Yesterday was a big day for me: I celebrated my 65th birthday! And was able to do so with people I love and at an amazing restaurant in Paris.

I first heard about Le Train Bleu a couple of years ago. Located in the Gare de Lyon train station, the restaurant has a reputation for amazing food and impeccable service, in a gorgeous, fin de siecle setting.

Let me say that, based on my birthday luncheon, that reputation is 100% deserved. Just check out these photos:

Mom and I were joined by my cousin Mike and his lovely wife, Nino, who by coincidence were visiting Paris this week. It was lovely to catch up with them over an elegant and leisurely lunch. I truly appreciated them making time to meet with us in the middle of their whirlwind Parisian trip. It made my birthday extra special.

Every special celebration has to start with a good wine. Mike ordered a bottle of white Bordeaux that was recommended by the waiter. It did not disappoint, according to my guests.

The menu is very upscale French and the house specialty is a leg of lamb, carved table side from a carvery cart and served with a potato gratin casserole. Mike and I had that.

Nino decided to enjoy the foie gras and mom ordered an amazing lobster pasta dish.

When it came time for dessert, mom had already ordered the hazelnut soufflé with lemon ice cream…because if you are going to have a soufflé, what better place than to have it in Paris???

Mike, Nino and I opted for the other house specialty — Crepes Suzette, prepared table side. And the server the other staff referred to as “Monsieur Suzette” really put on a show for us.

There was also an amazing cheese board, from which we could have ordered as a course between the main and the dessert.

But frankly, we were just too full to do it justice. I would be tempted to go back just for the cheese and another order of Crepes Suzette!

It was a lovely meal and a wonderful way to celebrate a milestone birthday. I am so blessed and give thanks for another year of survivorship, another year of a fantastic, full and interesting life, and another year of fun adventures with the best mom ever. Can’t wait to see what this year will bring.