"It is a long story," Nicolas St.
Denis said to Jack O'Brien. St. Denis had chosen the new to San Francisco French restaurant La Folie. With white linen tablecloths, polished silver, and a one star Michelin rating, La Folie was glamorously intimate. Wild Mushroom and Charred Leek Salad, Lobster and Mushroom Risotto, Rack of Lamb, Fried Potato Cake, Asparagus Drizzled with Truffle Oil. The food was exceptional. Nicolas was a regular customer when Anne-Merry was away. Because Giselle did not approve of all the entries, Jack had never been to La Folie.
"The chef/owner is from Lyon, where I first saw my wife, Anne-Merry Lafitte. The year was 1971. The place was the World Figure Skating Championships, that year held in Lyon. The weather was warm for February. The ice was made from distilled water. Potential France and Quebec skating liaisons were in the air. Costumes were more conservative than they are these days. Anne-Merry was wearing regulation blue, but when she skated onto the ice, I knew that she was 'the one'."
Married to a French dancer, Jack was only mildly skeptical of this -- told over pate and Delamotte Brut -- romantic tale.
"As you already know," St. Denis continued. "it was in Lyon that Anne-Merry was injured, and it was there that she did not warm to me when I arrived at the hospital with flowers and champagne. Not deterred, I sent postcards to the Vermont-Canada Border, where she was recovering at the home of her parents. Despite my obvious return address, she did not reply until six months later. Then, I received a postcard of a granite quarry in Barre VT and a brief note saying that she could be reached at her Grandfather's studio. I knew better than to arrive unannounced in Barre, Vermont, so I flew to Brunswick."
Jack ordered stuffed lobster. St.Denis ordered Grilled Bass.
"New Brunswick?" Jack asked.
