This elegant menu is for a dinner that was held to honor L’Ile-De France, which is now one of France’s wealthiest regions and is located in the greater Paris metropolitan area. We’re not sure why this region was celebrated at a dinner held at Au Vendome, which was located in the south of France. We do know that this meal was prepared and presented by one of Paris’ great chefs of the day, Raymond Oliver, of Le Grand Véfour, one of the most celebrated restaurants in Paris. 

Le Grand Vefour originally opened in 1784 and was closed from 1905 until 1947. The rejuvenated restaurant re-opened in 1948 with Oliver in the kitchen and a menu designed by Jean Cocteau. Six years later the restaurant earned its third Michelin star. Raymond Oliver organized a resistance cell during World War II and was later decorated by General Eisenhower.