The Perfect Way to Say “Je T’Aime!”

Whether you’re walking hand in hand along the Seine, exploring the intimate cobbled streets of Montmartre or warming up next to your loved one in a cozy café with a vin chaud, Paris is a city of romance and love. A stay in one of our romantic Paris Perfect apartments is sure to bring you lasting memories this Valentine’s Day!

We still have a few romantic apartments still open for Valentine’s week, and we are happy to share some exciting incentives to book your Romantic Getaway in Paris! As part of our Valentine’s Day Package, we’re offering you and your loved one the chance to stay in one of our romantic one-bedroom Paris Perfect apartments with extraordinary Eiffel Tower views! Our special rates for Valentine’s week start at only €195/ night* (regular price €300/ night) and are based on a minimum stay of one week.

To make your stay in Paris extra special, our Valentine’s Day Package also includes:

• A bottle of chilled Champagne awaiting you on arrival
• Welcome basket with assorted goodies
• A box of French macarons by award-winning chocolatier Gregory Renard
• Two complementary tickets for a romantic boat cruise down the river Seine
• Special discounted price of €50 each for a one hour couple’s massage in your Paris apartment.

As with all of our Special Occasions packages, we are also happy to recommend additional services for private chefs, private shoppers, private tours, personalized event planning and beauty salon treatments. Just let us know and we can help you design your perfect Valentine’s Day in Paris!

Sweet Treats for Your Loved One

If you’re in Paris for Valentine’s week or any special occasion, we have discovered a unique way to say “I Love You!” Master chocolatier, Gregory Renard, located on the charming rue St. Dominique in the 7th arrondissement, has offered to personalize your “Je t’aime” message on one of his superb bars of chocolate. For a delightful French treat, consider one of Gregory’s special 15 inch macarons in the flavor of your choice featuring your special message, gift-wrapped and ready for you to deliver personally the next day. This is one Valentine’s Day treat you and your loved one will not soon forget!

The Most Romantic Apartments in Paris

Many of our apartments are located in the 7th arrondissment just a pleasant stroll from the Eiffel Tower. Imagine watching the nightly light show on La Grande Dame while enjoying a romantic dinner in the comfort of your Paris Perfect apartment—pure magic! Our apartments are located in the heart of Paris, with fine restaurants and charming cafés just around the corner. Head out for an evening on the town and enjoy dinner, a cabaret show or the theater, or enjoy our complementary boat cruise down the Seine. Romance is in the air as the beautiful sites of Paris glide by!

Paris Perfect’s luxury Paris vacation rentals offer our guests privacy and comfort in gorgeous apartments. Our handpicked apartments are known for their enviable locations, marvelous views and fine décor. Many of our apartments have spectacular Eiffel Tower views and all are conveniently located near Paris landmarks, top designer boutiques, the Seine River and the best cafes, restaurants and attractions Paris has to offer.

Valentine’s Day in the City of Lights

See our Valentine’s Day Package for more details and information on planning an unforgettable Valentine’s Day with Paris Perfect. The romance of Paris awaits you!

* The sale offers are for a limited time only and are subject to availability. Quoted prices for January 3 – March 12, 2010. Prices in US Dollars: $289/night or $2,203/week (regular price of $435/night). Contact parisperfect.com for sale prices on all apartments for all seasons.

Biggest Designer Discount Store in Paris

The Biggest Luxury Consignment Store in Paris

Worn that € 1,000 pair of shoes from Chanel once for that special party?  Clearning out your original Vuitton luggage? Don’t wear your 52nd Hermes scarf?  The lucky recipient of 2 Kelly handbags for your birthday? For luxury fashion items in impeccable condition,  this is the granddaddy of all consignment stores.

Paris is famous for the big sales that begin just after Christmas and that’s a perfect reason to visit. But did you know about the fabulous year-round treasure troves at Paris’ largest luxury consignment stores?

Reciproque is the largest luxury consignment store in Paris, located in the upscale 16^th arrondissement. It is comprised of 7 boutiques and over 7,500 square feet of selling space, all located on Rue de la Pompe near the metro stop of the same name. The location is walking distance or a short metro ride from many of our Paris vacation rentals.

