The school arranged what they call a “pedagogical” lunch for us today, which meant no school! Yay!

I’m lucky to have rented an apartment so near school and walking distance to Tour Eiffel. The meeting point was at Port Debilly, which is right across the river from the Eiffel Tower. The lunch cruise is run by Bateaux Parisiens. I was able to walk there in about 25 minutes. The lunch was onboard a boat that brought us down the Seine. We got to enjoy an amazing meal and also sightsee at the same time.

Rosé

Entrée – Lightly smoked salmon, fennel and poivrade artichoke salad

Best part of the entrée – the artichokes. I’ve never had artichoke this good in my life. To be honest, I was already full after this. But I had to force myself, because I’m pretty sure that at least some of my school fees went to this meal! And also, I don’t waste food.

Main – Roast veal rump, mixed vegetables with golden chanterelle mushrooms

I don’t usually eat meat, but I decided to not opt for the vegetarian meal. I don’t regret that decision, because it’s been a long while since I’ve had meat this decent. It was extremely tender and juicy. And I’m very thankful that it was not medium rare, because if it were, I would not have eaten it! The potatoes, peas and chanterelle mushrooms were really delicious too, but I still can’t make myself like asparagus! The asparagus was overcooked anyway, which made it even more repulsive to me.

Dessert – Chocolate concerto with vanilla cream from Lenôtre

Of course, the best part of the meal was dessert. A chocolate lover’s dream. The bottom layer of feuilletine was my favourite. The vanilla cream was not necessary, but I appreciate anything that uses real vanilla beans (because I can’t afford it myself) instead of vanilla extract.

I took a walk back with a couple of my classmates and bought some tape for my utensils so that no one mistakenly takes them. I also bought some warmer clothes from H&M so that I can sleep comfortably at night here. I feel really cold at night, especially my hands and feet. I’m all curled up like a shrimp! And I don’t have my mummy with me anymore. I used to put my cold feet and hands on her because she’s like a hot water bottle!

I’m well rested and ready for the new school week. I’m one of the team leaders for this week, which means I have to be early for classes to assist the chefs and the class with ingredients and set up.

I’m off to see the Eiffel Tower light up in a bit though I’m already pretty tired. My classmate just happens to live in the block beside me and she just called me lazy! Haha. I am actually 😛