Friday, 15 February 2013

The birthday lunch...


 We were  lucky enough to celebrate 'the' special birthday up the Eiffel Tower at the "Jules Verne" restaurant  located on the second floor of the tower (125 meters or 375 feet from the ground) - it was truly special!


Special breads, imaginative verrines, tasty and beautiful dishes followed by heavenly deserts -
all served with the Alain Ducasse style!



And.... vintage champagne followed by a velvety red wine to accompany the ultimate views of Paris!
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52 comments:

  1. Unknown15 February 2013 at 20:51

    Dear Ivan,
    It sounds wonderful. Perfect views, lovely meal, heavenly dessert (I really like that part) and Alain Ducasse attending to the washing up - what more could one want?

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    1. A Normandy kitchen17 February 2013 at 05:46

      Hello Kirk,
      Thank you, it was a moment of happy indulgence to remember forever! I can confirm that Mr.D does all the washing-up (yellow glove choice) and insisted that nobody helped him!
      Ivan

      Delete
  2. Jane and Lance Hattatt15 February 2013 at 20:53

    Hello Ivan:
    What a treat! The food looks positively beautiful on the plate and, we are sure, tasted delicious. And, what extraordinary flatware. Surely Paris chic at its best.

    The views, of course, are sublime. This will surely be a most memorable event. We know that we should have loved it all.

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    1. A Normandy kitchen17 February 2013 at 05:53

      Hello Jane and Lance,
      Thank you, a very special memory for all of us and yes, the flatware also feast for the eyes! For somewhere so touristic, we were most surprised how wonderful it all was! Paris at its best as you say...
      Ivan

      Delete
  3. Jim15 February 2013 at 21:46

    Now that is a special birthday to remember. A+
    Spectacular views as well, Ivan. What a lovely break you had.
    Have a good weekend monsieur.

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    1. A Normandy kitchen17 February 2013 at 05:55

      Hello Jim,
      Thank you, a very memorable lunch and a really enjoyable week away. I think you would have loved the views!
      Ivan

      Delete
  4. fromsophiesview15 February 2013 at 21:51

    IVAN ~~~ MARC (Birthday Garcon)!!!

    This is truly the most amazing vista and gourmet presentation .... so simple and beautiful! Love the silverware...oh I loved everything about it!

    I can almost taste those morsels.

    Many thanks!

    Ron

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    1. A Normandy kitchen17 February 2013 at 06:02

      Hello Sophie and Ron,
      Thank you, for such a busy place it was beautifully run and a real experience. We hesitated where to go a few months before, but this was recommended by a friend and seemed the perfect mix of everything! It was such a memory to cherish with some of the family.
      Ivan

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    2. fromsophiesview18 February 2013 at 21:11

      I just discovered the Alain Ducasse website....truly amazing!

      Delete
    3. fromsophiesview18 February 2013 at 21:12

      PS... through David Lebovitz' recent post La Manufacture de chocolate Alain Ducasse!

      Delete
  5. Fundy Blue15 February 2013 at 23:24

    Spectacular, Ivan! The food looked almost too beautiful to eat. And your collages are lovely. Have a great weekend!

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    1. A Normandy kitchen17 February 2013 at 06:04

      Hello Louise,
      Thank you, I am happy you liked the collages, as I had too many pictures! I thought this was the best way!
      Ivan

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  6. prince snow farm16 February 2013 at 01:37

    I love the new blog look Ivan! "The" special birthday....was it a certain number ending in 0????? What food! What style!!!!Fabulous.

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    1. A Normandy kitchen17 February 2013 at 06:06

      Hello,
      Thank you, yes... well worked out. It was all just right and such lovely memories the whole week...
      Ivan

      Delete
  7. Terry16 February 2013 at 02:46

    Now that's a birthday memory to treasure! So elegant.

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    1. A Normandy kitchen17 February 2013 at 06:10

      Hello Terry,
      Thank you, it was all so beautiful and we shall all remember this moment in time.
      Ivan

      Delete
  8. greenthumb16 February 2013 at 04:52

    Oh how lovely for you both I bet you had a great time. The food looks wonderful.