Fabulous Shoes, Boots, Sandals by Every Luxury Designer in the World

About the 16^th Arrondissement

The 16^th arrondissement is known as the BCBG, or Bon Chic Bon Genre quartier (good style, good class) and many Parisians aspire to live and shop here.  A little snob (Philippe does a great imitation of how locals pronounce Seizième)…. it’s just across the river from many of our apartment rentals in the 7^th arrondissement.  The rows of Haussmanian buildings are indeed beautiful, although the rows of buildings somewhat confining.

This very French quarter offers some of the best restaurants, food stores and boutiques in Paris and if you spend time in Paris, it’s a must to explore. Cross the river behind the Trocadero, visit the Museum of Mankind and the café and enjoy magnificent views over the Seine, the Eiffel Tower and Ecole Militaire. Or immerse yourself in a Parisian’s Paris behind the Trocadero where you can sit at one of four chic café’s to meet friends and watch the world go by.

The 16^th is also where shrewd Parisians go to find great fashion bargains. As one Parisian told me, she starts her morning in the 8th arrondissement next door – on Ave Montaigne and Faubourg St. Honore — scoping out the latest eye stopping fashions. Then straight to the 16^th and Reciproque (or Catherine Max– more on Max later) with credit card.

The gorgeous Prada shoes below were priced at €345, to give you an example.  This is high end discount retailing!

Matching Discount Designer Shoes and Handbags

Reciproque

Mme. Nicole Morel founded the business 30 years ago and continues to oversee each and every department with great care. She knows brands, styles, best sellers and classics like no one you have ever met. As I interviewed her, she answered the phone and I overhead her saying ‘Not another mink with wrap collar! Well this is the season; tell her €1,000 and we’ll do our best.’

There is every known brand and label from France, Italy and around the world: Hermes,Chanel, Dior, Vuitton, Ferre, Armani, Celine, Lacroix, Dolce, Gaultier, Sander, Choo, Blanik, Pradi, Rolex, Baccarat, Westwood, Balenciaga, Chaumet, Comme des Garcons, Escada, Fendi, Ferragamo and more.

Paris Discount Shopping: Evening Gown Bargains

Discounts: Mme. Morel explained that discounts range between 20% to 80% depending on the item, brand and demand. For example a Kelly handbag is in such high demand that there is a very small discount, but you don’t have to wait six months at Hermes. A more common item might be 60% off. Hermes scarves are € 195 vs almost € 300 at the Herme’s Store on rue Faubourg St. Honore’. If that first label item is a little beyond reach, check at Reciproque. You can compare prices easily, because the 16^th is next to the 8^th arrondissement where the flagship stores are located: Ave. Montaigne, Champs Elysees and Faubourg St. Honore.

The recession has taken its toll and since this store has traditionally been for Parisians, business has slowed.  The assortments are at their best and you can sometimes bargain slightly for a high ticket item. I love the fact that their basic website is offered in only 3 languages: French, English…and Russian.

The Beige Evening Gowns Took Up an Entire Rack

Reciproque Stores:
Open Tuesday to Friday: 11 am to 7 pm.  Saturdays 10:30 to 7 pm

No. 89 rue de la Pompe: Jewelry, Crystal, Silver and Art: This store sells everything from classic Cartier rings to Hermes watches, to antique French silver, to signed paintings by known artist, to Baracat crystal from the 1930’s. It’s small but packed with inventory.

Hermes Watches with Original Boxes in the Jewelry Store

No. 92 rue de la Pompe: Men’s: The Men’s Store sells every top brand of clothing and accessory for men: Never worn to hardly worn suits, jeans, sweaters, jackets, shirts, polo shirts, coats shoes…. to Louis Vuitton luggage. On two floors, the racks are jammed with fine clothing.

Men's Discount Store; 2 Floors, Jam-Packed Including Designer Luggage

No. 93 rue de la Pompe: Women’s Evening and Cocktail: This was my favorite boutique and wonderfully overwhelming. Fabulous evening gowns, cocktail dresses, shoes, wedding accessories and more. I loved the shoes and gowns, wondering what the occasion and story was behind the most fabulous or unusual. The next time I’m invited to a Coronation Ball, here is where I’ll shop.

Dior Evening Shoes...Fabulous Design!

No. 95 rue de la Pompe: Women’s Boutique: My mother in law used to tell me about this store, where I could find classic Chanel suits by the dozen. Why didn’t I follow her advice years ago? One wall displays nothing but Chanel jackets. I have learned a lot about French fashion taste over the past few decades; having one or two great suits that are timeless is the key. All clothing must be in good condition and if you need a fab suit, great pair of slacks, jeans, sweaters, tops you’ll find them here.

