After meeting at the 86th Street subway entrance, we walked along Central Park to the 105th entrance to the Conservatory Gardens, passing from the formal French gardens to the more relaxed English gardens, both in full bloom. I highly recommend making this stroll.

We headed downtown on Madison to find a place to grab a bite. Fortunately, we snagged a window seat (which had the best light for photos!) at the small split-level French bistro, Pascalou.

We started with an Aperol Spritz and engaged in lots of conversation while sharing two delectable entrees. One, a bucheron goat cheese omelet, the other a ham and cheese quesadilla. Each came with two small bowls. One filled with a lightly dressed salad featuring diced tomatoes and avocado on top of arugula in a tiny bowl, and another with potato chips on the side. I would have preferred fries.

I missed the chocolate souffle I had heard so much about during my last visit. Not this time! We devoured every bite of this decadent dessert. I recommend a visit and saving some calories for it.

Pascalou
Upper East Side
1308 Madison Ave (between 92-93)
New York, NY 10128
212-534-7522
pascalouny.com