Paris for our Anniversary
Paris for our Anniversary
Paris for our Anniversary
via Air France La Première
May 2023
Mrs. SFO777 and I are off to Paris to celebrate our 25th anniversary. Tomorrow is Air France La Première from LAX to Paris but today is United to LAX and a night at the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. Today was an uncharacteristically miserable rainy day in Denver. Fortunately, we were able to valet park at the adjacent Westin as the West Garage was full.
Ridiculous lines at the non-PreCheck South Security.
Fortunately, not a lot of people at CLEAR+ PreCheck and we were thru in under 5 minutes.
Once in the B concourse, we had plenty of time for a proper lunch at Elway’s thereby eliminating the need to endure United catering.
Delicious steak tacos.
Denver DEN to Los Angeles LAX
United UA 403
777-200
1:43p-2:59p (sked)
2:20p-3:30p (actual)
May 11, 2023
Welcome to the world's worst First Class boarding... United, where 1/2 the plane is Group 1 and that's after an army of pre-boards.
Sadly our original 739 was swapped out for United’s awful domestic 777 and it’s 8 across dorm-style seating. Someone really thought this was a good idea?
Lovely cleaning job.
The only good part of United catering... Eli's Pie in the Sky.
My Instagram video of lunch and our flight to LAX.
Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
For our overnight in LA, we chose the elegant Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. Beautiful hotel in a quiet and mostly residential part of Beverly Hills.
Beautiful lobby.
Gorgeous suite and outstanding service from an accommodating staff.
Lovely gift from the hotel.
Our view...
Although not memorable, the in house Culina restaurant was pleasant and convenient.
The next morning...
Maybe next time...
My Instragram video of our stay at the Four Seasons Los Angeles.
PS Private Suite at LAX
We’re off the Paris today on Air France La Première. But first up is Mrs. SFO777’s first visit to PS, the Private Suite terminal at LAX. And since it is our anniversary, I arranged a special suite and greeting for her, a private suite to relax while PS staff checks us in and coordinates our departure with Air France.
Surprise...
Thanks PS for making this a memorable surprise.
Our lovely patio.
Great food.
Prepping for my mani. LOL.
Wow, fabulous chocolate cake.
Great plane spotting.
Nice garden area.
At around T-50, our PS rep escorted to private TSA and then to our waiting BWM 7 series for the drive around the LAX tarmac to our Air France plane and gate.
Around the tarmac to our gate.
PS is the only way to do LAX.
And my Instagram video of PS Private Suites at LAX.
Los Angeles LAX to Paris CDG
Air France AF 65
777-300ER (77W)
3:25p-10:55a +1
May 12, 2023
Departed 3/4
What a treat to be back in Air France La Première and the elegant private single row 4 seat cabin, one of the best First Class cabins in the skies. Cabin pics from a previous flight.
Wonderful Millésime Rare on the ground and throughout the flight.
Today's menu...
And other than the champagne and bordeaux, the usual perplexingly mediocre wine list. You want great French wines, fly Emirates.
Since we were full from our PS food, we relaxed for 4 hours before dinner.
Showtime, La Première style.
Tonight's amuse-bouche.
Parsnip cream and bresaola julienne soup.
Very nice Margaux.
My prime cut beef filet.
With pepper sauce.
Perfectly medium rare and fabulous.
Decisions, decisions...
On arrival, we were met plane side by a wonderful La Première personal assistant who escorted us to passport control and our complimentary La Première limo into the city.
What a wonderful day and night with Air France.
And my Instagram video of our excellent Air France La Première flight to Paris.
Hotel Plaza Athénée Paris
Hotel Plaza Athénée is one of the most beautiful and elegant hotels in Paris. I chose Plaza Athénée for its elegance and perfect location, on Avenue Montaigne just a block for the Seine with unparalleled views of the Eiffel Tower. As Mrs. SFO777 gushed, our suite was the most beautiful suite we have ever stayed in. Add in the amazing staff and this was truly a memorable visit.
Our stunning suite #607.
Three balconies...
With drop-dead gorgeous views...
Lunch at La Terrasse Montaigne on a perfect spring afternoon.
Delicious Croque-Plaza
And just down the avenue...
The night-time view from our balcony.
What a fabulous hotel.
My Instagram video of the stunning Hotel Plaza Athénée Paris.
Restaurant Guy Savoy Paris
What a wonderful experience tonight at Guy Savoy Paris. A Michelin 3 star restaurant for years, Guy recently lost its third star and is now officially 2 stars, although it is still a 3 star in my book. This was an amazing culinary taste treat with creative presentation and flawless service by a wonderful staff, especially resident comedian Hubert. And amiable Guy greeted us at the front door as we arrived, and we chatted for a couple of minutes. What a delight.
Chef Guy working the room...
And back in our suite, another reminder of why we came to Paris.
What a wonderful meal and experience.
And my Instagram video of our meal at Guy Savoy Paris.
Lunch on the Seine on Ducasse sur Seine
Sunday lunch was cruising the Seine on the Alain Ducasse’s elegant Ducasse sur Seine bateau. But first, breakfast in our suite. And no, we did not finish breakfast. LOL.
We boarded just after noon from Port Debilly directly across from the Eiffel Tower. Excellent meal with wine pairing on our pleasant 2 hour cruise on the Seine.
Amuse-bouche.
What a delightful way to cruise the Seine on a Sunday afternoon.
And my Instagram video of our Sunday afternoon with Ducasse sur Seine.
Dinner at l'Atelier Joël Robuchon Saint-Germain
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon is one of our favorite Paris restaurants. Mrs. SFO777 and I have eaten at the original St-Germain location 4-5 times, also at Etoile in Drugstore Publicis and in Genève. A wonderful two hours with some classic modern dishes and excellent wine. Even made new friends as she chatted up the table next to us and at least for a night, decided she wanted to visit Saudi Arabia. You go girl!
Yummy bread.
Outstanding gyoza.
Lamb chops to die for.
Spaghetti tomato basil.
And the amazing spaghetti carbonara.
Quail with foie gras.
And the amazing signature Le Burger... wagyu beef with foie gras.
O-M-G.
After dinner, a nightcap back at Plaza Athénée.
And my Instagram video of our evening at at l'Atelier Joël Robuchon Saint-Germain
Shopping Day on Avenue Montaigne and rue du Faubourg Ste-Honoré
After a late breakfast in our suite...
Time for some shopping for Mrs. SFO777.
Louis Vuitton
Moncler...
Jimmy Choo...
Giorgio Armani.
And the most expensive kiddie's store.
Anniversary Dinner at 114 Faubourg
Of all the Paris restaurants we’ve visited over the years, 114 Faubourg is probably our favorite. And appropriate that we’re here on our official anniversary day. 114 Faubourg is Michelin star chic brasserie located in tony Hotel Le Bristol. Their 114 salade with truffle vinaigrette may be the best salad in the world. 114 Faubourg is like coming home. It never disappoints.
Mesclun salad and crisp lettuce hearts, shavings of Parmesan, black truffle dressing. Wow.
Langoustines and foie gras ravioli, broth of the claws infused with lemongrass.
Amazing sole meuniére.
"Guanaja" chocolate souffleed tart, hazelnut praline, Bourbon vanilla ice cream.
Tiramisu.
Back at Plaza Athénée, a sweet gift from SFO777Jr and family.
My Instagram video of our dinner at 114 Faubourg.
