We checked in and decided to rest a bit before doing some exploring. Three hours later, we're waking up pretty hungry. In my mind there were 2 equally pressing needs: food and for Mom to see the Eiffel Tower. A few clicks and we had a reservation at a restaurant about a block from Eiffel. In fact, Eiffel looms over the street where the restaurant, 20 Eiffel, is located.
As we exited the Uber (another first for Mom), I had her turn and look up.
I partly wish I'd had the foresight to record her reaction because I don't think I can do it justice. Then again, fumbling for the phone would have ruined the moment. I think y'all will just have to use your imaginations.
After plenty of pictures, we went in, got seated, and I began to translate the menu for Mom. To be clear, the menu was in French AND English. But I had to translate what type of food it was. Definitely more of a Kennis territory but I think I (*coughGooglecough*) did very well.
Mom gave up on trying to figure out what she wanted and left herself at my mercy.
*mwahahahaha*
As appetizers, we ordered escargot for Dennis and cold duck log (my best guess) for me. Mom didn't want to try either. Dennis' because it was snails. Mine because it looked weird. And I agreed. It had a Spam-esque look to it. And the flavor did not improve on acquaintance.
For dinner, she and Dennis ordered a fish dish and I ordered the rabbit. When Mom objected, saying rabbits were cute, I told her this one owed me money. She called me sángana.
Irene 1, Dennis 0.
As Mom starts eating, she says her fish needed salt. I pointed out the lack of salt at the table and told her not to ask for any. And, yes, I had to use the "I'll tell you later."
At this point, it might be useful to mention that this place has earned 3 Michelin stars. I didn't realize that until we were there but I was NOT about to insult the chef by asking for salt. I might want to eat there again some day. 😊
I did explain to Mom later on why she couldn't ask for salt. To be fair, the fish did not need it (remember, Dennis had the same dish, so we knew it was well-seasoned). She's just used to more salt in her cooking. Either way, salt was irrelevant. She ate the whole thing! I couldn't believe it. Apparently, French cuisine agrees with her palate.
After the main meal, we ordered coffee for Mom. In fact, just assume that she'll have coffee during or after every meal. We also ordered a soufflé de framboise that we 3 split. Delicious!
But the coffee gave us the biggest chuckle. You see, she (meaning me) asked for a latte. Pretty standard. But, when she saw the size of the cup, she was disappointed it was so small. Then she tasted it. She has not complained about a small cup since.
But I think the highlight of the night was her walking out of the restaurant to see a fully-lighted Eiffel Tower. She didn't know it was illuminated at night. We spent the next hour strolling around the Eiffel Tower, taking pictures, and haggling for the occasional souvenir that caught her eye. We even broke down and bought a bottle of champagne from a street vendor at the foot of the Tower.
Last but not least, Dennis. My hubby has endured our Spanglish chatter with very good grace. He's also managed to drive most trinket hawkers away from us by just glaring at them. I love having my own personal bodyguard!
Unfortunately, it comes at a price. While he stood guard outside one of the shops Mom went to shop in (he REALLY didn't want to go in), he kept getting approached by tourists thinking he was a local tour guide. 😂
Overall, a trés bon experience on the first day in Paris. Uber got us back to the hotel safe and sound. And now to rest! We're ticketed for the Big Bus Tour tomorrow but the forescast calls for 90% rain. 😳
PS. Mom is still on the lookout for people wearing high heels. 😊
I can only imagine her face lighting up when she first saw the Eiffel tower... lovely 💞
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