Not ones to mess around when it comes to meals, especially when time is limited, we ladies did our research and arrived hungry and armed with this itinerary:
I know, I know, seems a bit rigid for vacation, but there were just so many places to visit and so little time! And I must say that our planning really paid off. Not a single meal was disappointing, and in recounting the trip, I find myself saying more than may be acceptable for a 4 day vacation, "And then we had the best _______!"
So, if you are off to Paris and in search of the following treats, may you look no further.
Wheee!! So French, so fun! I happened upon Huitrerie Regis two years ago when I was in Paris and instantly fell in love with the little hole in the wall. In fact I meandered by, staring longingly into the window so many times that I definitely started getting some sideways glances thrown my way. But just look at it! How could you not love it?
The crisp white interior smells rightly of the sea and seats a maximum of 14 people, so either arrive early or knock back a glass or two of Champagne at the cafe across the way and wait for a table to free up. Once seated, snuggled up to the stranger at your elbow, your dinner choices are...you guessed it, oysters! Ok, so there are clams and steamed shrimp on the menu too, but this is an oyster place people. We ordered a dozen each, (six of two varieties) and the guys come with some delish bread and butter. Once we finished off our Sancerre and coffee (there is a popular apple tart on the menu too) we left more than satisfied and poised to take on the ever-so-rich foods that awaited us further down our itinerary.
Well done Jenn.
Falafel
So, if you are off to Paris and in search of the following treats, may you look no further.
Oysters
Wheee!! So French, so fun! I happened upon Huitrerie Regis two years ago when I was in Paris and instantly fell in love with the little hole in the wall. In fact I meandered by, staring longingly into the window so many times that I definitely started getting some sideways glances thrown my way. But just look at it! How could you not love it?
The crisp white interior smells rightly of the sea and seats a maximum of 14 people, so either arrive early or knock back a glass or two of Champagne at the cafe across the way and wait for a table to free up. Once seated, snuggled up to the stranger at your elbow, your dinner choices are...you guessed it, oysters! Ok, so there are clams and steamed shrimp on the menu too, but this is an oyster place people. We ordered a dozen each, (six of two varieties) and the guys come with some delish bread and butter. Once we finished off our Sancerre and coffee (there is a popular apple tart on the menu too) we left more than satisfied and poised to take on the ever-so-rich foods that awaited us further down our itinerary.
Well done Jenn.
Falafel
The next time you're in Paris, I definitely suggest heading over to the Marais for some lunch and a stroll. Located in the heart of the district, Rue Des Rosiers is a Jewish street lined with bakeries, shops and koscher restaurants (a real treat and change from country Italian life for B and me). Our mission here? L'As du Falafel.
You can either buy your falafel at the curbside window (it seems that there is always a line at lunch, but it moves quickly - don't get discouraged!) or eat inside the modest restaurant. Whatever you do, you are guaranteed what is in my book the best falafel out there. The fried chickpea fritters are smaller than usual, slightly sweet and deliciously crunchy on the outside. What puts L'As head and shoulders above the competition is what comes stuffed inside your pita - pickled red cabbage, yogurt sauce, cucumber swords, big ol' pieces of lightly fried eggplant and perfectly heated harissa on the side. Don't be afraid to slather it on, it is mild enough that you won't regret it later.
How gorgeous is that?
You can either buy your falafel at the curbside window (it seems that there is always a line at lunch, but it moves quickly - don't get discouraged!) or eat inside the modest restaurant. Whatever you do, you are guaranteed what is in my book the best falafel out there. The fried chickpea fritters are smaller than usual, slightly sweet and deliciously crunchy on the outside. What puts L'As head and shoulders above the competition is what comes stuffed inside your pita - pickled red cabbage, yogurt sauce, cucumber swords, big ol' pieces of lightly fried eggplant and perfectly heated harissa on the side. Don't be afraid to slather it on, it is mild enough that you won't regret it later.
How gorgeous is that?
Stamp of approval
Crepes
One of the strongest food memories I have is when I ate my first crepe in Paris. I was 20 years old, it was my first night in Paris, and my dear friend Colleen and I had bought them from a street vendor next to the Sacre Coeur. Biting into the warm Nutella-filled blanket on that cold winter's night, with the glowing city spread out below us, it was one of those perfect moments that stays with you and continues to warm you from within, years later. Even now when I visit Paris I like to buy one from the street vendors, and for a moment revisit what will always be one of the happiest times in my life.
But, if we are going to talk about crepes, then we must speak of Breizh Cafe where we had the crepes to end all crepes.
Yes!!
The focus here is on the quality of the ingredients - organic buckwheat flour and one of my favorite butters, Bordier. The galettes are gorgeous and beg you to stick to the traditional offerings - ham, Gruyere, and a fried egg. Or as B had, a sublime Breton galette with mushrooms, bacon and creme fraiche.
As awe-inspiring as lunch was, it was dessert that left me speechless. A simple butter and sugar crepe = perfection. I know it sounds easy enough and maybe even a bit boring, but again, the quality of the ingredients shines here, as well as the artful hand of the chef. I am sure if I tried to recreate this at home, it would fall embarrassingly short and probably end up overly buttered (if such a problem does exist) or crunchy from a heavy shower of sugar.
But, if we are going to talk about crepes, then we must speak of Breizh Cafe where we had the crepes to end all crepes.
Yes!!
The focus here is on the quality of the ingredients - organic buckwheat flour and one of my favorite butters, Bordier. The galettes are gorgeous and beg you to stick to the traditional offerings - ham, Gruyere, and a fried egg. Or as B had, a sublime Breton galette with mushrooms, bacon and creme fraiche.
As awe-inspiring as lunch was, it was dessert that left me speechless. A simple butter and sugar crepe = perfection. I know it sounds easy enough and maybe even a bit boring, but again, the quality of the ingredients shines here, as well as the artful hand of the chef. I am sure if I tried to recreate this at home, it would fall embarrassingly short and probably end up overly buttered (if such a problem does exist) or crunchy from a heavy shower of sugar.
The Cafe of My Dreams
Laduree. Few things in Paris make me happier than breakfast here. I love everything about it, from the jewel-like pastries displayed just-so, to the elegant, yet whimsical dining room. And of course the croissants.
Huitrerie Regis
3 rue de Montfaucon
Paris, 75006
01-44-41-10-07
L'As du Falafel
34, rue des Rosiers
Paris
01-48-87-63-60
Breizh Cafe
109 Rue Vieille du
01-42-72-13-77
Laduree
Several locations
Mmmmmmmmmmmm! It all sounds so good. I'm so proud of you, and your writing is really engaging. I want to read more and more!
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