These Dior shoes with the fabulous heel were marked at €299

Dior Evening Shoes Discount price Euros 299

Hats of every size, color and design!

No. 97 rue de la Pompe: Consignment Depot: This is where everyone from genteel nobility who could use a little cash, to efficient fashionistas make their appointment to evaluate and drop off their fashion items. Clothes and all items must be high fashion designer labels, in excellent condition and in demand.  If you’re lucky, they will take them on.  Average selling cycle is 3 months to one year.

No. 101 rue de la Pompe: Hand bags, Costume Jewelry, Coats, Jackets: When I was there, the store was filled with Japanese and Chinese buyers.

Dresses for every taste and occasion at discount prices

Row Upon Row of Paris Shoppping Bargains

· Scarves: Hundreds of Hermes scarves in perfect condition, plus other great brands such as Ferragamo.  Discounts are about 30 to 35% from new at the Hermes store on Fauboug St. Honore. My favorites are the classic designs that are no longer made.

Hermes Scarves: the Best Designs 30% Off

· Handbags and Purses: Racks and shelves are divided by brand, from Bottega Veneta, to Vuitton to….

Vuitton, Chanel and Hermes Handbags at Big Discounts

Thousands of designer shoes and boots!

· Bathing suits: yes, even bikinis and monokinis have a season for the fashionistas of Paris. Find only the best brands including Eres, the most sought after bathing suits in Paris.

More Discount Purses: Longchamps, Rykiel, Chloe and more.

· Coats and raincoats: Racks are jam packed; here is where to look for your next Burberry.

Happy Discount Shopping in Paris!

Baccarat and Lalique Crystal: Paris Discount Shopping

Bargains at Paris Perfect Apartment Rentals:
Take advantage of low air fares and our low, low season prices for January, February and early March!  Apartment prices start at €800 per week for a beautiful studio for two people, €1,365 per week ( only € 195/night) for a romantic one bedroom Paris Rental that sleeps four people, to €1,700 per week for two bedrooms that sleep up to six people at www.ParisPerfect.com! You can’t beat the most beautiful apartments in Paris and the super prices.

Herme's Buche: Pistachio and Strawberry Flavor

I drool over the beautiful Buches de Noel by Pierre Herme. Here is a sampling of this year’s lineup and an easy to make recipe below.

Chuao chocolate Buche with cherry accents

Herme's Buche with chocolate and caramel

The Ispahan Buche with strawberry and lychee

Each creation looks more delicious than the one before. They are cake creations of his famous macarons, Ispahan, Chuao chocolate, Montebello…

I’m going to make the following easy recipe for Christmas, substituting vanilla ice cream for the filling…..

Recipe for Bûches de Noël (Courtesy of Epicurious.com)
Filling
• 2/3 cup whole milk
• 2 large egg yolks
• 2 TBSP sugar
• 3 TBSP all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup marzipan, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
• 6 TBSP unsalted butter, cut into 6 pieces, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp almond extract

