The boys and I headed up to Montmatre to visit La Basilique du Sacré Couer of course, and also to seek out a restaurant my chef friend, Jon, from La Verriere in Crestet recommended. First, we had to get there.
I love coming across the vintage Metro stops; if only we had known what a workout we would get reaching the thing. When we exited the train, everyone headed straight for an elevator. Thinking we might as well earn our lunch, we opted for the stairs. The fact that we were the only ones taking them meant an opportunity for the boys to have a race. Yeah.
Almost all Metro stations feature unique designs but a graffiti-embellished mural was an interesting change from the usual movie/sales/ad posters lining the walls. It would have truly unique if there weren’t FIVE more of them! Apparently we discovered the deepest Metro stop in all of Paris!
Naturally, I feel compelled to include a pic of the basilica and I happen to really like this one. The sun disappeared behind the clouds at just the right moment, creating a truly interesting photo.
The funicular railway is definitely the easiest way to reach the top of the hill. Unfortunately for me the boys opted for, you guessed it, the stairs. This is what the return trip looks like…
Really guys, the ramp? How do I bottle that energy and use the money to buy an apartment here…one with an elevator,biên sur.
The effort was rewarded with a lovely view from the top.
We stopped in this cute little shop along the way and were admiring the treats until one of the boys wrecked the macaron display. We left with a package of their finest chocolate.
A ride on the carousel, which was not as big as I remembered, and on to lunch…
A pig greeted diners at each table and every place had a different saying written on butcher paper. A hint about their approach perhaps?
While the boys waited for their entrecôte/grilled steak (no kiddie menu here), I enjoyed a seriously delicious beet gazpacho served in a rubber bowl. Hmmm.
I was rewarded for eating it all up with this cute little duck smiling at me. Love it! My second course was a Moroccan-spiced lamb shank served on a bed of couscous. Sorry, no pic. Trust me, it was de-lish.
One of the boys ordered the mousse au chocolat “explosif”. Presented in a mason jar with a chalkboard for a tray, the explosif part was plain Pop Rocks candy! I loved this chef! She creates seriously good food served up with a side of humor. In Paris, no less!