Food Diaries: A Week in Paris

7.17.2017

I’d like to first preface by apologizing for the lag since my last post! Between starting a new job to moving apartments, let’s just say the last few months have been a little crazy. But I have a lot of fun things planned this summer so I’m excited to start adding some new content to the blog!

Okay, now that that’s out of way let’s get to the real reason you’re here, Paris. Food. Guide.

Few places are as magical and dreamy at Paris (imo). Between the couture, cobble stone and picturesque patisserie’s, there is almost too much to do and see on any given trip to Pah-ree. Although we were able to fit in just about all the must-see’s, we also ate some pretty incredible Parisian cuisine, so this post will be dedicated to giving you the down low on that deliciousness.

First things first, I’m going to break things down into a few categories: Must try, Views and Bouge. If you’re heading over to the City of Lights this will make it easier to break up your itinerary of places to try depending on what you’re going for.

These places were so delish, so amazing, that they spoke to my foodie-obsessed-soul on a deeper level. Although its hard to narrow down just one, my favorite food related experience of the trip had to be at Le Relais de l’Entrecote, located in the Saint Germain neighborhood of Paris. This restaurant only has one thing on the menu, Steak Frites, and for good reason, because they do them incredibly well. Upon arrival don’t be discouraged by the line of people waiting to be seated, as it goes surprisingly fast. Once seated your server will take your order, which essentially is broken down to what temperature you’d prefer your steak to be cooked, and is all written down on your table cloth. While you wait and sip your Bordeaux, you’ll notice platters of frites being shuffled around by waitress’ in black dresses with white trim. In almost no time at all, your server will return with your party’s personal platters of Steak Frites, plated and served right at your table. The reason for these platters is that throughout the meal they will actually replenish whichever you’d like seconds (thirds or even fourths) of, something I thought was amazing and very unique from other places we’d dined at. Although the service of the meal is very quick, you can’t leave without sharing a few of their desserts, which, like the rest of the meal, were beyond amazing and incredibly fresh. *Strawberry Tart I’m looking at you* Overall, the whole dining experience is one that mustn’t be skipped.

My 2nd favorite and must-try is a tiny wine bar located in the 6th arrondissement, called l’Avant Comptoir. Although this place is a bit of a tight squeeze and standing room only, it is well, well worth it if you’re in need of a little pick me up in between sight seeing. *think glass of Rosé + mouth watering tapas*

If you find yourself in l’Avant Comptoir, looking up at the many menus on the ceiling and wondering what to order, you’re in luck because I have a short rec list of things to gravitate towards:

My 3rd favorite, L’As du Fallafel, is basically the meal you never knew you desperately needed. A Middle Eastern restaurant located in Le Marais that is especially known for its ‘Falafel Special’. *Bet you didn’t see that coming* We actually came here twice within our 1 week visit, once for late night bites and another for lunch, and after both I can say with total confidence that the Falafel Plate (vs. the pita) is the way to go.

Last, but never least, how could I write about Parisian food without mentioning cheese, wine, charcuterie, sweets, and everything else that makes life worth living? *Obviously* you have to have at least 1 picnic while in Paris, but it also helps to tie that picnic in with another activity. The last few times we’ve gone to Pah-ree, we’ve done Fat Tire Tours and they’ve been incredible. Last week we tried the one through Giverny and Monet’s Garden and it was truly amazing. The first leg of the tour consisted of us picking up our bikes in Giverny and hitting all the fromagerie’s, patisseries’s and charcuterie’s in the center of the village for our picnic essentials. The 2nd leg required some heavier biking to the actual garden, followed by a lil exploring of Monet’s home + gardens. The 1st time we did their tour we opted for a day of eating and biking through Versailles, and it was just as magical. Another picnic option is hitting the shops around Jardin du Luxembourg and making an afternoon of snacking in the gardens. Qween Ina Garten recommends stopping by Gerard Mulot before heading in, as its just down la rue.