The International Postmen’s convention was in session at Les Pipos. On hand were Pierre, mon facteur,John Chaney, my old postman back in California and his wife Susanne.

One senses that time has stood still when entering Chez Georges, a classic Paris bistro since 1964. Waitresses in black dresses with white aprons, crunchy radishes served with butter and salt as you are seated and handwritten menus. All of the classic dishes are served: marinated herring, paté de compagne, celéri remoulade and of course, entrecote, cote de boeuf, grilled sole, salmon in sorrel sauce to name but a few.

Set on the site of the stables of Louis-Philippe and the Orleans family the Bistrot Valois has quickly become a cantine for government workers at the nearby Palais Royal since its opening in late 2013.

At the moment (2013) Mexican food is once again hot in Paris and you can pay a lot of money for acceptable “Mexican” dishes but when I want a real taste of Mexico I head for Iticate.

It was M’s birthday and although we’d eaten many times at the Duke’s Bar at the Hotel Westminster overseen by Chef Christophe Moisand we’d never tried his 1-star Le Céladon. We were warmly welcomed by Alain, the maitre d’ and ushered to our table where moments later Emanuel Traore, the charming General Manager, joined us accompanied by 3 flutes of an excellent champagne rosé.