[Learn/Journal] A Heaven for Food Lovers

That’s the thing about Paris—fantastic food on every block.

Le Petit Italien

I just shared THE most amazing plate of pasta with a few friends from the program. I'm embarrassed to say that during this meal alone, between the three of us, we must have said, "This is SO good. This is REALLY good,” and my favorite, “I’m crying a little,” at least ten times.  

Actually, most of the meals on this trip have had me pausing to process and to comment aloud on how delicious everything tastes. The pastries and deserts are no exception, including the tiramisu at Le Petit Italien. Both the pasta, paglia & fieno alla crema di tartufo e prosciuto crudo, and the tiramisu are pictured above.

My friends and I stumbled across this gem of a restaurant wandering around the streets near our apartment-hotel. It helps that our hotel is in a great location. It’s within the city limits of Paris but not at the heart of it and is conveniently situated near a bus and metro stop. A variety wonderful restaurants - from Cuban brasseries (highly recommend the chicken dish) to quick-stop panini shops (for quick, budget lunches) - can be found in the area. 

Michelin recommended Le Petit Venice in Colmar, France.

I included these locations as quick recommendations in case future Travel Study groups will be staying at this year's hotel. Professor Friexes will have many more recommendations for great eats around the city!

Pierre Hermé

As a heads up, there’s a lot of hype around macaroon maker Laudrée. However, Pierre Hermé is THE macaroon place that everyone has to try. I can only attempt to describe the way the crisp and fluffy shell complemented soft cream on the inside. It’s definitely a bit pricy, but every bite was worth it. There are additional pasties on display, which I wouldn’t hesitate to splurge on. 

  

Pierre Hermé display case.

Le Patio

Looks can be deceiving as this main dish appears simple but tasted incredible. The chicken was perfectly cooked, lightly seasoned, and well-complimented by the potatoes and sauce. 

Le Patio chicken, part of the main and dessert special.

We ordered a two-course set, and though we were full long before the decadent chocolate desert was served, we ate every last bit of it. Le Patio was certainly deserving of its Michelin recommendation.

This restaurant is located outside of Paris - we ate here when we visited the royal Château at Amboise in Loire Valley. 

Le Patio dessert

It breaks my heart a little to only mention a few of the eats when countless amazing places are out there, but where you eat depends on how much you prioritize eating over sightseeing, studying, etc. It also depends on budget. Regardless of price, you’re bound to find delicious food everywhere. Professor Freixes will mention some of his own recommendations, including one for mussels and fries. A simple google or Michelin guide search or will result in infinite more options. 

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Paris is truly a heaven for food lovers. The French take their cuisine seriously, treating the creation of food almost as a form of art. This standard is held to foods of all kind, at the boulangeries, bassieres, and even ethnic food places. 

For Parisians, eating is a social activity to indulge in. Meals are deliberate, dinners typically lasting three hours. In the US, it’s all about speed or “efficiency"—getting the food on the table quickly and delivering the check before diners are even finished. Waiters in Paris, however, won’t deliver the check until you request it, l'addition s'il vous plaît! It is considered rude to rush a diner. 

I enjoyed dining outside as much as possible.

Furthermore, Parisians follow a rather specific eating schedule. Breakfast is over by 10 a.m. Eggs are a lunch and dinner food—when eggs are available for breakfast, it's an accommodation for tourists. They eat light breakfasts consisting of a pastry, coffee/orange juice, and maybe even a cigarette. This means they’re ravenous by lunchtime. Restaurants fill at 12:30 p.m. on the dot and close at 3 p.m. For dinner, the majority of restaurants don’t open until 7 p.m. 

Most restaurants include sets like two-couse meals with a starter and main, main and dessert., or even main and wine. More of these combination type meals can be found at lunchtime. 

Other Parisian quirks: Croissants are freshly made at 7:30 a.m. and again at 4/4:30 p.m. for when school gets out. Baguettes are hot in the morning, lunchtime, and at dinner. Some smaller grocery markets like specialty cheese shops open right after breakfast around 9/9:30 a.m. and close around 1 p.m., opening again at 4:30/4 p.m. for locals shopping for dinner. 

One last tip to really connect with the locals. Wish people "bon appétit" with a smile!

Happy eating!

Sherry