Paris has the reputation of being rude to foreigners. The reverse has been true for HG/BSK during the 55 years they have visited the glorious city. In clothing and shoe shops; drugstores, bakeries, groceries, wine stores., etc., HG/BSK have always been treated with courtesy and smiling service. Best of all have been bistros, restaurants and brasseries. Many decades ago, famished HG/BSK arrived during a crowded lunch hour at Chez Georges on Rue du Mail. No reservation. Chez Georges was well regarded then but it has gone on to great fame (and escalating prices). The then owner shook hands with HG and said: “Very short wait. Have a glass of Fleurie and enjoy.” And, HG /BSK did enjoy a meal of traditional French bistro classics and had numerous happy meals at Chez Georges over the years. On a first visit to Paris, the gracious maitre d’ of a restaurant on Boulevard St. Germain (before luxury merchants and high rents chased restaurants away) saw that HG/BSK needed menu assistance and composed a perfect meal for them: Fresh white asparagus with sauce mousseline followed by tender slices of leg of lamb and crisp French fries. Then, camembert and a small green salad. Dessert was wild raspberries with lightly whipped cream. Wine was Beaujolais. Paris perfection. On another foray on the left bank, HG/BSK had couscous at a small place owned and run by a rambunctious, lively woman. HG received a warm hug from the lady and HG/BSK had a generous meal of couscous and chicken stewed with preserved lemons. When the couscous began disappearing it was immediately replenished and given a pour of vegetable laden broth and a big spoonful of fiery harissa. This couscous experience was replicated a few years ago at the equally friendly Jour et Nuit restaurant in an Arab quarter of Montmartre. For many years, HG/BSK’s favorite dining place was Brasserie Le Stella in the tony 16th. Oysters, bulots, racks of lamb were superb and served with grace and sly humor. But, the best thing about Stella was Maitre d’ Christian. Grace and elegance personified, Christian was always ready to greet HG/BSK with double cheek kisses and complimentary flutes of champagne. More than a professional, Christian became a friend. Ah, Paree!! (Look at the illustration. Christian is at the rear of the photo with his arm around the chef).
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