Paris

For my birthday dinner, I picked to go to one of my favorite Mexican restaurants.
Oui, Mexican in Paris. Anahuacalli in the 5th has the best and strongest margaritas I've ever tasted.
And their Chili Rellenos are amazing and legendary.

Uber got us there just after 8PM. Yep, just like always.

And the margaritas? As good as ever.

But, but, but... there's no Chili Rellenos on the menu. Huh? I asked our waiter who said that they changed the menu and no longer serve it.
Seriously?? The best thing on your menu and you dump it??

So, Mrs. SFO opted for the chicken enchilada which was very good.

Reluctantly, I tried the replacement chili. Uh, not even close.

What a disappointment. Told the owner who said "so sorry, but we could have made them for you". Say what?? Perhaps you should tell your waitstaff, or keep it on the menu. Arrgh. Margaritas were still great but I think we've closed the chapter on this relationship.

Anyway, back to hotel. And no need to flag down a taxi or find a taxi stand with Uber. Uber black showed up less than a minute after I ordered it. Meanwhile back at the hotel, we head up to our rooftop terrace for champagne and birthday cake.

And the view.

Pretty cool view from our bed.

After a leisurely morning, we headed downstairs for a late breakfast, which was included in our Virtuoso rate. More bizarre service issues this morning as, despite wide open seating, the hostess sat 2 other people right beside us. Breakfast was mediocre, so much so that we didn't even bother the next morning.

Unknown and weird tasting amuse-bouche.

Mrs. SFO's omelet.

My Eggs Benedict. Meh.

After breakfast, we headed out to take care of Mrs. SFO's Paris shopping list hitting some of her Paris faves, including Loro Piana, Causse, Alexandre de Paris and Galleries Lafayette. Outside the hotel, we waited for our Uber Black to arrive, slowed down by grandma strolling down the middle of the street with bébé. LOL.

First stop, Rue du Faubourg St-Honoré.

And Loro Piana.

LOL, sure let's spend $3,000 on a kid's outfit.

Place Vendome. Still waiting for the Ritz and now the obelisk is being renovated.

After Galleries Lafayette, Mrs. SFO suggested the HOHO, which is a great way to see any city, especially Paris.

Selfies apparently override safety.

We got off HOHO at the Grand Palais.

And walked towards an even scarier shopping street for men, rue Montaigne.

Just as the rain started again. So we stopped for a drink and snack at the terrace
of the wonderful Plaza Athenée. We seemed to be the only ones that wanted to be out in the rain.

Splitting a delicious Croque Monsieur.

With a second wind, we head for Armani.

And then mercifully back to our hotel.

For about 30 minutes before heading out to one of our Paris faves, L'Atelier Joel Robuchon. Joining the line for the 6:30P reservation.

We decided to go for a regular table tonight instead of the typical bar seating.

Great meal as always although service was less than polished tonight.

LA LANGOUSTINE
en ravioli truffé à l’étuvée de chou vert

LE GYOSA
à la plancha, farcie de volaille, dans son bouillon au parfum d'Asie

LE FOIE GRAS
de canard chaud, rhubarbe rose pochée dans un jus acidulé à l’hibiscus.

Sensational.

We both went beef for our main, Mrs. SFO with the rib-eye.

And my filet.

Perfectly prepared.

And amazing desserts as always.

Back at the hotel, some pretty amazing views of the Eiffel Tower featuring a light and music show.

With nothing on the agenda today and a 4PM checkout, we spent a lazy Saturday morning at the hotel and then Uber'd our way to the 9th to continue our quest for the best Croque Monsieur in Paris. Based on a recommendation from Le Figaro, we're off to the Montmartre and Buvette, the Paris clone of New York chef Jody Williams. Wonderful neighborhood and a fabulous little resto.