Un chewy steak frites si vous plaitI love steak frites but at this joint right in Le Marais, my steak wasn't fit for a dog. My chips were also stock standard cheapies, the ketchup was odd and I made the mistake of going to the toilets and viewing the second floor of the restaurant's mess!

We had walked by a few times during my visit with Mme. Andre and it was always bustling with a bohemian looking clientele. I should've not tried it for myself as it was truly disappointing experience - and the menus were so dirty, ew!

The best part of my visit was sitting next to an elderly French woman and conversing with her in French about how long she had lived in the area, her time as a psychologist and I thoroughly enjoyed watching her slurp her moules and frites with delight. At least those looked better than my steak. She then spent the time before and after her lunch pruning the little pots of flowers on her and my table and then paid her bill and said she was off to do her daily chores of reading and painting with a spot of grocery shopping. I loved her!

I didn't get the place's name but if you recognise it from the pictures than stay clear. Will ask Madame Andre what it is called too.
My steak, and the restaurant from across the road.

Watering Kiss Mint - Made in JapanCute chewing gum. Andre and I shared some of this funny stuff in gay Paris.

Dans le Noir?Eating in the dark with blind waiters serving you. Is that something you would enjoy? I think it may be quite an experience, although Rexi said she heard people come out of that place with food all down their top ;)

The restaurant Dans Le Noir (which means ‘in the dark’ for those non-frenchies) opened last year in London after their first restaurant has had a few successful years in Paris. Since you are in complete darkness your other senses are heightened. I am curious to see if you will enjoy this experience or find it frustrating as the first time you eat in total darkness am sure there is a lot of learning our brain needs to do in order to memorise where forks, knives and glasses are and also to get used to eating dinner but in total darkness. Some say that enjoyment of a meal is enhanced by the sight of it – the colors and presentation also prepare the brain for the meal. Am definitely intrigued…

Founded in 2004, Dans Le Noir started in Paris with the support of their leading institution for blind people – the Paul Guinot Foundation. Their website says that they are the largest institution creating awareness of disability in France (am not sure where that statement comes from or how it is quantified?) But I agree it does bring great awareness to every day folk.

Will check out Dans Le Noir soon and report back. May try and eat dinner tonight in the dark to give it a test run. Not sure my dinner guest will like it though.