I haven’t been back here since I was 21 years old, but it didn’t take long for me to remember why this is my favorite city in the world.
Angelina’s has the world’s best hot chocolate, and their salads aren’t too shabby either.
I mean, come on:
My mom and my sister, to make a very long story short, were invited to the Chanel show during Couture Week. I’ve rarely seen my mom more excited than when their invitations (which, without question, I’m sure were more expensive than the cost of an entire wedding) were delivered to our hotel.
Rose Festival? Oh, okay. 
Our second night there, we went all out at Le Jules Verne. Hands down the best meal of my life, with a view to match.
I took one bite and decided this butter, and these little cheese puffs of air, were among the best food items I’ve ever eaten. This was BEFORE ONE BIT OF ACTUAL FOOD WAS SERVED.
A beautifully-presented seafood consomme, and a wedge of foie gras so large none of us could finish it.
Baby artichokes with lemon zest en brodo, spectacular sunset views of the Seine with Notre Dame and Sacre Coeur in the distance.
Sea bass – perfect portion – and a lovely little molten chocolate torte.
We couldn’t get over the array of petite desserts. Fabulous.
The next day we took a private tour of Coco Chanel’s apartment. Our hostess was so sweet and this was such a special experience.
Followed by a little lunch at the always-lovely Laduree:
Then we did some shopping. Paris had Colorado-style technicolor blue skies that day and it was – amazingly – even more beautiful.
That night, my sister and me surprised my mom by getting us all box seats to see a ballet at the Paris Opera House. When I lived here, it was undergoing renovations, so I never went in it. Holy moly. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen any place more spectacular. Check out that Chagall ceiling!
We went for dinner at Verjus afterwards, which is not to be missed. It was right around the corner from where I used to live, but it definitely wasn’t there when I was!! Adorable space, unbelievable food, really sweet staff. We got there around 10pm and didn’t leave until around 1am, and never felt rushed. Paris, I love how you’re all about the moment.
Stopped on the way back to say bonsoir to 5 Rue Villedo! <3
