MARVELLOUS is but one superlative to describe the Sofitel le Faubourg in Paris. As The Travelling Gourmet it is my job to travel the world in search of exotic delicacies, fantastic wines and beautiful sights. I was pleased to stay here recently on a gastronomic safari to France. This is probably the safest hotel to stay in Paris as it is just next door to the US Embassy. Due to this the Rue Boissy d’Anglas is closed to vehicles and well armed Gendarmes are on duty 24 hours a day. The location is also fantastic, only a short walk to the Avenue des Champs-Elysee and just a hop, skip and jump from the Hermes shop and the shopping Mecca of the posh Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore. It is also just a short stroll to my favourite delicatessen in the City of Light – Fauchon in the Place de la Medeleine. So near all the major sights and yet so quiet and tranquil, it is like an oasis of charm and comfort in the frenetic hustle and bustle of Paris. The beds are really excellent and the special feather pillows and duvets are so incredibly soft and comfortable, I was sleeping like a happy baby as soon as my head caressed the pillows. Many guests actually buy them back for their homes! Every morning, I woke at 0700, worked out in the cosy gymnasium, and then jogged to the magical River Seine via the majestic Place de la Concorde to watch the sunrise while I did my ballet exercises. Then a really mmmm…yummy breakfast in the Cafe Faubourg with freshly baked rolls, clementines, croissants, piping hot Cafe au Lait and cheese and tomato omelettes so fluffy in the middle it took my breath away. For dinner, Cafe Faubourg is really the best kept secret for gourmets. I sat at a table with a flute of chilled salmon coloured Laurent Perrier Rose champagne, facing a tranquil courtyard and felt like I was in a French nobleman’s house. I began with an hors d’ouevre of Frothy Chestnut Broth & Foie Gras Royale. The luscious flavours brought out by the Chef’s skill emerged to please my palate. Eagerly, I waited for my next course…a delicious Spice Crusted Pheasant Filet with pan fried Foie Gras plus Buttered Cabbage magically appeared. I carefully cut into the Foie Gras (it means ‘fatty liver’ in French) and I could tell that the moist core had been done to perfection, neither too overdone nor underdone. I moaned in sheer delight as the provocatively delicious, decadent and rich flavours caressed my tastebuds. Good foie gras well done has a lovely fruity aftertaste. A lovely glass of aromatic and complex Chateau Belgrave 2000 AOC Pomerol was an enthusiastic partner for the food. Dessert of Roast Figs, fresh Walnuts and Vanilla Ice Cream was superb too. Tempted beyond human endurance, I could not resist another delectable dessert of melt in the mouth-tender Fruit Tagine cooked in the Moroccan volcano shaped terracotta cooking pot called the Tagine. Oh, La! La! Heavenly! My favourite motto, "Das Leben es ist unbestimmt, iss erst den Nachtisch" came to mind. I met amiable and humble Chef Jerome Videau who told me about the Southwestern touch of the Meditteranean he likes to infuse in his excellent cuisine. The food here is to parachute behind enemy lines for! For a luxurious and wonderful stay in Paris with fantastic food as a bonus, the Sofitel le Faubourg is a real winner. By Dr. Michael Lim the Travelling Gourmet who is a renowned Travel, Food & Wine Writer/Editor from Asia.