The drive to Le Belle d' Paris was nice, showing off the lights of Palm Desert and the cloudless evening. Tommy pulled the car up front and had the Valet park the car. They had arrived early, about 7:00 pm, since Robbie wanted to go into the lounge to have a cocktail before being seated. He wanted to observe the workings of the restaurant.
Marcel, ever watchful, saw the men arrive early and nodded to them, smiling, and went on with his work. The men sat down at a table and a well-dressed server came over to ask if they wished to have something to drink. Tommy asked for a bottle of Dom Perignon`96. The server smiled and went off to get the sparkling wine. He came back shortly with four crystal flutes and linen cocktail napkins. He collected a silver ice bucket containing the champagne. He removed it from the bucket and showed the label to Tommy, who nodded. The waiter expertly opened the champagne without a sound and poured a small amount into Tommy's flute. He tasted and nodded, saying "Fabulous, please pour."
The waiter expertly filled the flutes by holding the bottle by the punt and pouring gently as not to over fill a glass. The men toasted to a fabulous evening and sipped the chilled beverage from the Gods!!
Ben stated that this vintner was his favorite as did Robbie. Robbie quietly observed everything and watched the staff closely. Everything seemed to be running smoothly. Marcel came over shortly and greeted the four guests. "Welcome Monsieur's, your table is ready anytime." They got up, left the wine to be brought to the table while carrying their glasses.
They were seated at a stunning table near the center of the room. It was as elegant as the one this afternoon, but small votives had been added and the room more dimly lit. Everything looked exquisite. After being seated, the men were handed beautiful menus by Marcel. "Your server for tonight will be Antoine and he will be right here. Merci and have a delightful dinner. If there is anything I may do to make you evening more enjoyable please let me know. Merci."
The wine bucket was brought and sat near the table. The men perused the menu and agreed everything sounded wonderful.
The first courses listed were: Escargot with a splash of cognac, topped with a small, fresh baked, puff pastry; House made Pate` with crouton and cornichon; French Onion Soup with a toasted crouton and Gruyere cheese; Steak Tartare with toast points and cornichon; Chilled salmon mousse with a cucumber and dill sauce; Oysters on the half shell with sauce Mariniere; and finally Coquille St. Jacques - wonderful scallops in a light cream sauce with sherry; It all sounded fabulous.
Antoine asked if they would like a starter as they sipped their champagne? Each answered. Ben started with the Coquille St Jacques; Tommy ordered the House- made pate`; Carlton asked for the Salmon Mousse; and Robbie asked for the Escargot.
The men talked about their day and Ben and Carlton told how good it was to see their friends and their new house was stunning! They had a delightful lunch out by the pool and just caught up on the latest news. Their friends, Pete and john said they wished they could have spent more time beyond just that afternoon, but they had made dinner plans with other friends for that night.
"No problem," said Ben and that they liked just catching up and asked when they were going to take another cruise. "Well," said John, "We just bought this house and that sort of used up most of our spending money for a while, but maybe next year."
Ben and Carlton had driven back to the hotel and laid down for a rest that got a little bit amorous with some major kissing and fondling. Soon, it became a 69 sucking and finally the men came in each other's mouths, each savoring the taste of each other. The men had kissed and shared the cum in each other's mouths. The men separated and napped, holding each other close for about an hour, then showered and dressed for their night out.
The appetizers were fabulous and everyone enjoyed them immensely. They also looked at the main courses offered and were impressed by the choices on the Menu. Salads were available before or after dinner course.
The main choices were: Fillet Mignon with broiled Lobster tail, scalloped potatoes and asparagus; Steak Diane made at table side; Roast Chicken breast in a tarragon cream sauce; Le Boeuf Bourguignon, a French classic: Beef Wellington also a classic: Veau Escallops (Veal) also in a cream sauce with artichoke hearts and mushrooms over fresh-made pasta; A stunning Bouillabaisse with fresh shrimp, crab, white fish and scallops in a fabulous tomato-based sauce with crunchy French bread; Roast Rack of Lamb with glazed carrots and house-made mint jelly;
Everything sounded wonderful and the menu was very well rounded. But as they say proof is in the pudding.
After some quandary, everyone decided and their choices were varied which made the wine selection for dinner a bit hard. Carlton ordered first and chose the veal, Ben ordered next and selected Steak Diane, a favorite; Then Robbie ordered the Boeuf Bourguignon with the potatoes, veggies and pearl onions in a rich red wine sauce; Tommy asked for the Beef Wellington with a truffle reduction demi glaze sauce. When the first course plates were cleared and they were brought small ice sculptures fill with a small scoop of Champagne sorbet to cleanse the palate.
The main courses arrived with flare and the making of Ben's Steak Diane at table side was spectacular!! The men dug in and everyone evaluated the flavors and the complexity of each dish. Tastes were shared and everyone raved about the flavors and how fabulous everything was. Marcel came to the table and asked how everything was. Robbie said with a smile, "This is one of the best meals we have had out in a long time. Everything is done to perfection. The flavors are superb. We are all extremely happy with everything so far...
"Depending on the price, I would like to make an offer for this restaurant if you are amenable. We can discuss this further tomorrow over coffee. Would that be alright?" Marcel looked a bit surprised and said coffee would be wonderful say around 11:00 am. "I could meet you here or I could come to your hotel with facts and figures if you like?"
Robbie thought for a minute and said, "Why not come to the hotel and you can meet me either by the pool for coffee and we could meet in our suite and do the same. We can decide tomorrow if you like, either is open."
"I will call George in the morning and have him meet us at either place at 11:00 am. That will be just fine."
Marcel left and told them to enjoy the rest of their dinner, and that he was preparing a special dessert for them, after the salad course.
Dinner was soon finished and a small butter lettuce salad was delivered. The men were getting full but Marcel had said he was making a special dessert for them.
The plates were cleared and dessert spoons and forks were placed on the table. Also, coffee cups were placed. Everyone was commenting how fabulous everything was. Antoine soon delivered the dessert course which was a huge chocolate souffle with crme Anglaise and garnished with freshly sliced strawberries. He expertly served the souffle and it was terrific. It was gone in seconds it seemed. The espresso was also delicious. All in all, it had been a terrific evening and the food and service had been outstanding.
Marcel appeared at table side and asked if they were satisfied. Robbie had watched everything and everyone dining had the same expert service and everything looked highly professional. Robbie was sold. He wanted this restaurant!
Robbie stood and shook Marcel's hand, thanking him for a wonderful evening. Everything was exquisite and I can't wait to see you in the morning. Everyone thanked him for a wonderful evening and Antoine quietly brought the check. Robbie picked it up and was not a bit surprised at the cost of the dinner and wine. He took out his Black American Express card and paid the check without batting an eye. He also left a huge tip at 30%.
They greeted Marcel once more and said goodbye. The valet brought their car and they drove back to the hotel. Everyone was totally full after that fabulous meal. Robbie had already made his mind up. He WANTED this restaurant, no matter the cost!!
Well everyone, I hope you enjoyed the repast at Le Belle d` Paris as much as I had fun writing about it. I have actually made most of the dishes that were in this chapter. I love French cooking.
Please, stay tuned as the deal for the restaurant will be made in the morning and then they are going to look at the huge 5-bedroom house in the early afternoon. Will it work for them? More adventures to come, more love making, more trouble on the horizon! Thank you Allen for all your hard work, as usual and getting this computer glitch handed. OMG, what a mess!!
And finally, be true to yourself, please play safe, be kind and loving and please donate to Nifty!!
http://donate.nifty.org/donate.htmlCheers!!
The once again, The Sexy (and less rattled )Chef!!