The Ritz Paris for a Light Lunch

July 14, 2018 was a big day for me. It was Bastille Day and I was in Paris! Bastille Day, Fête Nationale Française as it is known in France, is one of the biggest days in the country. This patriotic holiday is celebrated with a huge military parade down the Champs-Élysées, dances at all the fire halls, and fireworks over la tour Eiffel – the Eiffel Tower. My plan for the day was to take in the parade and the fireworks. In between, I intended to enhance my repertoire of French baking skills by completing a class at the École Ritz Escoffier. This is the cooking school at the luxurious and newly-renovated, Hôtel Ritz. A full plate indeed!

So what better way to take a refreshing break on a hot, sunny, Parisian summer day than by enjoying a little dejeuner – lunch – at The Ritz. As the parade wrapped up, I made my way from the Arc de Triomphe towards Place Vêndome, home to the Hôtel Ritz, as well as some of France’s most prestigious jewellery boutiques. Walking from Place de l’Opera, the summer heat that the stone facades of the surrounding buildings and cobble-stone streets had absorbed for days radiated back at me like an oven. So it was a great relief to step into the cool foyer of the grand hotel. There, two friendly female porters, decked out in their smart uniforms, promptly greeted me.

I strolled along the elegant main hall towards the Bar Vêndome, hoping for a table on its open-air patio. I was in luck! The maître d’ guided me to a lovely spot located next to a burbling fountain, shaded by trees and parasols.  The heat of the day had left me wanting something light and cool to munch on. Perusing the menu, my eyes landed on appetizer of Croustilles aux crevettes et à l’avocat – Shrimp and Avocado Toasts. They were the perfect choice – tasty and refreshing! And they went nicely with the complimentary aperitif of chips, olives and truffle cashews. I particularly enjoyed the cashews and made a note to try making those at home. I am very happy with the result and now you can also enjoy these Truffle Cashews ‘Comme Le Ritz’.

The service throughout my meal was impeccable. As I browsed through the menu, a waiter, noticing that I had placed my purse on the floor, brought me a little stool to lay it on. Partway through my meal, he efficiently replaced my plate containing olive pits with a fresh one. And when I asked directions to the toilette, one of the wait-staff guided me back into the hotel and directly to it. It was abundantly clear that great service is at the fore-front of The Ritz’s philosophy.

So, as I happily nibbled my little déjeuner, reading The New York Times and glancing up at the flower boxes hanging from the balconies above, I truly felt like I was sitting in the lap of luxury. And if I had any doubt, the gold, swan-shaped facets in the power room made it abundantly clear.

Feeling refreshed, I was ready for my next exciting event: the Sweet Classics baking class in the kitchens below. I had some time before class started so decided to take a stroll further along the foyer before heading downstairs.  Amidst the luxury clothing and jewellery shops, I was delighted to come upon le Grand Jardin – The Large Garden. I peaked out one of the open doors leading to it. To my surprise, I discovered a lovely corner decorated with pink heart-shaped balloons for a little girl’s birthday party. How special! All in all, a beautiful respite from the heat of the city.

Hôtel Ritz Paris, 15 Place Vendôme, 75001 Paris

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