Last night, Tegan, Galen and I ventured into the Latin Quartier in search of some sort of yummy hidden gem of a restaurant we were convinced must exist there, you know, down some quiet little rue or something.  After several metro changes and our first trip on the RER, we finally made it to Luxembourg, where our savvy travel efforts were rewarded with one of Paris’ most grandiose sights: Le Jardin du Luxembourg.

Located in the 6th Arrondissement, le Jardin du Luxembourg is the second largest public park in all of Paris.  It’s bright flowers, manicured trees and romantic fountains decorate the “front lawn” of the palace of Luxembourg, which currently houses the French Senate.  There is also an adorable little coffee/crepe/candy stand on the grounds that is worth checking out if you ever find yourself hanging out in Luxembourg.

After ogling the gorgeous gardens and getting a bit lost in the concept of time and religion (Deep, deep conversations happening here in Paris, people. We are very scholarly.  Be proud.), the three of us wandered into town to locate the cozy little french restaurant from our imaginations…

…and find it we did!  For the reasonable price of 19 euros each, we were all able to order un entree et un main plat.  After some consideration, I decided on the smoked salmon/crème fraîche appetizer (OMG) and the pork/stewed apples/roasted potatoes main course.  Washed down, of course, with my first class of Parisian rosé- which was delicious.  It was our first “fancy” dinner out in France, and what a wonderful experience it was!  Anyone want a little peek at le saumon fumé?

Jealous?  You should be.  In the background is Tegan’s smoked duck (which I braved a taste of and actually enjoyed) and not pictured is Galen’s escargot- which was divine!