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    1. A Normandy kitchen17 February 2013 at 06:12

      Hello Jill,
      Thank you, yes - it was also a rare sunny day, which was lovely and the food so good!
      Ivan

      Delete
  9. joanne16 February 2013 at 08:51

    Wow, just wow! That looks so beautiful, almost too pretty to eat, almost. The views, the food, the company, all things will be remembered of this special day. Fantastic.

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    1. A Normandy kitchen17 February 2013 at 06:15

      Hello Joanne,
      Thank you so much, it was all so special and meant a lot to all of us sitting around the table - a forever memory.
      Ivan

      Delete
  10. Mad Maison16 February 2013 at 11:49

    What a birthday treat! This looks just wonderful and so romantic. Fantastic photos!

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    1. A Normandy kitchen17 February 2013 at 06:18

      Hello Claire,
      Thank you and a treat it was! We were worried a little, as it was such a tourist destination but the staff and all the details where exceptional.
      Ivan

      Delete
  11. Razmataz16 February 2013 at 13:36

    What a beautiful looking meal. And Happy Birthday.

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    1. A Normandy kitchen17 February 2013 at 06:21

      Hello Chania,
      Thank you, it was all so beautiful and delicious - so much fine detail to look at also!
      Hope your Baby shower went wonderfully.
      Ivan

      Delete
  12. Kay G.16 February 2013 at 16:59

    That view, the food, the company along with the velvety red wine...thanks for letting me tag along! Tres jolie! Merci!

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    1. A Normandy kitchen17 February 2013 at 06:25

      Hello Kay,
      Thank you, happy you liked the view. Sorry I couldn't share the wine by internet! The sun was out for a change and we even got to leave the winter coats back at the apartment! Wonderful day.
      Ivan

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  13. Marina in Blue16 February 2013 at 17:00

    Wonderful meal! I only had some biscuits when I was there. But with the best view, of course

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    1. A Normandy kitchen17 February 2013 at 06:28

      Hello Marina,
      Thank you, sorry... I feel guilty now! The view is so special as you say and we had good weather which makes all the difference!
      Ivan

      Delete
  14. Harriet16 February 2013 at 21:05

    Oh my Gosh! I think would have died and gone to heaven. Brilliant! Splendid! Words fail, so much for the beauty for all the senses. Loving it all.

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    1. A Normandy kitchen17 February 2013 at 06:31

      Hello Harriet,
      Thank you so much, it was just as you say 'beauty for all the senses' and we so appreciated it all. A forever memory.
      Hope you and you family are all well especially that brave grandson of yours.
      Ivan

      Delete
  15. Unknown17 February 2013 at 03:31

    Wow! It's a dream come true!!!
    :)

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    1. A Normandy kitchen17 February 2013 at 06:33

      Hello Andrea,
      Thank you, it was a special time on a special occasion...
      Ivan

      Delete
  16. Sopa Azul17 February 2013 at 16:57

    Thank you for sharing a meal so special and a incomparable setting. Greetings.

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    1. A Normandy kitchen19 February 2013 at 05:32

      Hello,
      Thank you for saying so, it was such a lovely day, that I shall remember it easily!
      Ivan

      Delete
  17. Woodside Park17 February 2013 at 21:55

    Bonjour, Ivan!
    What a special treat!! Tom and I will be in Paris next month. Maybe we'll celebrate my birthday dinner there? (Since I was sick in bed on my birthday.) I don't mind waiting :) BTW, do you have suggestions for favorite casual restaurants there? Non touristy, of course. We love to try new restaurants each time. Tom will be driving, and we'll be all over the city.
    Take care,
    Loi

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    1. A Normandy kitchen19 February 2013 at 05:46

      Hello Loi,
      Thank you, it was really special and not at all rushed (or tired staff!!) as you could imagine in such a landmark. Hope you are feeling better - I think I have your cold now (LOL!) I will do you a list of restaurants and post it here in the next few days (promise!) - I will get the links etc. We do tend to stay in the same area (where we lived/friends still are - 1st/2nd/4th) If you want a different area/style, just say as I will ask around - not a problem!
      Ivan
      :)

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    2. Woodside Park21 February 2013 at 00:04

      Thank you, Ivan! I'll check back :) If you want, you can email if that is easier:

      topiaryplants@gmail.com

      Merci!
      Loi

      Delete
    3. A Normandy kitchen24 February 2013 at 21:53

      e-mail sent....

