First Night, One Star

For the first time in our lives, we ate at a restaurant with a Michelin star!

Le Dôme Café in Paris, opened in 1897, is located in the Montparnasse neighborhood on the left bank of the river Seine. It's the first restaurant we had dinner in when we arrived. 

I'm not in love with the photos from this place, but I just couldn't get anything better.  The lighting was low and we were in a private little alcove, but at least you can see some of the food and decor.

Apparently, this is a famous place!  It was frequented by "the famous (and soon to be famous) painters, sculptors, writers, poets, models, art connoisseurs, and dealers. Le Dôme later became the gathering place of the American literary colony and became a focal point for artists residing in Paris's Left Bank."

Michelin Guide inspectors said, "One of the temples of literary and artistic bohemia from the Roaring Twenties with a legendary Art Deco setting. Le Dôme continues to serve the freshest fish and seafood in the best time-honoure."

Condé Nast Traveler in 2015 said, “I don’t eat fancy food, so most of my recommendations are for bistros and other elbows on-the-table sorts of places—like this one, where Hemingway met painter Jules Pascin, commemorating their story in A Moveable Feast. Here, the fish is still prepared in an old-school way (i.e., filleted tableside) and the maître d’s still wear tuxedos.” 

It's true. Ed had the Dover Sole Meunière, which came to the table whole, but then was prepared for Ed (deboned) before eating. The rest of us had Scallops (photo above) with a delicious sauce and side of sautéed spinach. 

Then, a Mille-Feuille for dessert.  We decided to share one just for a taste.  This was HALF the serving!!  It stood 8" high!

I was happy with the meal.  The atmosphere was refined old school, the service was excellent, and the food was really good.  According to The Michelin Guide, one star signifies "a very good restaurant", two stars are "excellent cooking that is worth a detour", and three stars mean "exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey".  

I'd say it fit with the one-star rating description.  Very good indeed.  



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2017: Co Co Ni No
2016: Ladies Of Leisure
2015: Represent Cuba
2014: Where To Go For Pig And Eggs
2013: My Memory Goes Way Way Back
2012: Remember One, Remember All
2011: History Still Standing
2010: Stay Home: TV And Hot Chocolate Is The Only Way To Make It Through
2009: A Rainy Rainbow 
2008: Be Wary Of Women Wearing Skull Panties
2007: Holiday Sparkle
2006: Arizona Sunset
2005: Before And After The Chops