We entered a restored salon of the Hotel Mazin La Fayette, built in 1728. It has an old French table setting. There were large old French paintings hanging on the carpeted walls. The place was hushed except for the soft clinking of utensils and the low murmurs of diners.
We were seated on one of the round tables for four somewhere in the middle of the room. Three out of four red cushioned caquetoire chairs were occupied.
"Uhm," Leila looked around. "Are we waiting for someone?"
Jean smiled pleasantly. "Yes. We're waiting for my grandson."
I recalled one of his letters to Helen that his daughter-in-law had given birth to his only grandson. He never mentioned what his name was.
"Sorry, I'm late." An attractive man of my age wearing black blazer and white v-neck shirt came to our table and sat on the vacant seat beside me. As for a Frenchman's grandson, he doesn't possess French accent. "There was a slight traffic from the airport."
"Jack," Jean said. "I would like you to meet..." he hesitated. "I'm sorry, but I believe I wasn't able to get your name, dear."
"Lauren," I smiled. "Lauren Swift."
Jean motioned to Leila, "And you, chérie?"
"Leila." Leila gave a pleasant grin. "Leila Redwood."
"Oh. Pleased to meet you," Jack said without looking as he adjusted his coat. Though, he didn't sound pleased.
Jean breathed then, formed a thin smile. "So, shall we order?"
A waiter came by after a few seconds. Jean ordered Toque Faubourg for his first plate , while Jack had Sashimi. It took long for me and Leila to decide. Finally, I settled for Freshness from the Garden. According to the menu, it consists a bunch of fresh new mesclun salad, cos bouquet, artichokes poivrade, cauliflower pickles, small vegetables and seasonal truffle slices. Leila ordered By 1728. It is marrowed with nuts and beef cheek braised with seasonal vegetables, heart of curling lettuce dressed with Argan oil. Hmm. Sounds good enough.
We turned to the next page.
It's time to order the second plate.
Jean ordered Le "Carré d'Agneau" 1728. He insisted to order for me and Leila. I didn't know what Katana "Duo" is but when I read the menu, it said "For two guests. A beautiful beef rib from Simmental (Bavaria), marinated, cooked on its bones range, for the connoisseurs and lovers of very tasty red meat, served with potatoes." It sounded appetizing enough for me. Jack ordered Filet de bœuf façon gravlax.
Finally, desert.
Jean ordered for Corsica Plateau. Jack ordered La vie on y est! I ordered for Freshness. From its description of "A salad of fresh fruit cuts, served with mango sorbet and an almond crunchy biscuit". I knew I had to have it. Leila ordered a Contrast.
YOU ARE READING
It Started in Paris
ChickLitLauren goes to Paris for a business trip. She ignores the countless love letters that arrives at her door in her apartment in Paris. Her curiosity clicks her into opening the letters. Someone named Jean Hughe is the writer of the letters for...
