I opted for fresh pea soup with mint as my first course.  Certainly a very good choice as it was absolutely delicious.

The Trout had a terrine centered with foie gras.  Again, a very good choice.

My main coarse was osso buco which was perfectly done and very flavorful.  She reminded me to eat the marrow which I did and enjoyed.

The Trout had beef cheek daube which was very tasty, extremely tender and beef cheeks is something you do not find in the USA.  Both dishes excellent choices.

And yes, we were much too full for the desserts she offered.  We had indulged in her beautiful hard rolls a little too much.  There was also a nice bottle of red wine, very fairly priced for a restaurant.

Catherine's cooking at REED would be described as slow French country cooking.  Definitely worth a visit while in Paris.  The atmosphere itself is very inviting.  Her kitchen is open to the dining room, beautifully organized and yes, I wish I could have taken a class from her.  Perhaps next trip.

Petit dejeuner at Angelina

Sometimes you just have to ask yourself, "why not?" and go for it.  It almost seemed illegal, but The Trout and I had a breakfast in Paris that we will not soon forget.

The studio were we renting in Paris was in the 1st arrondissement which was walking distance to the Tuileries, the Louvre, and so many other sites.  And, walking distance to Angelina, for the best pot of hot chocolate in the world!!!

The decor in Angelina's is so romantic and elegant, it almost makes you search the room for Marie Antoinette.  The waitresses are perfectly dressed in black and white and set your small tables very properly.  It was a 40 Euro breakfast, but so much fun.  A pot of thick, rich, hot chocolate, four pastries including croissants,  2 hard rolls with jam and butter and two large glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.  And do you see that cup of beautiful white fluff in the front of the photo?  That is whipped cream, so stiff that the spoon stood upright in it.  This is added to the cup of hot chocolate.  You need to imagine the very best chocolate bar melted to the perfect temperature, poured into a cup and then you add that whipped cream to smooth it all out.  I mean...it was such a luxurious taste.

It was a Sunday morning and I was surprised to see all the young families coming in with their children for breakfast.  Hot chocolate is their specialty, but the coffee smelled delicious also.  Angelina also sells pastries and chocolates, a light lunch and they serve tea in the afternoon.  It is something you would not find in America, so you really need to see and enjoy.

 The restaurant was first opened in 1903 by an Austrian who wished to honor his daughter, Angelina.  It is located on Rue de Rivoli.

Eiffel Tower

Words are not important here.  I would think most anyone in the world recognizes this structure.  I took this picture from a different viewing point and I think it is my very favorite picture of the Eiffel Tower.  

Be it early morning, afternoon or in the evening when the Eiffel is lit with bright lights, you have to admit it is magnificent!!  I was also able to capture this picture without any tourists in the photo.  That is a real accomplishment.

Be sure to come visit me on Sunday when I am having my first giveaway and an anniversary of sorts!!

There are so many bridges over the Seine in Paris, and they are all beautiful.  Of course, with that "tower" in the background, the view is all the better.

But, this is starting to be a nuisance.  It started quite a few years ago, I believe in Hungary.  Lovers or close friends will write their names on a lock, click it onto the bridge wires and together, throw the key into the river below.  It sealed their friendship and love.  Many also have the dates on them.  It is interesting and I found, rather appealing.  Officials think that it is a form of littering.  At this point, it would be a tremendous job to remove all these locks and keep them from going up again.  Besides, the lock salesmen are doing a fine business.

Okay, we will admit that we are small town Midwesterners who have never tasted Fallafel before.  Heard lots about it, have seen recipes for it, but have never tried it.  So, off we went to one of the most "famous" fallafel restaurants in Paris.  With Metro map in hand, we found it easily though the day was a little rainy.

And so, the pita filled with fallafel and red and green cabbage...it was outstanding.  There were at least 6 or 7 of this round little babies in my pita.  Thank you, thank you, for letting us taste this treat.  I doubt it will be the last time.