Shocking to many I’m sure, but this stay in Paris has been about 2 days too long. Assuredly, some of that is due to underestimating the budget I would want in such a gastronomical and shopping mecca, as well as the extensive amount of walking and stair-climbing I’ve done in the last 7 days.
Thus it is that I find myself at Chez Clement, just outside of Opera Garnier, delaying over my dessert to rest my weary thighs.
I ordered perhaps unwisely, basing my choice on the hunger of first meal of the day (at 3pm). The crab raviolini was notable only because of its mushroom sauce, which I would have preferred stronger (I love mushrooms). The crab was undetectable, and the pasta overdone (I prefer al dente). The sirloin steak was reasonable, if small, and served with fries.
The most interesting part, dessert, made for the 3rd creme brulee I’ve had in Paris. The caramel is thin and delicate, and the custard less sweet than I’ve had elsewhere. Oddly enough, the custard also has a noticeable variable texture – as if it was just shy of a smooth puree. I wonder if that means it was whisked by hand? Or perhaps made earlier today, the custard was surprisingly cool.
The horror! Seeing me type, the waiter thought I was done with my half complete dessert! A most emphatic ‘non!’ was in order!
