Chia and Chocolate: A Weekend in Paris, Part One.

I've never been to Paris before.

I know I know it's like 2 hours away (quicker to get to than where I went to uni in York), but I've just never made it over there. And it's like always been my dream to go. The romance, the beauty the chic women, the pastries and patisserie!! The Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe! Oh and stripes and moustaches of course. I wanted to see it all.

Finally, a few weekends ago, I ended up going. I was praying I didn't get that Paris Syndrome that Japanese tourists get when they go to Paris because they're so disappointed that it's not like the movies. I had however heard about, and prepared myself for shit-covered pavements and rude waiters.

Arriving Friday evening after work, I was swiftly whisked away for dinner at a gorgeous little wine bar/restaurant called O Divin! Found after hours spent perusing blogs about Parisienne restaurants (the reputation in London is that the food there isn't great) I decided on this one from the great Paris restaurant blog, The Paris Kitchen.

We sat outside in a little courtyard on a very balmy evening and ordered the 6 course set menu (which changes weekly) along with a delicious wine pairing.

So, I can't remember what this is (or most of the dishes, we didn't have a written menu) but what I do know is that the first two dishes were interesting and ok, but not outstanding. However what followed was the best food we had in Paris!!

Soft poached egg with mushroom.

Veal tartare with mandarin. And veal wrapped inside the vine leaves almost like a dolma. Absolutely incredible!

Fish and I'm not sure what anymore but it was good.

Pigeon....

Fig and almond dessert - beautiful, sweet juicy and plump figs my favourite of all the fruit!

For my first ever time in Paris I wanted to pack in as much tourist stuff as possible. So Friday night we went straight for the Eiffel Tower. My first time ever seeing the Eiffel Tower!