Taking A Big Bite Out Of Paris

Paris is without a doubt one of my favorite cities and the EuroStar makes it easier than ever to zip on over from London for a quick city weekend break. All you need is your passport and an appetite for some great sights and seriously gourmet food. Most people have heard that French croissants, fromage, and pain are a must-try, so grab a Lavazza espresso and listen up... 

... because I'm about to recommend some très français dishes that you have to try when in Paris. 

Oeufs Cocottes

If you like poached eggs, then oeufs cocottes paired with fresh baguette will knock your French Hermes socks off - need I say more?

Boeuf Tartare Avec Frites

The French know how to serve up a mean beef tartare and there's no better way to wash it down than with Sancerre Rose (obvi) on a hot day. The French eat their frites with mayonnaise, and asking for ketchup will automatically label you as being sooo American, so bring your own packet of ketchup and save yourself from embarrassment if you cannot have your fries (aka frites) without Heinz.

Crepes et Galettes

If you have a sweet tooth, then I highly recommend banane et nutella crepes; jambon et fromage crepes are equally as delicious if you fancy something savory. I like to think of galettes as the crepe's voluptuous cousin, as galettes are a more hearty version, similar to a thinly cooked sandwich. No matter what your mood, crepes and galettes are good 24/7. 

Moules Marinieres Avec Frites

 

Fresh mussels in a creamy broth consisting of garlic, white wine, celery, and spices. Like all things fabulous and French, this dish never fails to please when paired with a fine glass of Rose. I also highly recommend trying mouclade, served best in the Ile de Ré, which surely warrants a trip there?

Escargots

Cooked snails aren't for everyone, but if you're adventurous and willing to try escargots, then head over to my top Paris restaurant, Chez Paul, at 15 Place Dauphine on Ile de la Cité. 

No need to try calling to reserve a table, as being a typical well-regarded local French restaurant, they don't have to answer the phone and will still be fully booked. Be sure to keep your celeb spotting Ray Bans on, because I did actually see Woody Allen revisiting some of the locations from “Midnight in Paris" when he was filming at Chez Paul. While you're at Chez Paul, you have to try..  

Andouillette

You know you're in for something serious when the waitress at Chez Paul asks if you're sure you know what you just ordered with a look of concern.. if squeamish, then scroll down, because andouillette is a course grain pork sausage made of 'the interior' - aka intestines, peppers, onions and seasonings. Sounds gross I know, but it is seriously tasty!

Quenelles De Brochet Avec Sauce a L'homard

Only the French know how to make a dumpling filled with pike fish worthy of a Michelin star. Served warm and topped with creamy lobster sauce, this dish will make you want to lick your plate clean. Au revoir macaroni and cheese, quenelles de brochet avec sauce a l'homard is the new comfort food!

Profiteroles

While New York's Balthazar may serve some pretty mind-blowing profiteroles, the best ones I have ever tasted have been in France, where profiteroles originate. You seriously have to wonder how Parisian women eat these and stay so thin - there must be some extra special chemical in the French cigarettes. 

 Fondant de Chocolat

Apparently this chocolate decadence is Marion Cotillard's favorite French pudding, which makes my girl crush for her deepen even more. Served by itself, with salted caramel, or with raspberry puree, chocolate fondant is worth every very chocolatey calorie. 

While we are on the topic of sweets, a trip to Paris wouldn't be complete without a trip to Laduree, for their infamous macaroons. All the flavors are amazing, but I find myself always reaching for the raspberry first. What's your favorite?

Walking off all the heavenly morsels of Parisian goodness devoured couldn't be more enjoyable, as Paris is an easy city to walk around for hours. See the sights of Paris and take a Bateaux Mouches tour when you need to put your espadrilles up for a quick rest and enjoy the breeze as you float around the Seine.

Fun Fact: The Eiffel lights up on the hour every evening like a super charged glow-stick

After all, you need to be well-rested before hitting the shops of Paris. If you want to blend in with the locals, then make sure you head to Isabel Marant to give your credit card a serious workout. I've told you before how I envy Parisian women, because they really do have it all..  

Note to self: the Parisians are wearing Isabel Marant wedge sneakers in every color imaginable

... some of us are still left dreaming of being as stylish as a true Parisian of course, but it's always good to dream right?

One day... sigh!

Better learn how to cook all these dishes, or find a way to visit Paris on a regular basis!  

Bon appétit and sending you bisous from Paris, 

xoxo Blondon