Two Americans Realize Their Dream Restaurant in Paris

In 2007, Braden Perkins and Laura Adrian faced a dilemma. With a financial crisis brewing in the states, the Seattle couple—who had worked for Tom Douglas—faced a very tough job market. Thinking the downturn would be short-lived, they decided to go to Paris for a few months or so, maybe stay longer if they were a bit frugal with their savings.

The dinner...