Her French was fluent although I thought I could detect a slight American accent. But I immediately forgot about that as she led me to my table because of her beauty and the way her hips moved under the silk dress as she walked in front of me to my table.
The meal was incredible. A synthesis of the best of French and American cuisine and I had already determined to give the restaurant rave reviews in the upcoming international travel section of the major US newspaper I represented when she approached my table and asked if she could sit down.
"You're Clarence Tabuc the American food critic," she said, extending her hand. "I'm Cherie Allouette," she added as she seated herself at my table with a mischievous smile.
I was totally taken off guard by the exchange. First of all I did not expect to be recognized outside of New York let alone the United States and secondly I was trying to figure out this woman's relationship to Armand Allouette the first French chef to manage a synthesis of French and American cooking to be recognized by both the French and Americans as one of the greatest chefs. Her English was fluent with a slight southern accent (Georgia or South Carolina or Tennessee?) she could not be a younger sister to the chef so she could only be his young wife I determined quickly.
"You must be Madame Alouette, but how did you recognize me?" I asked in puzzlement.
Once again the mischievous smile crossed her face as she licked her lips and told me, "I may be living in France now, but I am an American and was once a New Yorker and you, Mr. Tabuc, are no stranger to anyone seriously interested in the arts of the kitchen and food."
Just then a bottle of 1927 Vintage Port was brought to my (our?) table and presented to her. When she saw the look on my face she laughed and said, "I am no longer Madame Allouette. We divorced a year ago, but we are still friends and, after all, we have this child together," and she tilted her head in a Gallic manner to indicate the restaurant.
Before I could think of a response she pointed out one of the waitresses on the opposite side of the room and with twinkling eyes and a smile on her face at my discomfort said, "He left me for her."
Before even thinking I said in shock, "For her?" Because the woman she pointed out to me was not very attractive. And once again without thinking what I was saying I asked, "Why?"