Behind the facades at this little place (with blooming magnolias) in the 14th arrondissement…
…. you will find some artist ateliers. In one of them lives an American born publisher, author, editor, theatre producer, university lecturer… Jim Haynes, now 78. He has been busy basically in Edinburgh (the festival), London (during the swinging sixties) and Paris, has participated in festivals at many places…. 
The last 30 years Jim has invited whoever wishes to come to a Sunday evening dinner at his home / atelier. Friends prepare and the menu differs from one week to the other. (You are welcome to participate with some euros.)
I went there last night. I guess we were some 75 of all nationalities, ages… and the host and the atmosphere make you talk with everyone. It’s definitely something special and should be tried.
If you are in Paris and wish to go, you have to first contact Jim via his website.
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33 comments:
how lovely!! if I could be a fly on the wall - I can just imagine the conversations - thanks for sharing
What a fantastic idea Peter - I'm sure you met some very interesting characters from all corners of the globe. I'm pleased you went, and doubly pleased you shared it with your blogger friends. Thank you!
Sounds like a great time...
If one were to use your blog as guide for having a fabulous time in Paris, one would have to come and spend at least ten years here I think... minimum...
I was supposed to go on my last visit but because it was cut short I didn't go. I'm so glad that you did. Perhaps next time.
Oh Peter, I"ve read about this and don't know I've not talked with you about this. It sounds just wonderful. I'm so glad you were able to go. I can't wait to talk with you about the whole evening. How grand!!
Peter, what a wonderful time you must have had!!! And what a great idea of Jim's.
Yes I have heard about him, it was a few years back. A character!
Anyway a good idea. You know now what it is about.
c'est tres original et cela doit etre tres sympathique ce repas.
sounds a wonderful alternative to normal restaurant fare....
Wow! This is brilliant! Quite an occasion this must be!
Hi there! Long time, no visit from me. :) I'm still around, just busy with life (which is a very good thing).
How fun that you tried a Jim Haynes Dinner! Paul went once a long time ago -- maybe at least 15 years ago now. It sounds like it is a pretty interesting affair. Thank you for sharing your perspective through your camera lens.
I hope all is well with you, Peter. Have a good week!
Et tu nous donnes même pas le menu ?
Oh my, this sound like quite a unique concept. How fun!
This sounds like a fantastic place and an extraordinary man.
You forgot to give us the address ;o) or maybe that was on purpose ?
What a unique way to get people together and meet new ones. Does Jim Haynes have a chance to talk to all of this people?
Did you have fun?
Peter, you must tell us your impressions, I would love to know what it feels like.
Qu'avez vous mangé?
An amazing event!
What an excellent idea Peter!
Sounds a very nice event.
Jim Haynes's home and atelier looks beautiful!
An interesting idea and a great way to meet people.
That is unusual I think for France to have strangers come to eat but that is a great idea. I am pleased your went and would like to hear if you met some interesting people and what was in your plate.
I think this is how friendships begin. I liked your tale and photos and am glad that you got to go. I just finished reading about Paris underground in National Geographic Magazine. I found that was interesting. Thanks for the visit and comment.
Intéressant ce diner du dimanche. Tu aurais pu nous dire ce que vous aviez mangé !
I am most impressed by Jim's personality. I can't imagine the names of 75 different people every week, including their interests in life. He's a remarkable man. I'd love to meet him one day. Thanks for introducing us to him.
What a fabulous dinner!
It's a great opportunity to be with friends!
Léia
This sounds very cool, what a great idea!
Sympa cette idée, bon moi je peux pas convier 75 personnes chez moi. Y a pas assez de place, même en se serrant dans la baignoire et sous le lit on n'y arriverait pas.
RYN:
6 ounces (US, fluid) is equal to 177.44 milliliters or ml
18 Oz ounces (US, fluid) is equal to 532.32 milliliters or ml
1 tablespoon is equal to 14.79 milliliters or ml
.5 pints (US, liquid) is equal to 236.59 milliliters or ml
Oh, and lg means large.
Peter:
This is quite an engaging idea. Certainly, some interesting conversations among the participants. I wonder if Jim, gets ideas for screen plays or for a book(s), from all the wonderful people and their backgrounds, smile - certainly 'food for thought', when I am in Paris this is worth investigating.
joanny
Oh yes I heard about him. Never managed to get there while I was living in Paris.
Si le menu différe à chaque fois selon les ingrédients, les saisons et les cuisiniers ça va tu peux y aller sans te lasser.
Remarque qd nous étions étudiants, un copain fournissait les boîtes de maquereau sauce moutarde car son père dirigeait l'usine et il nous forçait à les manger sur le pallier en dehors de l'appart rapport l'odeur et on ne se lassait pas non plus.
Next time in Paris, it has to include a Sunday... ;)
Hello Peter!
je viens de lire le texte "This I believe" sur le site de Jim. je suis totalement d'accord avec lui et je trouve ça très chouette de mettre cette philosophie en pratique autour d'un bon repas et d'un verre :-)
Tu as du être dans ton élément!
J'espère que tu vas bien, à bientôt
Bises
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