Cake
• 6 large eggs
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup all purpose flour
• 2 TBSP unsalted butter, melted
• 2 TBSP powdered sugar
Frosting
• 3/4 cup whipping cream
• 3 TBSP unsalted butter
• 5 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 4 ounces milk chocolate, chopped
For filling:
Boil milk in saucepan over medium heat. Whisk yolks and sugar in small bowl until well blended; whisk in flour. Whisk hot milk into egg mixture. Return to same saucepan. Whisk over medium heat until custard thickens and boils, about 1 1/2 minutes. Transfer to processor; cool to room temperature, about 1 hour. Add marzipan; process until smooth, about 1 minute. Blend in butter 1 piece at a time, then both extracts. Cover and refrigerate filling at least 4 hours or up to 2 days.
For cake:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Butter 11×10x1-inch jelly roll pan. I use a loaf pan. If you have a silicon loaf pan, you don’t need to use parchment paper. Line the bottom with parchment paper; butter and flour parchment.
Whisk eggs, 3/4 cup sugar, vanilla, salt in large metal bowl. Set bowl over pan of simmering water. Whisk until just warm, about 2 minutes. Remove bowl. With an electric mixer, beat until tripled in volume, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Sift flour over and fold in until gently. Carefully fold in butter (do not overmix, or batter will deflate). Spread batter in prepared pan. Bake about 20 minutes, until tester inserted into center comes out clean. Sift powdered sugar over towel. Run knife around edge of pan to loosen cake. Turn hot cake out onto towel. Peel off parchment. Starting at 1 long side and using towel as aid, gently roll up cake jelly-roll style. Cool.
Unroll cake. Spread filling and re roll it. Put cake seam side down on platter. Refrigerate cake while preparing frosting.
Alternatively, unroll cake, cut ice cream into big pieces along the cake, about ½” thick.. Slowly roll up the cake and put in freezer. (Wait a few hours and serve with soft with hot fudge sauce.)
For frosting:
Bring cream and butter to boil in medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring to melt butter. Remove from heat. Add both chocolates; whisk until melted. Transfer to medium bowl. Let cool at room temperature until thick enough to spread, about 1 hour.
Starting 1 inch in from each end of cake, cut on diagonal to remove one 3-inch-long piece of cake from each end. Attach 1 cake piece at sides of cake near each end. Spread frosting over top and sides of cake and pieces. Using tines of fork, draw concentric circles on cake ends to resemble tree rings. Draw fork along length of cake to form bark design. Garnish with Marzipan Mushrooms.
p.s. Thank you to epicurious.com for the easy to follow recipe. I had to laugh when I checked Martha Stewart’s recipe. 4 separate links for each part and an ‘overview from 30,000 feet’ when it got to the assebly:
Martha Stewart’s Bûches de Noël
• Chocolate Genoise
• Chocolate Mousse
• Chocolate Ganache Icing
• Meringue Mushrooms
Directions
• Make chocolate genoise and mousse, ganache icing, and meringue mushrooms. (Thank you for that!)
• To assemble cake, carefully unroll genoise on the back side of a baking sheet (discard the plastic wrap and waxed paper, but keep the towel). Spread chocolate mousse evenly on cake to within 1 to 2 inches of one long end. Reroll cake, starting from other long end, using towel to help roll it. Cover with plastic wrap; chill until firm, about 1 hour.

The French are circulating a re make of this old fable.

I’ve translated a lighter version into English for your enjoyment.

You can practice your French by scrolling to the bottom!

La Cigale et la Fourmi: The Grasshopper and the Ant

American Version: The Ant and the Grasshopper

Ant works all summer during a heatwave

Builds a house and sets in provisions for winter.

Grasshopper thinks the ant is stupid, laughs, dances and plays.

Winter comes, ant is cold and well fed.

Grasshopper shivers with cold, doesn’t have any food or place to live, and dies in the cold.

The End

Version Francaise: La Cigale et la Gourmi

La Cigale et La Fourmi: French Version

Ant works all summer during a heatwave

Builds a house and sets in provisions for winter.

Grasshopper thinks the ant is stupid, laughs, dances and plays.

Winter comes, the ant is cold and well fed.

Grasshopper shivers with cold, organizes a press conference and demands to know why the ant has the right to be warm and well-fed while others who are less fortunate are cold and hungry.

French TV does prime time broadcasts showing grasshopper shivering with cold.  Switch to videos of ant, warm at home, dining table laden with food.

The French are shocked that in a country so rich, one lets the poor grasshopper suffer while others live in abundance.

Demonstrations take place outside the ant’s house.

Headlines in French papers: Why did ant become rich on the back of the grasshopper?  Demands that the government  to raise taxes so ants pays his “fair share”.

Communist Trade Union and the Revolutionary Communist League organize sit ins outside the ant’s home.

France raises taxes; passes a law on economic anti-discrimination and equality, retroactive to last summer.

Ant fined because he didn’t employ the grasshopper as an assistant.

Ant can’t pay fine and higher taxes; house repossessed

Ant moves to Switzerland where he goes to work, pays taxes, contributes to the economy

French TV does a story on the grasshopper, now fat

House deteriorates and the French government is criticized for not maintaining it.

Grasshopper dies of an overdose.

Cockroaches take over, start dealing drugs from the house and terrorize the insect community.

FIN

Interesting insights by French ants on what socialism has done for France.

Version USA

La fourmi travaille dur tout l’été dans la canicule

Elle construit sa maison et prépare ses provisions pour l’hiver.

La cigale pense que la fourmi est stupide, elle rit, danse et joue

Une fois l’hiver venu, la fourmi est au chaud et bien nourrie.

La cigale grelottante de froid n’a ni nourriture ni abri, et meurt de

froid.

