This morning I wake up with mixed emotions.
 
I’m a little sad because my vacation is coming to an end and I have enjoyed this trip so much.  But I’m also happy because today I will take a final run through the streets of Paris, and with the adrenaline pumping and my senses alert, I’ll take in, for the last time, the smells, sounds and sites of Paris.  After my run, the piece de resistance of my Paris stay: dinner at Pierre Gagnaire.
 
 I will say, though, that I miss home and eagerly await the coming of the TACA’s Party on the Green at The Mansion which is this weekend (hope the jetlag is gone by then!) and then we have the coming fall season at the Mansion. As a huge fan of the arts, I love TACA and am so proud to have so many of my wonderful chef friends rolling into town to help out. This year we really have a star studded line up with Rick Moonen and Francois Payard among others. There will be many of my compadres from other Rosewood restaurants as well and it’s always good to see them. . The Black tie gala Saturday night is one of my favorite social events of the year  – not to mention I am cooking dinner.
 
This year has been a wonderful year for the Mansion, and for me. The year has gone so quickly, and my day is starting to as well.

Tonight we dress up to the nines.  I put on my best suit and we are off to Gagnaire I have waited two years to dine at this Michelin three-star restaurant which is on everyone’s “world’s best” list.
 
We are greeted with a smile and whisked off to our table. The captain works the room with precision and it’s fun to watch.  We start with Henriot rose champagne and some world class canapes before ordering two tasting menus. The canapes – they are classic with a modern twist – just my style. Each item is prepared with precision, imagination and balance, this is by far one of the best meals I have ever had. It better be, though! It cost me about 700 euros!
 
Eight savory courses later, three cheese courses follow. Yes, that’s right – three. Each of the cheese courses are presented with the flair of composed dessert  -  each with a few unique garnishes.
 

If you’re looking for a sublime dining experience in Paris, and you don’t mind dropping 700 to 1,000 euros for two people, then you must go to Gagniare. It’s a text book rendition of contemporary French cuisine should be in this day and age ……a true triumph of gastronomy! When our meal concludes, we say our good byes and are handed a small cup of green tea to drink just before we walk out the door. It’s a nice touch, especially since we will walk back through the City of Lights, capturing one last glance, all lit up and grand.

Au revoir, Paris.

Thank you all for reading this blog and taking this virtual journey with me. I’ll see you at the Mansion