Finally back to Paris with time to blog. Last summer I was distracted - happily - by my two goddaughters. And, our food explorations were mostly limited to the tried and true with a 6 and 10 year old. But, this time - it's all a go.

First things first, just read in one of my favorite Paris food blogs, parisbymouth, that David Toutain and his entire staff at Agape Substance have left after a fight with the owner. Without his brilliant cooking, it is certainly not worth going to - and have cancelled our reservation there (made long ago). And, sadly for us, Verjus, a favorite, is undergoing some new year renovations, so that's off our list this trip, too.

But, on day one we had a beautiful lunch at the relatively new Auberge Flora, just a stone's throw away from the apartment. Can't recall what used to be on that corner of the Blvd. Richard Lenoir, but Flora is filling the space beautifully, Sparkling white and silver dishware adorns the walls - and for lunch one has a choice of a prix fixe, a la carte menu, or a two page menu of tapas. I went for the prix fixe, starting with a velvety chestnut soup in which a cloud of Chantilly creme floated, followed by a lovely sea bass, with citrus aromatics and atop a deeply flavored broth with salsify and mushrooms. Amele also had the prix fixe, but chose the beef stew as her main. The meat was tender, and served in its own small casserole over a polenta cake. Meanwhile, Cheryl chose an a la carte plat, several large shrimp, lightly tempura style, surrounding a salad of mache, sesame, and shrimp. And, for dessert we shared a light chocolate mousse, studded with marron glace. I took a bite, then looked down to make notes about our meal - when I looked up it was gone! Will have to be quicker next time....and there definitely will be a next time. Have heard this is a great brunch place....will try to return next week!

Here are the details:

Auberge Flora (it's a hotel, too)
44, boulevard Richard Lenoir, 11th Arr.
+33.1.47.00.52.77