      Delete
  18. Woodside Park17 February 2013 at 21:57

    PS - The presentation is glorious! Very artistic!!

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  19. Gillian Roe17 February 2013 at 22:17

    Wow. Just, wow. The views, the setting, the food - all wonderful. And your collages are fabulous. I'm glad the birthday lunch was a success.

    Gillian x

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    1. A Normandy kitchen19 February 2013 at 05:49

      Hello Gillian,
      Thank you so much, it was really memorable and went too quickly!! We had a lovely walk through the parks afterwards and the sun shone... perfect!!
      Ivan

      Delete
  20. Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes18 February 2013 at 06:04

    Dear Ivan, Happy Birthday to your partner! I've been looking at all your Paris posts! It looks like you and your party had a wonderful time celebrating! The views from the restaurant are amazing! When I told my husband the name of the restaurant he got really excited and told me he read all Jules Vern's books when he was a child - he loves those books to this day! He also liked looking at the iron bridge too, as he's a history and WWII expert!

    I also apologize for not stopping by, but for some reason I didn't have your blog on my blog roll - you are now on my Favorites!!! So I won't miss any future posts!

    I have to ask, what was the tiny fork & knife used for? LOL!!!



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    1. A Normandy kitchen19 February 2013 at 06:00

      Hello Mrs Future-pie-winning-lady...
      Happy to see you here and thank you very much, I watch with much interest your pie posts!!
      We did have a wonderful time (week to be true!). The tiny knife and folk where just for decoration sadly this meal, I think they are used at other times, as they where a little worn! I have only read Jules Verne's '20K under the sea' (probably like a lot of people), I should give it a go in French!!
      Ivan

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  21. Sara Louise18 February 2013 at 08:35

    Oh my heavens! That meal is my dream!

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    1. A Normandy kitchen19 February 2013 at 06:05

      Hello Sara Louise,
      Then... I wish it for you... that you get there someday and soon, you are going to love it!!
      (actually you should wish it also ... I can not see that lovely husband of yours saying no to you wishing anything!!! LOL)
      Best wishes,
      Ivan

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  22. Vintage Jane18 February 2013 at 19:05

    That food looks just amazing. What a fabulous birthday treat indeed ...

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    1. A Normandy kitchen19 February 2013 at 06:08

      Hello,
      Thank you for stopping by, it will be a wonderful memory for always.
      Best wishes,
      Ivan

      Delete
  23. MODERN COUNTRY21 February 2013 at 13:58

    You are wonderful Ivan, thank you for your kind message! I'm glad to be back, I see I have a lot of catching up to do. Glory so much good reading and so many inspiring pictures of food, architecture and beautiful surroundings. I enjoy every single photo you have taken. Wish I was there ! Who would not want to sit there in the paris tower and enjoy great views with equally good food. Thanks for the tip about the shop Dulherin, I have a single pan copper (Falk Culinair) but have a wish too buy a sauté pan and a small sauce pan as well. But they are quite expensive, especially hand-made​​, so I'm saving :) And what a sight that greets you at Stohrer, a feast to the eye as well the palate! Paris has truly everything...

    Wishing you a continued nice experience Ivan, with friends and family,
    Friendly ~ Aina

    Ps: Who`s birthday are you celebrating ?

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    1. A Normandy kitchen25 February 2013 at 21:09

      Hello Aina,
      Thank you for your kind words, copper is expensive here also but it does last a lifetime, the prices at this shop are good and fair. Happy you enjoyed the post it was for my partners birthday.
      Best wishes,
      Ivan

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  24. Donna Reyne'24 February 2013 at 00:37

    Wow! What an amazing celebration! I love you collages...so glad I found your blog!
    Happy Belated birthday
    Donna

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    1. A Normandy kitchen25 February 2013 at 21:15

      Hello Donna (or should I say, the lady in Red... you looked stunning at your daughters wedding, as did she).
      Thank you for joining and so pleased you liked the photos.
      Best wishes,
      Ivan

      Delete

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