Sunday Salon

Every Sunday evening for many years now, Jim Haynes' Atelier A2, a former painter's workshop, has becomes a 'salon restaurant', with a different volunteer chef preparing a meal each time. It is 'a unique event, circled on the calendars of many members of the foreign writers' community as the social highlight of the week.' To quote from an interview for 'She' magazine:

If any readers are planning a trip to Paris, and would like to come to dinner, all they have to do is call on a Sunday morning, not too early, and if they're among the first 45 to telephone, they'll be welcome.

Everyone is expected to put 70 francs in an envelope with their names on the outside. This helps to pay the costs of producing the evening. All profits go to Poland and elsewhere.

'People are often amazed that I open my door to the world and wonder if I'm ever taken advantage of. I can say unequivocally that it's 98% a joyful experience'

'For over 8 years, we have been sending food, clothes and medicine to Poland,' says Jim. 'People are often amazed that I open my door to the world and wonder if I'm ever taken advantage of. I can say unequivocally that it's 98% a joyful experience. It is always an interesting mix of people, who exchange telephone numbers, addresses, become friends, lovers, create projects, etc. I still enjoy producing the dinners after some 14 years. Sometimes I think I am crazy - but I continue because it brings me and so many others so much joy.'

Jim Haynes, Atelier A2, 83 rue de la Tombe-Issoire, 75014 Paris, France (tel 331 4327 1767 or 331 4327 1909).

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