"One of our theories is that one can offset this excessive compulsion toward the spectacular with a return to simplicity." ~ Rem Koolhaas

Before heading to Paris...

we decided to give American Express Concierge a try.

We first gave them the impossible task of

scoring reservations at Restaurant Frenchie, open Monday-Friday, 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and reservations by phone only between the hours of 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. M-F...

which they attempted and did finally reach someone, only to be told reservations are made 2-3 months in advance.

They were successful in reserving a table for our Saturday night choice, so 50-50 on results.  However, with the limited hours offered by Frenchie for reservations, it was nice to have Amex do the footwork, regardless of the outcome.

Since we were meeting up with one of my Longhorn YaYa's, in Paris for business, she was able to get us a reservation elsewhere through her French Connection!

She and RenMan sported their unique coolness as we enjoyed a four hour dinner filled with amazing food and friendly chatter, followed by a beautiful stroll along the River Seine.

Our choice for Saturday was based on architecture.

I know, that sounds crazy...

but 'the foodie' had heard about Le Dauphin, 

designed by Rem Koolhaas, 

in her architecture class.

After a terrible first impression of employees standing and staring 

as we attempt to find the door to enter this trendy Canal St. Martin area eatery...

  

 the food made up for the French 'charm'.

Served tapas style, we followed the advice of the waitress and ordered a few plates each, savoring every bite.

By the look of the crowd the night we were there, 

the lack of a website only adds to the intrigue.  

You can find this little gem at the address above.

Let the concierge take care of your reservation, and oh...

the door is to the left of the front window.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!