It is not the meals prepared by world-renowned French chefs that I remember from my most recent…read moretrip to France. It is the salmon from the IKEA food court that I reflect upon. Yes, despite being in the gastro-tourism capital of the world, I found myself dining at an IKEA food court one evening. Odd, I know. More perplexing is the fact that it is the meal that influenced me most. Especially since, I ate at some of France's trendiest and historical restaurants. Nonetheless, I enjoyed cold smoked salmon top with a mustard based sauce. It was some of the best salmon that I have ever had. Why do I recall this meal so fondly? Perhaps, it was the atypical nature of the meal. I mean I have never even eaten at an IKEA in America. Perhaps, it was the fact that it was the only place I found in France that gave free refills on Coke, which, is real commodity in Europe. Most likely, it was due to being served high quality Swedish salmon prepared under the guidance of a French culinary expert. The French take their food seriously. Even the food served at a department store. Though not factored into my rating, here are additional notes about this IKEA: It was structured like any other IKEA. The department store staff was helpful. The checkout lines for merchandise were long and moved slowly.