FIN

Version Francaise

La fourmi travaille dur tout l’été dans la canicule.

Elle construit sa maison et prépare ses provisions pour l’hiver.

La cigale pense que la fourmi est stupide, elle rit, danse et joue tout

l’été.

Une fois l’hiver venu, la fourmi est au chaud et bien nourrie.

La cigale grelottante de froid organise une conférence de presse et

demande pourquoi la fourmi a le droit d’être au chaud et bien nourrie tandis que

les autres, moins chanceux comme elle, ont froid et faim.

La télévision organise des émissions en direct qui montrent la cigale

grelottante de froid et qui passent des extraits vidéo de la fourmi

bien au chaud dans sa maison confortable avec une table pleine de provisions.

Les Français sont frappés que, dans un pays si riche, on laisse souffrir

cette pauvre cigale tandis que d’autres vivent dans l’abondance.

Les journalistes organisent des interviews, demandant pourquoi la

fourmi est devenue riche sur le dos de la cigale et interpellent le gouvernement

pour augmenter les impôts de la fourmi afin qu’elle paie ’sa juste part’.

La CGT, Le Parti Communiste, la Ligue Communiste Révolutionnaire, organisent seat-ins et manifestations devant la maison de la fourmi.

Les fonctionnaires décident de faire une grève de solidarité de 59

minutes par jour pour une durée illimitée.

En réponse aux sondages, le gouvernement rédige une loi sur l’égalité

économique et une loi (rétroactive à l’été) d’anti-discrimination.

Les impôts de la fourmi sont augmentés et la fourmi reçoit aussi une

amende pour ne pas avoir embauché la cigale comme aide.

La maison de la fourmi est préemptée par les autorités car la fourmi

n’a pas assez d’argent pour payer son amende et ses impôts.

La fourmi quitte la France pour s’installer en Suisse où elle

contribue à la richesse économique.

La télévision fait un reportage sur la cigale maintenant engraissée.

Elle est en train de finir les dernières provisions de la fourmi bien

que le printemps soit encore loin.

Des rassemblements d’artistes et d’écrivains de gauche, se tiennent

régulièrement dans la maison de la fourmi.

Le chanteur Renaud compose la chanson ‘Fourmi, barre-toi!’…

L’ancienne maison de la fourmi, devenue logement social pour la

cigale, se détériore ar cette dernière n’a rien fait pour l’entretenir.

Des reproches sont faits au gouvernement pour le manque de moyens.

Une commission d’enquête est mise en place, ce qui coûtera 10 millions

d’euros.

La cigale meurt d’une overdose.

La maison est squattée par un gang de cafards qui organisent un trafic de marijuana et terrorisent la communauté…

FIN

Getting ready to take pictures of the Kir Paris apartment for rent, I woke up early. First stop was one of my favorite pastry shops across the street to buy my standard breakfast in Paris:  ‘Bonjour Madame, un pain au chocolat s’il vous plait et un pain au raisin.’

Sunny day, needed some exercise so I decided to take the stairs. From the 6^th floor (7th floor American) to the ground floor, the difference in light in the stairwell was amazing. We always talk about why it’s important to buy apartments in Paris on upper floors and these pictures say it all.

5th floor natural light

4th floor light ok

3rd floor broad daylight can't see keyhold

By the time I reached the third floor, it was time to turn on the lights.   This difference in natural light is reflected inside an apartment, since city living means apartments face other buildings which block the sunlight.

When you’re staying in a Paris apartment, look towards lower floors and observe how many apartments below turn on their lights by late morning.  We prefer natural sunlight all day long, which means apartments on higher floors where you can see the sky.

I didn’t realize how important it was to me until I spent my first winter in Paris.  When the sky only starts to get light at 9am and sunset begins at 3:30 pm in winter, I realized that I only wanted to live in Paris apartments on the top floors!

2nd floor can't see the stairs

By the third floor, had to swtich on the stairwell lights.  I posted the second floor apartment doorway, but not below because the photos are completely black.

The Moulin a’ Vent Apartment
We had a lot of fun decorating our new Moulin a’ Vent apartment and thought you’d enjoy the latest photos. It took longer than expected to receive the right pieces of furniture, and the new dining table and dresser were delivered last week. We found the Moulin a’ Vent late last spring and the location was fantastic – just around the corner from the Café du Marche on rue Cler.

