Issy-les-Moulineaux from A to Z

Visiting friends for lunch in Paris takes an entire day; but since we knew this, we looked forward to see Bahjat et Isabelle in Issy-les-Moulineaux (ILM) a metro ride on the No. 12 line, connecting to a free bus at the Issy Mairie. What we didn't know was that A and Z...Adrien and Zeile, twins, would be the most charming five year olds in the Ile de France and beyond. Actually, part of ILM is the island of St. Germaine...right there in the Seine. We enjoyed the quiet charm of this island in this corner of the city.

But we were also dazzled by the culinary effort of Isabelle. How's this for lunch? Champagne with various appetizers: chorizo, gougere, salmon, prosciutto, and cherry tomatoes. And lots of stories to exchange since our last visit about five years ago. Then we enjoyed the figs with prosciutto, mozzarella, and basil, accompanied by white wine. Then came the lamb with polenta...see the picture of the excellent presentation (too bad the camera cannot capture the taste). Red wine appeared, and low murmurs of satisfaction ensued. This was followed by the raspberry and strawberry tiramisu. Heavenly. 

No need to go into the details of dinner...Herve can always be counted on to cook truly delightful meals...the thinly sliced pork, mushrooms with a cream sauce, and thinly sliced pan fried potatoes with a 2005 Mercurey wine was, as usual, subtle and well crafted.

All indications are that Sunday will shape up to be another gourmet experience. And did I mention that today was another beautiful day in the 70s?!!!