To start, there is no experience like eating food in Paris. Everything from their bread to their produce simply tastes better. During my tour of France, Paris provided a well-rounded assortment of foods, both French and foreign. Frankly, my favorite dinners in Paris weren’t even really dinners – one consisted of a baguette, brie, and wine and the other full of Parisian pastries and the most amazing gyro I have ever tasted. Instead of going over each and every item I consumed in Paris, I hit the highlights of what every tourist should at least try and where to try them. Overall, Paris showed off its wonders and I will definitely return (again and again) just for the food!
PARISIAN BREAKFASTS
The French don’t eat big breakfasts – especially those living in Paris. The typical breakfast consists of a cup of coffee and a delicate croissant. This was music to my ears – I love chocolate croissants, or pain du chocolat, in French. There are as many types of pain du chocolat as there are boulangeries in Paris. I tried a new boulangerie every day and each pain du chocolat had similar qualities, but you could see and taste the difference in their recipes. They differed in their appearance, flakiness, and even the consistency of the chocolate. No matter, I will not discriminate against any chocolate croissant – they are all welcome on my plate.
PARISIAN CREPES
Crepes. My memories of Parisian crepes only say “Yum.” Perfect for the budget traveler or anyone who likes a portable meal that is quick and easy. Crepes are delicious, no matter how much money you’ve got to spend on your vacation. Just by changing what you put inside the crepe, you can make a nutritious meal or an incredible dessert. Also, luckily for young people, such as myself, most of the crepe stands in Paris are open late – meaning you can grab a late night snack on your way back to your hotel/hostel or to regain your energy for going clubbing.
There is only one crepe place that I would seek out again while in Paris. That is not to say that there aren’t any other phenomenal creperies in the city, but these crepes were worth seconds and thirds…. And fourths. Chez Nicos in the Latin Quarter (44 rue Mouffetard, 5th arr.) was a wonderful place to happen upon. Down the street from the youth hostel and in the middle of a student district, Chez Nicos caters to those who need a lot of food for a little money – and, not to forget, the great quality. This creperie is more of a take-away window stand, but it has a few tables in the back where you can sit down and enjoy your meal.
My recommendation at Chez NIcos is the self-named house crepe. Full of flavor and actually healthy, this crepe is a wonderful alternative to a sandwich for lunch or a late snack. My personal favorite flavors, overall, are 1) Nutella, banana, and hazelnuts (to add a fantastic crunch), 2) lemon and sugar (a lemon-bar-like crepe) and 3) any crepe with fresh fruits (note: jam is not the same as fresh fruit). Nutella is an incredibly popular dessert filler, but note that it may cost you more than you think because it’s so popular and people will still order it. Each creperie is different and the menus are all unique, so search out your favorite flavors and taste away!
PARISIAN SWEETS
Parisian macarons. The one essential treat that I made sure to find in Paris. Since the rest of France makes more traditional macarons, made from simple meringue with sugar and nuts folded in, you won’t find this kind of macarons too far outside of Paris. It has been said that they were invented at the famous Parisian bakery Ladurée.
Ladurée stakes its claim on the Champs-Elysées, bringing in Parisians and tourists alike. Their windows have a sense of childhood whimsy and are stacked with boxes of their famous treats delicately displayed. Most of their macarons are single-flavor, with only a few combining two flavors. The simplicity emphasized allowed Ladurée to focus on their quality and ensure each one is as imaginable as the next. http://www.laduree.fr/
One other infamous pastry store that I happened to stumble upon on my way to the Luxembourg Gardens was Dalloyau (pronounced doll-Y-oh). Dalloyau is a Paris-centered food company whose history stretches back to the Versailles Court in 1682. With their traditional pastry recipes carried through the centuries, it is apparent that they have perfected the art of pastry design. Their creations look too good to eat. Their storefront is lined with macaron trees and petit fours chess pieces on a white and black chocolate ganache game board. In need of a sweet afternoon, I purchased their most intriguing flavors of macarons – grey tea and salted caramel. With a bench in Luxembourg Gardens calling my name, I enjoyed an amazing afternoon eating delectable macarons.
All in all, Paris is a power-house of delectable foods. Taste everything and bring leftovers home for later. Start every day with a chocolate croissant and end with a treat, maybe a palmier. Just savor your time in the Parisian world of food.
