On the bank of the Seine across from the Isle St. Louis rests a houseboat built in the 1920s renovated into a restaurant. We sit enjoying champagne, watching boats go by while ripples on the river throw playful glimmering reflections against every surface.

Dulcet melody and chello entwine playfully, everything swaying just a little as waves rock us gently to the tune of the live acoustic performance. Green foliage curtains us a bit from the lively dinnergoers on the bank just adjacent, where stacked crates under umbrellas form the seating. Laughter and conversation are plentiful as the open air bar serves a que.

A simple fresh and well-flavored menu is in perfect pairing with the setting. Starting with tapas, the duo of olives & cacahuetes, and some veggies and dip we soon moved on to salads, sampling the La Rizerère: rice, young shoots, shrimps & crayfish with citrus, and the L'Abruzze: lamb's lettuce, ravioli, tomatoes, basil & parmesan.

As the sun dipped just low enough to set the river afire we enjoyed a hearty main course of marinated chicken brochette with the beef skewer alongside roasted potatoes and ratatouille.

Peniche MarCounet is memorable for its dreamy and cool ambiance, with a busy live music calendar and a bar serving riverside guests in addition to the idyllic seating on the houseboat. We found it the perfect place to re-energize before heading out for the evening.

- TILL NEXT TIME!

FOR MORE:

You can find Peniche MarCounet online at: www.peniche-marcounet.fr

Or make plans to come by in person:

Port des Célestins, Quai de l'Hôtel de ville, 75004 Paris, France

Food photo credits: Lane Oliveri

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