Paris - Two Nights, and Three Days
The French Open is underway and summer is upon us. Before skipping to Cannes or Capri, we stop in the capital for a well-recommended meal.
OUR MOST RECENT RECOMMENDATIONS
Two nights and three days in Paris is more than enough in this heat. Here is where I recommend you eat, before the tourists come and city shutters in August.
FOR LUNCH
1. CafƩ LapƩrouse Concorde - Tucked behind Place de la Concord, just behind the reception area of the 18th-century HƓtel de la Marine, is the divinely decorated CafƩ LapƩrouse. For table talk, Google the decor and the history of the eatery. When making your reservation, do not confuse this establishment with the original Rive Gauche LapƩrouse. Reservations allowed.
2. Le Tout-Paris - The perfect place to put down your shopping bags after touring the newly renovated luxury department store La Smaritaine. Located on the 7th floor terrace of the LVMH-owned Cheval Blanc Hotel, enjoy panoramic views of the Seine, with a cocktail. Reservations allowed.
3. Miznon - More casual, and best to go with friends so you can order as many veggie sides to go with your pitas as possible. Miznon also has locations in New York, Toronto, and Tel Aviv, but this special place that opened in the Jewish Quarter of Le Marais (2013) will forever feel local and fun. Reservations not likely required
FOR DINNER
1. Aux Crus de Bourgogne - Be sure to make a reservation so you can sit inside. While I do not want to tell you what to order, I would suggest skipping the steak, picking the escargot, and following with the salmon. Reservation required
2. Frenchie Bar Ć Vins - Either go early, or be prepared to walk down the patio-lined Rue Montorgueil as you wait for a table. No reservations
3. Benoit Paris - Brass details, mirrors, hard white napkins and escargot, this is a classic. With One Michelin Star and a storied past, Alain Ducasseās Benoit is the bistro to feel the energy of Paris. Reservations allowed
FIRST TIME IN PARIS? THESE ARE THE TOURIST SPOTS WORTH YOUR TIME
1. Cafe de Flor - When you Google the coffeehouse you are confronted with blogs that ask, āIs it worth it?ā and āWhy is it so famous"?ā. My recommendation is to go to the corner bistro, wait in line for an espresso and soft-boiled eggs, and as you sit, read about the many patrons (from Picasso to Karl) who enjoyed late nights at the same table you sit. No reservations
2. Le Relais de l'EntrecĆ“te - Waiting in line for Steak Frites feels like a right of passage in Paris. I have been with my Father, who told me stories of his university days, my Grandmother, who regaled our table with colourful accounts of Paris in the 60ās, and later with my sister for elbow-on-the-table conversations with wine. The restaurant is what you make it, and the green sauce is worth the wait. No reservations
3. LouLou - You know the feeling when it is hot and you look at a fountain or a fresh body of water and immediately feel cool? Loulou it the gastronomic equivalent. The perfectly shaded patio, with a view of the green gardens, is a centrally situated reprieve from the hot city pavement. Reservations allowed
4. Le Jules Verne - To get dressed to go up a private elevator to a restaurant on the second floor of the Eiffel Tour - with itās own private terrace - is a memorable experience. So too is the menu by Chef FrĆ©dĆ©ric Anto. When presented with the physical menu carte at the One Michelin Star resto, the left hand side is adorned with little graphics: a fish, a shell, a claw. It is these little details and bites that make a visit to Le Jules Verne, a voyage extraordinaire.
THE PARIS RESTAURANTS AT THE TOP OF OUR LIST
1. Septime - If you can get me a reservation for my next trip, Iāll jāadore you forever.
2. Ten Belles - A French friend recommended it and I cannot shake the thought of a Parisian-recommended pastry.