Pierre Gagnaire (Pt 1)

One of the reasons that we decided to stay in Paris as opposed to travel this week is to celebrate our anniversary at a Three Star Michelin restaurant. After much discussion, we decided on Pierre Gagnaire. This is a place that is renowned for its attention to detail and presentation. We did not really know what to expect (we had eaten at a two star restaurant in the past, Les Crayeres, but never a three star) but we were eager to try it.

As with most restaurants of this nature, there is a dress code. Doreen, of course, always looks nice for such occasions. I had on a Canelli sport coat and black slacks with a pink tie. We walked out to take the Metro at about 7:30 for an 8:00 reservation. (Getting the reservation was an event in itself. We had to call and fax the place from Houston, and then follow up with e-mails and phone calls to confirm that we had a spot)

As we walked to the Metro amongst the streaming throngs, we decided to take a cab. We had to wait at the cab stand for a couple of minutes, with one cab turning down our fare (“Rue Balzac? Non, non.” With a French finger wag.) We finally got in a cab driven by a Vietnamese fellow.

We got into the cab at the Chatellet, which is very close to our apartment. From here, to get to the restaurant, one needs to drive down the Rue de Rivoli, go around the Place de la Concorde, head straight up t he Champs Elyees.

We didn’t take this direct route (more like Ave Gabriel to Ave Franklin D Roosevelt, to St Honore, to Blvd Hausmann to Rue Balzac.) Because of this circuitous path, Doreen asked the driver why we did not take the Champs Elysees all the way. What a mistake! He fussed and fussed and fussed. He didn’t stop fussing until we got to the restaurant, and then he fussed at the doorman! I didn’t give him a tip.

We entered the restaurant and were greeted by at least three very friendly and Englosh speaking hosts. The place was rather stark, with blond wood and white linens. They lead us to a table in the corner on a raised portion of the room. There were not more than 20 tables – about half of them were full at this time. It was about 8:00 PM. We would be there until about 11:30.