Before I share a complete recap of our trip to France (the restaurant post is coming later this week!) I figured it was only appropriate to dedicate a full post to what was the highlight of the trip, the year, and possibly life: Dinner at Verjus and meeting Ina and Jeffrey!
Since Mari, Max, Robby and I couldn’t get reservations for the tasting menu at Septime – one of the hottest restaurants in Paris – we opted to try the 78 euro tasting menu at Verjus on our last night in Paris before heading to Provence. The meal was phenomenal – which I’ll get to – but let’s skip to the real reason you’re here.
Verjus is a small, romantically-lit restaurant down a quiet alley off Rue de Richelieu near the Palais Royal. Upon walking in for our 9:30 reservation, hungry and ready to savor every bit of the 7-course menu, I immediately spotted Ina and Jeffrey in the corner enjoying their meal. I slowly turned around the color likely draining from my face, and stared wide-eyed at my friends who were actually concerned something had gone wrong.
The hostess showed us to our table in the opposite corner of the room – which allowed me time to compose myself and come up with a plan. Luckily, I was accompanied by two PR mavens who helped me rehearse what I would say and reminded me to breathe. I didn’t want to interrupt Ina and Jeffrey’s dinner or cause a commotion, so Mari and Robby, who were facing their table, kept an eye open to see when they paid their bill.
Just as our lamb tartare arrived, we saw them pay so Mari and I made our way to their table.
“Hi Ina, I’m so sorry to be a bother, but I’m a huge fan and couldn’t pass up the opportunity meet you.”
I told Ina I was cooking my way through all of her recipes and had already completed over 500 of them. “Wow,” she replied as her eyes widened. I continued by telling her I was documenting everything on Instagram. As soon as I mentioned @storeboughtisfine, I saw a flash of recognition cross her face. “Ohhhh,” she said as she turned to Jeffrey, “we’ve corresponded on Instagram.” She then mentioned she heard I was in Paris 😳 (A huge thanks to all the followers who commented on her post that she needed to meet me while in town – she heard you!)
We spent a couple minutes discussing our respective trips and the meal at Verjus. I thanked her for all the food recommendations in Paris and asked if she would mind taking a photo, to which she graciously agreed. We snapped a couple of photos outside, she gave us a big hug, and before hopping in her cab, said “thank you so much for all you do.” I thanked her back and told her how excited I was for the new book.
It all feels like a dream and I still can’t believe that it happened (in the most perfect way possible, too). It was such a serendipitous night and it truly convinced me that Paris is a magical city. I mean, what are the chances that we’d both be in Paris, let alone the same restaurant on the same day at the same time?!
There’s often trepidation in meeting the people you really look up to … can they possibly live up to the glorified version of them you have in your head? But Ina and Jeffrey were friendly, warm, gracious and an absolute joy to meet. She lived up to every expectation and I’m still pinching myself in disbelief. It was a night I won’t soon forget!
Although it was hard to concentrate on the amazing food with Ina and Jeffrey sitting two tables away, the meal at Verjus was one of the best we had on the trip.
The first course consisted of a number of small-bite plates, including purple potato with herbes de Provence; chickpea socca; sweet peas and mint on a potato crisp; green asparagus with brown butter and almonds; and artichoke with an egg yolk/saffron dip.
This was followed by white asparagus, rhubarb and lardo.
Morels, celeriac, and wild sorrels were served for the third course. It was our first time having morels and WOW! They are one of the most amazing things I’ve ever tasted.
Next was my favorite dish of the night: lamb tartare with yogurt sauce and buttery garlic potatoes and romaine with escargot.
We closed out the meal with elderflower foam/jelly with nuts followed by strawberries, cream, and lemon cake.
Our waitress, Leah, was beyond amazing. She was helpful, attentive without being overly so and kept us laughing throughout the meal. Everything was amazing and a real steal, considering the reasonable price for the tasting menu. I’d recommend Verjus to everyone looking for a special night in Paris. Who knows, you may even spot Ina!
Make sure you make reservations several weeks in advance – luckily they are one of the few restaurants that allow you to make reservations online!
Verjus
52 Rue de Richelieu, 75001 Paris
Phone: +33(0)1.42.97.54.40
Closed Saturday and Sunday
Reservation: Online; several weeks in advance
Stay tuned for the rest of the trip recap including restaurant recommendations later this week!
What a sweet blog post! I could feel your emotions upon spotting Ina and was so happy that you were able to chat w/ her! Actually, I’m so happy to read how cordial she and Jeffrey were. Loved all of the shared photos and also hearing that the food was delicious! Love all of your Insta posts, too!!
Thank you, Karen! She was wonderful. And thank you for all your support 🙂
I really do enjoy your insta account. I can see you put your whole heart into all of your food creations. I LOVE to cook and having someone appreciate it means the world! Keep up the good work!
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