THE French Paradox is: how come their birds can shovel it into them like a bulimic at an Italian wedding . . . and yet not be total porkers?

The French Paradox is also a Parisian-mannered wine-bar slash restaurant in Ballsbridge, where Sorcha goes every Tuesday night for their famous 'tastings'. It's all very educational and very Celtic Tiger.

A couple of hours of tuition, a bellyful of vino and all the cheese and charcuterie you can stuff in your pockets . . . all for less than 50 sheets. Ou la la meets la di da.