Every story needs a beginning, so this tale opens with a small boy looking out of a ferry window, searching expectantly for something other than the blue waves, little realizing the grand adventure that lies ahead.

He is my little prince and his elder sisters are my princesses, riding their royal steeds through the streets of Paris.

We dined like Kings and Queens on pasta, pesto, vegetables and sausages, cooked majestically on a two-plate hob and served with panache at our apartment table. After feasting, the little prince and princesses lay down their sleepy heads and fell immediately into a deep, restful slumber.

The lazy sun rose tardily the following morning and we ascended to the very top of the Tour Montparnasse to survey our realm.

Our steps to Parnassus at last brought us face-to-face with the objects of our quest: une belle rose et un chocolatier charmant.

With excited tumblings of princess cartwheels …

… and crazy Parisian driving whirling around triumphal monuments, …

… we escaped with our treasure to the Golden Arches.

Yes, it’s true. For my first dining experience with Rose Levy Beranbaum, we shared a cheeseburger at McDonald’s!

But our time together was only just beginning. There were many more meals, stories and surprises to come …