While most tourists with a taste for gourmet experiences come to Paris to try French food, a few know that the city harbors its fair share of excellent Japanese restaurants, grocers and casual […]
Food
How (& Where) to Enjoy Beaujolais Nouveau Wine Tastings in Paris
The French may not celebrate Thanksgiving, but on the third Thursday of November they find something of their own to be thankful for: wine. To be specific, the yearly vintage of Beaujolais Nouveau, an unpretentious, […]
Parisian Legends: Interview with Patrick Roger, France’s Own Willy Wonka
As this goes to press, the Salon du Chocolat is gearing up for another run in Paris–an annual trade show devoted to the art (and enjoyment) of chocolate. To celebrate the irresistible stuff […]
8 Reasons to Love the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris
More than a museum, it’s a cultural touchstone Few places in Paris carry the sort of sentimental weight that the Centre Georges Pompidou does for me. When I was a student, I spent […]
Inside L’Officine Universelle Buly, a 19th-century-style Paris apothecary
I’ve always been a bit skeptical of the apothecary trend. It’s generally struck me as a marketing ploy to raise the perceived value or originality of products and crank up their prices– irrespective […]
Summery Indulgence: 4 Places I Recommend for Ice Cream & Gelato in Paris
Small confession: I’m not someone you can really trust with a pint of ice cream left in the freezer. If it’s there, it’s pretty certain I’ll eat it– and often too much at […]
In Review: The Ice Kube Bar in Paris (Gimmick or Intriguing Night Out?)
Featuring Siberian temperatures, surreal bunker-like surroundings that might remind you of Superman’s icy lair, and a jetset-aspiring clientele, the Ice Kube bar at Paris’ Kube Hotel claims to offer a singular nightlife experience. […]
In Review: Breizh Café & Cider Bar, for Creative Cocktails & Bréton Nibbles
Bréton-style savory pancakes and cocktails: if the combination sounds a bit odd, that’s because it is. But as I recently discovered, it can also be an eye-opening and delicious one. At the Breizh […]
In Review: Fou de Pâtisserie, a Parisian Pastry Shop for the Indecisive
Strolling down Rue des Martyrs, a stretch of Paris’ South Pigalle that packs more gourmet power in a single street than most entire neighborhoods do, I noticed a patisserie that was clearly out […]
My 5 Favorite Spots for Wine Tasting in Bordeaux: Bars & More
Last summer, I spent a little under six weeks living and working in Bordeaux, as I prepared to write a local guide. Like almost everyone, I knew coming in that the capital of […]
In Review: Café Craft, a Canal St-Martin Haven in Paris
Nestled on Rue des Vinaigriers just off of the Canal St-Martin, Café Craft is one of my favorite new places in Paris for decent coffee, tea and baked goods. Inside the brightly […]
In Review: The Grand Pigalle Hotel in Paris
Situated in South Pigalle, a formerly seedy Parisian district that’s recently been colonized by hipsters, foodies and fashionistas, the Grand Pigalle Hotel has only been open since 2015. Yet it’s quickly become […]
Inside La Coupole, a Montparnasse Brasserie Haunted With Artistic History
Referring to the legendary Parisian brasserie on Boulevard de Montparnasse, French historian Georges Viaud once remarked: “If the tables [here] could talk, they would tell the story of La Coupole’s role in […]
The Best Spots for Picnics in Paris, From Parks to Riverbanks
Like they do with pretty much everything else, Parisians make a true art of the spring or summer picnic. It’s not just a quick meal on the grass or a bench– it’s an […]
A Short History of French Macarons, From Saint-Emilion to Paris
On a recent trip to the fortified medieval town of Saint-Emilion, my partner and I stayed in a lovely B&B plunged in the middle of the vineyards, outside the city walls. Our amiable […]
In Review: Ti Jos, a Traditional Breton Creperie in Paris’ Montparnasse
Looking for a good traditional Breton restaurant and creperie in Paris without even a hint of pretention or stuffy formality? Ti Jos may be the ticket, especially if you’re staying in or around […]
6 Tips for Avoiding Tourist Traps & Scams in Paris
As one of the world’s most-visited cities, Paris relies on tourism to thrive economically. While that’s generally a mutually beneficial thing, it has its downsides. For one thing, certain areas can seem devoid […]
In Review: Lapérouse, a Romantic Paris Restaurant With History Galore
First opened in 1766 as “La Maison Lapérouse”, this distinguished restaurant and bar situated smack on the banks of the Seine is a favorite spot for well-heeled literary and artistic types. It’s a place […]
In Review: Au Sauvignon, a Paris Wine Bar That Transcends Trendy
Opened some 65 years ago around the corner from the iconic Hotel Lutetia, Au Sauvignon is a Paris wine bar that’s been owned and operated by the same family since 1954. It seems […]
5 Idyllic Places for Afternoon Tea in Paris: My Picks
While I’m more of a coffee lover than a tea person, the winter season in the capital demands a little extra dose of coziness. Once or twice a year, I fork over some […]