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Although I used to love those years when the children were little and we did everything as a family, and somehow life was more simple to organise … I have to say that there is also a great pleasure in watching our ‘little ones’ grow, and become adult and find their own dreams and ambitions and then work out how to make those dreams come true.
I never spread my family life over the pages of this blog, but suffice it to say that yesterday evening brought this home.
We all (except for one, “sorry honey , next time!”) met up in St Germain at our favourite Paris restaurant, and enjoyed a long, happy leisurely dinner, listening to them tell us about their projects. Watching their eyes sparkle, feeling their excitement and I realised how good it felt to let go a little and see that yes, they can fly on their own, and actually they’ll probably end up flying higher and further than we ever have!
I’m sure you know what I mean. I’m sure you’ve felt that moment when you say to yourself “wow! I never thought that one of my children would pull off something like that!!”
One of those very good family moments ….
What I am more than happy to share with you is this excellent address in Paris. Le Monteverdi, I have mentioned it before, but I’m happy to do it again. The boss, Claudio is Italian. He’s worked in his restaurant for over 40 years. When my husband and I first started eating there, (long before we had any children) Claudio had his mamma working with him … this is a family affair.
This is not a tourist spot, it is essentially Parisian. Good food, wonderful cosy decor, great service, excellent wine, and if you are lucky as we were yesterday, you may have a beautiful pianist playing the grand piano quietly in the corner of the restaurant.
If you get there be sure to say hello to Claudio for me!
5 – 7 rue Guisarde ▪ St. Germain des Pres ▪ Paris 75006[blank]
34 comments
Thank you for sharing this find, Sharon…I just added it to my file for my trip to Paris in the fall.
Your sentiments about your children are lovely – I find myself feeling the same way often about my own who have left the nest. They have an incredible capacity for amazing us! Enjoy your weekend! xoxox
After all the years of nurturing it is truly wonderful to sit back and be amazed by the accomplishments of our children.
Lovely blog BTW. Beautiful photographs.
leaving for Paris April 1st…excited to try this restaurant, thank you for sharing. No children on this trip…both under 5. But your post makes me look forward to sharing an adult meal with them one day….in Paris, even better
I am making note of this restaurant just in case I get there; I will have my itinerary all planned.
Do your children cringe a little in concern that you will give something away they think you shouldn't?
totaly right Sandy, and we love to be amazed!!
xx
Wonderful and quite a relief too! Thank you Myra
xx
Bon appetit Jennifer, hope you have a lovely evening!
xx
Cringe? I certainly hope not, I try to be very careful, but you are right to remind me to pay attention to that
xx
Bellissimo posto! Adoro Parigi, ed anche oggi che ho un marito ed una figlia, non dimentico questa splendida città che ha visto uno dei miei primi, piccoli amori nascere…
baci
Elli
Bien, bien Sharon, je note l'adresse dans mon petit carnet… on ne sait jamais !
I can so relate to what you say Sharon, about your children. Mine too have not so long ago, completely left the nest, and they constantly amaze and inspire me. Family dinners such as this, become very special!
I have made a note of the restaurant, and shall definitely look it up next time my husband and I are in Paris – thank you for the recommendation!
Have a lovely weekend…..
Sophia x
Sharon,
Thanks for sharing your joy in your children. My children are in their twenties and they are soaring. I love spending time with them. Nice to know that all the hard work we put into raising them has paid off!
Marilyn
thank you Elli, glad to have brought back happy memories.
xx
Je crois que tu ne serait pas décue Céline
xx
I'm sure it's good fro them to see that amazement in our eyes Sophia
a good weekend to you too
xx
That's what we like to think Marilyn, but I guess the most important thing is accepting them the way they are and rejoicing in all their achievements
xx
Lovely…what a sweet post!
Thank you for sharing. I am adding it to other pieces of information about Paris? Have you ever been to Monet's home in Giverny?
Hi Sharon
I know I should probably comment on the subject at hand….but I just have to ask. Do you ever tire of that view (the first picture). I surely don't.
Oh my Sharon, I know just exactly what you mean & how you feel when you described feeling of pride in your children. Mine have been adults on their own for a long time & I can never get over how they've magically grown into such beautiful people. I only wish I could experience their lives much more often. How I miss them being a bit farther away than I would like. Have a wonderful weekend!
I love your blog! Heading to Paris at the end of March to celebrate my younger daughter's 21st birthday…making our dinner reservation at Le Monteverdi first thing tomorrow. Thank you so much for the recommendation!
Oooohhh this post is soooo sweet! I perfectly know what you mean and how you feel when you are with your children and you listen their projects!!!! That's a great emotion!
Thank you for sharing this lovely address in Paris!!!!
Have a nice weekend.
Hi Sharon!!
What a beautiful evening spent with the 'kids'!! The way you described it, felt like I was there. And how great would that be!!
I'm sorry one of your children couldn't meet up with you, but, it goes to show us parents, that our children, once they have reached that adult age, have a life of their own and that's the way it should be.
Thank you for the night in Paris!!
Have a great weekend!!
Pam
xox
Ten thousends km separated me from my son as much more I enjoy the rare days/evenings with him and every time I can see a new person who found his way.This are moments where I also recognize that all the efforts and worries was worth.To be proud of our children is a wonderful gift from them and honestly our relationship gets better and better since I don't see the child but a matured person.
Friday evenings have always been my favorite in my family life, because they were one when both daughters and husband were in house telling all the events and matters they managed on weekdays.This paarticular evening is more precious since they live their own family life outside.It is good for all of us to know a certain place let it be the home or a special restaurant to gather again and have all around me.This means FAMILY , love from the cottage in Hungary Dorka http://www.dorottyaudvar.co.hu
How great are those evenings, Sharon? I think spending time with my children now is the most fun and exciting…. and illuminating… than it's ever been… 🙂
Sounds as though you had a gorgeous evening… xv
I completely understand you. I used to miss having a small child around. But now, somehow, I enjoy seeing the same things in my children that you wrote about.
What a lovely evening…t is always wonderful when you can spend time with all your children gathered at the table. Hopefully we will be in Paris in October and can say "hello" to Claudio.
Your family dinner together in Paris sounds heavenly.
and thank you for another address to try in Septembre. We will definitely try it! Have a great weekend.
xo
My children are the most important accomplishment to date..bar none. I am delighted for them when they do well + cry when something goes wrong. Loved your family dinner at the restaurant you have gone to for so long. Thanks for sharing this with me. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
time spent with your family is the most precious time to remember, be they young children or adult. An evening made even more special being at your favourite restaurant. Enjoy your weekend.
Barbara Lilian
And that's all we can hope for, for our children isn't it…. that we have nurtured them enough … but not too much .. that they can make their own way in the world.
Even now (10 and 8) I see the small steps in the world and cherish them. Signing up for extra training or classes or because they want to do it for themselves. I love their burgeoning independence and yes how they excitedly relay their new experiences.
Jen x
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Dear Sharon,
Thank you so much for the dining suggestion! We dined there last Saturday–and were waited on by Claudio. He said that your husband had dined the night before. A note to other readers–Claudio's is very popular and we were fortunate he could seat us–you may want to make a reservation. The experience capped off a lovely family day with our 9 and 4 year old–I will always remember it. Thank you,
Best Regards,
Margo
Virginia, USA