Marche Des Enfants Rouges
What was once an orphanage for children in the 16th century — orphans who were dressed in red, thus the Enfants Rouges part of the name — morphed (all the way back in 1615) into one of the funkiest global food courts in Paris. (It also happens to be one of the oldest covered markets in Paris, too.) You may be in France, but you can eat like you’re in Lebanon, Japan, or Italy. Although, I say skip the pizza (it’s mediocre at best) and head to the Moroccan stall, called Traiteur Morocain, for killer Tagines, like Chicken with Olives or Lamb with Almonds, and some of the fluffiest cous cous I’ve had. Oh, and finish with their exemplary Baklava and Sweet Mint Tea. I’m surprised at how decent the bento box is at the Japanese stall as...
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Terroir Parisien
I’ve eaten more than my fair share of tarte tatin in France and beyond, and I simply can’t find one that comes close to Yannick Alleno’s take at Terroir Parisien at the Palais Brongniart, near the French Stock Exchange. What makes this classic upside down apple tart so tricky to make is that it either comes out moist and dewy with a respectively (and tragically) dewy crust, or with a crispy crust and dried-out apples. But Alleno nails it, producing beautifully caramelized apples on a perfectly flaky bottom. I guess we shouldn’t expect less from the chef who earned three Michelin stars at Le Meurice, but Terroir Parisien is a decidedly dressed down Alleno. But let’s back up for a minute. After all, Terroir Parisien is a bistro, not a bakery or patisserie, which wheels and deals in artisanal...
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Gosselin
What can I say? Croissants just taste better in Paris. I think it’s the superiority of the butter they have, which is divinely rich and smooth. There are so many gloriously flaky specimens to sample all over the city, but for my money, the best of the bunch is at Philippe Gosselin. Their croissant is a textural marvel with a supremely crispy exterior and uber buttery interior. Gosselin also has a mean baguette, which ranks among the top in Paris. In fact, Gosselin’s actually won the Grand Prix for Paris’s best traditional baguette, so consider grabbing a baguette sandwich to eat for lunch later. Or just savor this squishy, slight sweet loaf on its own. And grab one of their powder sugar-dusted almond croissant, too. This spacious boulangerie and patisserie is located in the 7th, just a short...
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Le Grand Vefour
Sometimes a restaurant can play a part. Some make you feel cool and in the know, while others make you feel sexy and in the mood. Le Grand Vefour makes you feel like a fancy Frenchmen (or women), so you’ll want to dress up for the part. If you’re looking to dine back in time — think France a la Louis XV — this two century old institution, which opened in the Palais Royal all the way back in 1784 is a marvelous option. Dining at Le Grand Vefour is like dining in a museum and a stunning one at that. The neoclassic walls and ceilings are trimmed in mirrors with glass paintings of goddesses, red velvet banquettes, brass fixtures dangling from above, and tables dressed in white tablecloths. It’s a beautiful old school room where Victor Hugo and Napoleon...
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Brasserie Thoumieux
The room itself is almost worth a visit to this stylish haunt adjacent to the Hotel Le Thomieux in the 7th arrondissement. Really, all French brasseries should look this fabulous at 90 something years old. You see Brasserie Thomieux’s been around since the 1920’s, though it’s had some major work done since it first opened. There are mirrors on every wall, a flurry of soft bistro globes dangling from the ceiling, beautiful brass trimmings, and plush red banquettes and chairs at every table. But my favorite decor element are a scattering of emerald green lights that give the room a magical glow — that kind of glow that so many bistros stateside try to imitate. (Balthazar comes to mind.) You’d never know it’s a Costes Hotel, which is a good thing considering all their other restaurants have virtually the same menus....
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Cafe Des Musees
One glance at Cafe De Musees and you’ll wonder why it always seems so packed. As far as looks go, it’s on the uglier side of the spectrum. (Just saying.) It’s located in the Marais, just a stone’s throw from the Place De Vosges, but it has little in common with its stylish locale. Cafe De Musees belongs more to a humble, older school of bistros, built not for the scene, but for the food, which is down to earth and soul-satisfying. There are two floors for dining as well as a narrow sidewalk out front with a few two tops. The interior is outfitted with wood tables, tile floors, maroon banquettes and a chalkboard with specials. The wine list is solid, peppered with lots of good options. I say go big at Cafe De Musees, meaning the...
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La Boulangerie Beaumarchais
The reason you don’t read more about this boulangerie is because no one really knows the actual name of this underrated bakery. Some people call it Boulangerie 28 (which refers to its street number), while others refer to it as Boulangerie Beaumarchais (it’s on Boulevard Beaumarchais), or even Boulangerie-Patisserie Beaumarchais because that’s what it says on the sign above the door. You’d think they owners would be concerned with branding themselves a bakery to reckon with, but the older woman who seems to own it seems pretty indifferent to everything except counting out your change. Why should she worry when there’s a line so often trailing out the door? I happily waited my turn many a time for a taste of their Olive Baguettine, which is quite simply to-die-for. I’ve never had a plusher baguette in my life, a...
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Le 6 Paul Bert
Ever since Bertrand Auboyneau opened Bistrot Paul Bert, Rue Paul Bert has become somewhat of a dining destination. His latest venture Le 6 Paul Bert, named after its address, is located just down the street from his always buzzy bistro in an equally laidback looking space, furbished with light wood floors, picture windows, glossy red tables, gray snakeskin banquettes, and a clever chandelier made out of forks and spoons. Think farmhouse chic. You wouldn’t expect to find a tasting menu at a casual spot with a long communal table, but these days you can never tell. Le 6 Paul Bert is an ambitious spot with a daily changing menu with no real loyalty to country. In other words, it’s not a French restaurant, but a seasonal one. Maybe that’s why I was disappointed with dinner here and why so...
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Carette
Maybe I’m biased because I lived just a few floors above this cafe, but Carette is a great pit stop when you find yourself in the Marais. Would I go out of my way to eat here or dub it a destination? No, not by any means, but I certainly didn’t mind eating my lunch or breakfast here on a regular basis, and as a hard care foodie, that says a lot. Besides, the Marais is a destination worth visiting for many reasons; the exquisite Place Des Vosges, the Jewish Quarter, the Victor Hugo museum, the shops and much more. While you’re in the neighborhood, grab a croissant at Carette or a hazelnut and raisin flute. The French have a way with eggs and so does Carette, turning out rich and creamy scrambled eggs, served with a house-baked baguette....
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Roseval
Think there’s only one Brooklyn or downtown LA? Think again. There’s a young and hip generation of chefs striking off on their own to make their mark on the Paris dining scene. Since they haven’t hit it big yet, they’re doing it on the cheap in funky, off the beaten path spaces. In the case of Roseval, it’s more off the beaten path than most in the 20th arrondissement on a random corner with not much else in sight. Inside, there’s a tiny bar and a few steps up, a tiny dining room with several two tops packed in. Aside from concrete floors and an exposed wood beam & brick ceiling, there isn’t much in the way of decor. But it’s not the setting I read so much buzz about: It’s the inventive cooking that chefs Michael Greenwald and...
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