Le Procope is the oldest restaurant cafe in the world. It was founded in 1686 and has served distinguished guests like Voltaire, Benjamin Franklin and even Napoleon. Before he became the commanding general he came to eat at Le Procope but could not pay for his meal so he left his hat at the restaurant as ransom. But Napoleon never came back for his hat and so it is still on display at the restaurant.

Le Procope is one of my favourite restaurants in Paris. The first time I went there 2 years ago they served a different wine for every course. It was amazing. You should see the post about it here (I was wearing a vintage jumpsuit on these same stairs)

6 months ago I visited Le Procope, I got really bad food poisoning from the ‘Special Fish’ dish. I ended up being bed-ridden for 3 days. I threw up at Laduree, scared away French ladies and missed some buying appointments. I highly not recommend eating fish in winter months in Paris.

Believe it or not, this time I decided to give Le Procope another chance, yes I am a very forgiving woman. The taking-photos on the stairs has now become an obsession. I have a photo on the stairs every time I visit Le Procope, mainly to pass boredom whilst we wait for a vacancy for a dinner booking.

October 2010- See by Chloe dress from Net-a-Porter, vintage belt from Milan market, Jil Sander sandals from Milan.

March 2010- vintage cape and fur, MaxMara pants, vintage boots, Country Road gloves, Salvador Dali lips brooch and Gucci clutch

Every time we dine here we have oysters…they’re huge! Actually I always have 3 courses every time we dine out in Paris. It motivates me to walk more…

I stayed away from fish this time…and had ‘Calf’s head casserole’. It is an old fashioned dish…yes I am very brave. Even the waitress who served me the ‘head’ admitted that she’s never tried it. I offered her some from my plate but she turned down my generosity.

And the best dessert dish there? The mixed sorbet plate, from clockwise- strawberry, mango (tastes like a real frozen mango), raspberry, lemon and vanilla bean. Delicious! I’d come just to eat these scoops next time. My 3rd time at Le Procope has somehow offset my previous traumatic experience there. It will always be one of my favourite restaurants to visit when I’m in Paris.

Perhaps you’re wondering why anyone would visit the place that caused them nightmarish gastro…I had the privilege to attend a church service in Paris before heading to Le Procope at the Luxembourg Church, near the Gardens. It was an English-speaking service and the sermon was much needed for my ears and my soul. It was about covenant and forgiveness. I was so filled with joy and peace I think that’s why I had the courage to dine at Le Procope again. And I’m glad I did.