WINE AND DINE ON THE RIVER SEINE - PARIS All year
 

STOP PRESS: Like many other trips up the River Seine in Paris The Marina de Bercy has sailed gloriously downhill and is now only suitable for undiscerning foreigners. What a shame! The Marina de Bercy used to be our favourite, but now they have been spoilt by their popularity and the only thing that interests them is taking as much money as fast as they can.

The Marina de Bercy which starts its trip between Solferino Bridge and Pont Royal, just opposite The Tuilleries, on the Rive Gauche. Or if you're already on the Rive Gauche, head for the Musee d'Orsay and go down to the quay, just below. During the course of the one and a half hour to two hour jaunt you will pass by the big sites such as Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower, and you will cruise slowly through the beautiful area around Ile Saint Louis where you can see some of Paris' most exquisite town houses. There is a four course banquet which is difficult to fault. The interior may not be quite so haute-decor as the Bateaux Mouches, but the staff are reasonably attired, the huge windows are spotlessly clean and the food is attractively presented on immaculate white table cloths. But be warned the first impressions are a bit off-putting: if you arrive from behind the boat (where the engines are) you may confuse it with the facade of some iron works, and when you do get to the entrance, you may be accosted by the disgruntled looking captain who is better suited to taking care of the rudder than the arriving guests.

Drinks and coffee are included in the price except for the late evening departure and there is a reduced tariff for under 12s. Children under four can come along free. The sittings, or sailings, are every evening at 6.15pm and 9.15pm. There is also a 12.15pm slot on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The menu changes continually so the following is just an idea of the choice you may have.



MENU

Kir Royal (Sparkling wine with cassis)

Starters

Foie Gras with a compote of apple and cinnamon, served with walnut bread
*
Leek fondant with crayfish
*
Red mullet salad in a virgin coulis
*
Arrangement of smoked salmon marinated in dill weed


Main Courses

Leg of game braised with morel mushrooms
*
Heart of salmon dressed country style
*
Back-roasted baby fillet of pork scented with rosemary
*
Peppered sirloin steak (side of beef for group orders)


Cheese Platters (12pm and 9pm sittings)

Faisselle of fromage blanc in cream
*
Mixed salad with brie


Desserts

Raspberry and passion fruit St. Valentine
*
Nougat ice-cream
*
Chocolate gateau with cream
*
Raspberry creme brulee


Coffee


1/2 bottle of Bordeaux or Coteau du Luberon per person
Mineral Water




The is also a lighter (for both the stomach and the wallet) menu: the Menu Decouverte. Instead of a fully blown meal you get four delicious tidbits to begin, followed by a choice of two main courses (fish or poultry dish) followed by four mini desserts per person. The menu includes one drink per head (soft drink or glass of white or red wine).

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