Extra long sofa makes a comfortable place to stretch out

The kitchen has loads of counterspace, rare for Paris apartments

It had been owned by the same family for over 30 years, who had apparently never changed a thing. The condition of the plasterwork, plumbing, kitchen and bathroom were terrible. But the blue sky views of Paris and the front to back views from 5 large French windows was incomparable. The apartment has a bonus of views of both the Eiffel Tower and the Invalides Dome – rare and simply delightful! Six months of remodeling to our best standard, we discovered the original chimney breasts, hacked away the plaster to the original brick walls — replaced all plumbing, electrics, bathroom and kitchen — we restored it into a beautiful Paris home. We named it Moulin à Vent after the excellent Beaujolais wine with windmill in the center of the vineyards — similar to the wine, the apartment has a fresh, light feel.

White antique style dining table extends to seat 8

Some of our favorite features are the open kitchen and bar in a warm café’ au lait color, the living room and its comfortable sofa and the spacious bedroom. And of course, the sunlight. As we tell potential buyers, when the sun rises after 8 and starts to set at 3:30 pm in winter, you want to be on the highest floors possible, with an unobstructed view! See more photos at: http://www.parisperfect.com/apartments-for-rent-in-paris/moulin-a-vent.php

Newly remodeled kitchen in cafe

Spacious Bedroom, Filled with Sunlight

Spacious bedroom, comfortable armchair next to fireplace

Philippe’s Birthday Present

Philippe's Birthday Lunch, Hand-carried from Paris

Philippe’s Birthday Lunch Served on the Terrace

My husband Philippe’s birthday was last Thursday and I was struggling to find something special to offer him.   Then,  I walked past Dubernet, the shop which sells specialties from the Southwest of France on rue Augereau in the 7th and the lightbulb went on! This shop is tucked away on a quiet street, but well known throughout Paris. They supply many of the top restaurants with foie gras and other delicacies from the Southwest of France: pate’s, foie gras, magret de canard, sausages, choucroute and more, all excellent quality and delicious.

Philippe loves good food and his parents are currently visiting. For the French, Sunday lunch is the most important meal –perfect idea to bring back to London to serve for the weekend.

On the last weekend of the month, Dubernet puts many of their products on sale; so I lined up behind the Parisians on the sidewalk to take advantage of the good prices.

I bought a small magret de canard, or breast of duck that was fully prepared and ready to cook, some special sausages stuffed with pork and foie gras. Finally I added a small selection of chicken liver and goose liver pate’s.

Heading to the Eurostar to London, I stopped off at my favorite macaron shop, Pierre Herme’ and choose a small box of Philippe’s favorite macarons:  Caramel, Cherry, Passion Fruit with Chcolate and Dark chocolate.  Our daughter and I have been learning to bake them and they’ve been a big topic of discussion at meals, with our son a reluctant listener. ‘Mom, you’re obsessed!’ Ok, so I’m obsessed with macarons at the moment; what a challenge to try to make them! I decided we needed a tasting session to compare the best makers in Paris, so bought a small box of Laduree’ and Gregory Renard’s macarons as well.  Not cheap, but all in the name of French Food Research.

French Gift Ideas

French Gift Ideas:  Delicious Food Specialties!

Philippe loved his present and as predicted, suggested we cook the magret for Sunday lunch. The weather in Paris and London has been glorious so we enjoyed champagne and pate’ on the patio, then the tenderest duck we’ve ever eaten. There wasn’t a single slice left! My mother in law made ‘pommes de terre rissole’s, or cubed potatoes with olive oil and garlic – her dish was wiped clean when we finished.

For dessert, Philippe carefully cut up all of the macarons and separated them on different places so we could taste and comment – the Great Macaron Taste Off! My in laws raved about Herme’,  their first introduction to his specialties. They loved his olive oil and basil macaron one, should have bought more. They kept asking who could imagine that such an unusual combination could taste so delicious. The hands down winner: Herme’s incomparable cherry flavored ones – your mouth waters when you bite into one — second was the surprise Mogador macaron, with a “ganache” or filling of passion fruit and chocolate. Laduree’s caramel macarons were superior to Herme’s as was Laduree’s dark chocolate macaron. Gregory Renard won kudos for his raspberry and pistachio ones.

My daughter and I were so inspired that we spent the afternoon making macarons. More on that later…

Tonight we’re having ratatouille omelettes from my mother-in-law Ninette and fresh fruit salad, so we all get our ‘five veg’ a day!