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Destination- Paris

As far back as I can remember I’ve always enjoyed nightish activities. There are so many hidden places in Paris to explore, such as tiny, cozy cafés down small streets behind the Bastille or Montmartre. And, lately, when I travel to Paris it’s during the winter months, when crowds are minimal, heat is not extreme and you don’t have to stop investigating your surroundings due to lack of light.  There are so many hidden places in the city to explore [especially at night]. I like to simply get lost by wandering the parts I don’t know, certain of discovering new places filled of charm.

There’s nothing like a late afternoon tea to partake in an elegant break from an extremely busy day. After an over-night flight; checking into the hotel, then spending a few hours in the Musée National Picasso-Paris it was time relax. The cuisine on our Air France flight was truly inedible so, after a packed day, we stopped into Mariage Frères for a spot of tea, finger sandwiches, scones and a few high-end pastries. It was the perfect amount of food to take away hunger without feeling stuffed.
Mariage Frères
17 Pl. de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris

Marché Bastille or Marché Richard Lenoir) is one of Paris’s largest and most popular open-air markets, located along Boulevard Richard-Lenoir near Place de la Bastille. Open twice a week on Thursdays from 7:00 AM to 2:30 PM and Sundays from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Once at the cheese counter I purchased Morbier a semi-soft French cow’s milk cheese from the Jars Mountains. Next, a huge slice of Raclette from Switzerland renowned for its exceptional melting qualities and pungent flavor. A slice of Comte known for its nutty, sweet and fruity flavors. And lastly Camembert which has a rich earthy, and quite pungent, mushroom-like flavor.
Marché Bastille
Boulevard Richard Lenoir
75011 Paris

Travel stylishly,
Kathleen

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Taste of Paris

What foods would you like to make?

As a prolific traveler I keep notebooks to jot down each signific item I’ve experienced during a trip. When I’m in the galleries or museums observing an exhibition there’s always something new to learn, which will require research at a later date. Talking to the locals is continually an interesting experience, I love that Parisians will share a choice tidbit in regards to culture, art, and I’ve already acquired two recipes. When I get home, here are several dishes I want to make based on what I’ve tasted so far on this trip.

The Café Marly- Palais du Louvre
There is an intriguingly timeless elegance when lunching at Le Café Marly, and after spending four hours in the Louvre it was time to recharge with a meal and a glass of wine. Their lobster salad was incredibly delicious; a frisée lettuce, chilled lobster, avocado, and shallots with a wonderful creamy dressing. I attempted to jot down the ingredients by taste, there was either buttermilk or Greek yogurt, herbs, lemon and a touch of Dijon.

Le Paris 17
This is a cozy bistro with an adorable vintage charm, located around the corner from our hotel mot far from the Porte Maillot in the center of 17th arrondissement.
I ordered the specials of the day, the butternut squash soup and the Travers de Porc [Honey-Glazed Oven Ribs]. Our waiter shared part of the recipe so, I can’t wait to rework the flavors.

Halle aux Grains- Bras Paris
On the top floor of the Bourse de Commerce- Pinault Collection overlooking the rooftops of Paris is the restaurant of Michel and Sébastien Bras …… the Halle aux Grains. A converted grain exchange that provides inspiration for a healthy and contemporary menu. There are three distinct services each day; lunch, afternoon, and dinner based or defined by the changing light of the day. We had lunch at 1:30pm, and chose the grilled endives with refreshing green apples and hazelnut crackers. Next, we shared the pan-fried Poitou duck foie gras with wild quince dressing and the fromage blanc, along with the roasted chicken.

Biscuiterie de Montmartre
There’s no shortage of outstanding chocolate shops in Paris, and as we meandered each arrondissement I wanted to stop into each chocolaterie for a taste. But my palate veered toward pastries such as macarons or madeleines. So, while sauntering the streets of Montmartre …… especially after climbing those infamous steps …… the iconic Rue Foyatier staircase [or Montmartre Steps] I found Biscuiterie de Montmartre located near Sacré-CÅ“ur. They have the best soft madeleines to enjoy with a cup of café au lait. I also took a few back to the hotel to enjoy with champagne.

Passez une excellent soirée
Kathleen