30th Birthday lunch at Ralph's in Paris

So before heading down to the South of France to celebrate my 30th we spent two days in Paris and I knew John had something up his sleeve and even though it was 2 days before my 30th John wanted to take me out somewhere special for lunch, so off we headed to the Left Bank and to the wonderfully stylish Ralph's in St Germaine. As some of you may already know John go to label is Ralph Lauren as their tailored shirts and chinos have never let him down and their home wear is simply stunning. It felt almost surreal sitting outside this beautiful building in the garden terrace with the sun shinning down, surrounded by many a fashionable Parisian (the place was fully booked) in the heart of Paris, it couldn't of been more perfect, except for the fact that if I had know I probably would of worn something else but it was a lovely surprise.

Luckily John had made a reservation otherwise there would be no way you would be able to get a seat. Ralph's is all about "An American in Paris" so most of the menu is gourmet American fayre. Once we were seated and ordered some drinks they also brought over some lovely fresh bread and fried olives (which Mr A loved). For our main I ordered the Veggie burger which was topped with Avocado and shredded salad and was simply divine and I am not a chip person at all but these ranch style chips were so tasty. John went for the Double RL steak, something which because I am veggie but by all accounts he said it was incredible and perfectly cooked. Mr A had little tasters of mine plus helped me along with the chips as well as devouring the olives.

As it was a birthday treat we decided to order some desserts - which we don't usually do during lunchtime but how often are you in Paris? John and I decided to share the mini trio dessert platter over some espressos while the little man had a bowl of the most decedent double chocolate ice-cream which had so much depth of flavour I really was something else.

We have decided at some point we will return to the his restaurant but without the little man, even though he was very well behaved it's the type of place you can spend pretty much the whole afternoon chatting over food in a relaxed way as the service was great but it's not somewhere that is in anyway rushed and of course you can only expect a four year old to sit for so long. The staff were very accommodating with him and hit fitted right in lying back on the big pillows and relaxing in the sun with my shades on.