The Cesars are France’s equivalent of the Oscars.  Toddrickallen was invited to the luxurious Hotel George V to honor a dear friend’s 70th birthday which ended up doubling as a private viewing party for the Cesars because the host of the party was  the producer for the  nominated film, La Premiere Etoile (The First Star).  Unfortunately the film didn’t win, but that was the only disappointment in an otherwise flawless evening.  The lavish hotel, one of Paris’ loveliest, was fantastically decorated with mountains of purple flowers everywhere one looked.  The lobby and dining room were populated by the most beautiful people, all dressed to the nines.  The soiree was held in the Salon Anglaise.  The Georges V’s Michelin three-starred chef, Eric Briffard is a holder of an MOF, (Meilleur Ouvrier de France).  He had created a vegetarian menu exclusively for us.  The first course was a tarte fine aux champignons de saison marines, chutney d’aubergine legerement fume (seasonal marinated mushroom tart with smoked eggplant chutney).  It was divine and full of flavor.  The main course, risotto carnaroli cremeux, artichauts cuits et crus, tuile craquante au vieux parmesan (Artichoke risotto with parmesan tuile) was expertly executed.  Rich and creamy, it had just the right bit of tooth to the rice.  The satisfying umami kick of the parmesan tuile finished the dish perfectly.  Fabrice Lecleir, the pastry chef, ended the meal with a wonderfully decadent chocolate mousse cake.  The wines that were served were a Macon-Bussieres Domaine Saumaize 2008 and a Cote de Castillon Chateau Manoir du Gravoux 2006.  After dinner, we danced to music spun by a DJ, and ended up in our friend’s suite with its jaw-dropping view of the Eiffel Tower.  It was a perfect evening.