Celebrating Cynthia’s 50th Birthday at Monsieur Bleu in Paris

Last year on May 7th, I had the incredible opportunity to celebrate my sister/cousin Cynthia’s 50th birthday at the renowned Monsieur Bleu in Paris, France. Nestled in the Palais de Tokyo, this Michelin Guide restaurant boasts an exquisite Art Deco interior with a palette of grey, green, and gold, and a terrace offering breathtaking views of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower. The ambiance was nothing short of spectacular, setting the perfect stage for a memorable evening.

A Culinary Delight

Monsieur Bleu’s reputation for sophisticated and delicious cuisine did not disappoint. The highlight of my meal was finally experiencing proper foie gras. It was creamy, rich, and everything I had hoped for. Each bite was a testament to the culinary expertise that has earned Monsieur Bleu its place in the Michelin Guide¹.

The Perfect Cocktail

After three days in Paris, I finally had the chance to taste a proper Porn Star Martini. This cocktail, with its blend of vanilla vodka, passion fruit liqueur, and a side of sparkling wine, was the perfect way to toast to Cynthia’s milestone birthday. The balance of flavors was impeccable, making it a standout moment of the evening.

Recipe: Porn Star Martini

If you’re looking to recreate this delightful cocktail at home, here’s a recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces vanilla vodka
• 1 ounce passion fruit juice or puree+=
• 1/2 ounce passion fruit liqueur
• 1/2 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1/2 ounce vanilla simple syrup
• 2 ounces champagne or sparkling wine, chilled
• Fresh passion fruit, halved for garnish

Directions:

1. Add the vanilla vodka, passion fruit puree, passion fruit liqueur, lime juice, and vanilla simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake well for about 12-15 seconds until well chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
4. Serve with a sidecar of chilled sparkling wine.
5. Garnish with a halved passion fruit.

Enjoy this cocktail as a reminder of a wonderful evening at Monsieur Bleu, celebrating a special milestone with loved ones.