ReHere’s a somewhat overdue report on Paris trip in early June. Marseille report will follow soon.
The goal was to hit some great bakeries, moderately priced restaurants, check out the trend of many places focusing on ‘menu du chef/menu du jour’ rather than a la carte.
I have to say that by the end of the trip I was happy to indulge in eclairs for breakfast, had enough of chefs deciding what I should eat and give a big thumbs up to the amazing food and
produce we can easily access in the Bay area.
PARIS
Bakeries
UTOPIE – amazing viennoiseries and patisseries. Had weekend special which was strawberry/basil croissant, next visit turned down apple/rhubarb special as am not an apple fan. Plain croissant was flaky and light. Sesame éclair was creamy and had that light toasty flavor of sesame. Chicken sandwich was great, magret de canard was somewhat dry and chewy. Prices very reasonable. Both times there was a line – 10-15mins and I was outside of peak hours. It’s all to go. Looks like they had outdoor sitting area at one point but no longer. There is a little park 5mins down the street where there is also a market some mornings.
TENBELLES – felt too much like an American coffee haven transported to Paris. American influenced small selection of baked goods, coffee was fine. I didn’t buy the bread loaves anywhere since we were staying in a hotel but they might be good options if you’re making your own food.
BRIGAT’ – took refuge here by chance during a downpour. What else does one do when it rains in Paris? Great selection of quiche and savory goods. Apparently ‘voted best croissant in the Maris’ per the enthusiasts at the neighboring table. Some creative fruit/almond patisseries.
MULOT A classic on the rue de Seine. Solid choice for traditional offerings and some nice savory pieces and prepared dishes. Great cherry tart. I was less impressed with the ‘petit salés’ I got for aperitif hour. Somewhat dry and uninteresting.
PIERRE HERME – Isfahan macaron as good as ever. Was offered some chocolates to taste and found them delicious. I hadn’t been in Paris in a while so was pleasantly surprised to find outlets at Gare de Lyon, airport as well as all across the city.
CHOCOLATIER F Kestner Stumbled on this. Surprisingly interesting chocolate bar with an apple puree mixed through. Fine assortment of dark chocolate. I was a little miffed when making up a box that they limited me to certain pieces that fit within the shapes within the box! Vive la France.
And I have to put in a word for the sweet café space at the Grand Mosquee de Paris with its wide selection of sweet treats.
RESTAURANTS
SEULEMENT SEA 6ieme Ate here first night since we didn’t have reservations and it was 5mins from hotel. Seafood platter to share as starter was very good. Tuna main course wasn’t remarkable. My partner enjoyed his fish. We skipped desert since it was a few classic choices. Service was friendly and we arrived just before 8 so nabbed a table just in time to beat the 8pm rush. I wouldn’t rush back but no major complaints.
SAMA 11ieme I wanted to try some of the new – to me – places in 11ieme and wanted Lebanese. Only regret was that we hadn’t requested an outdoor table. This is Lebanese food with an update. Partner is pescatarian so we leaned towards that side of the menu We had khebz – excellent, flavorful, Batata – crisp nicely spiced Habra – fresh and fragrant Kafta – probably least exciting choice Malfouf – creative and labné worked well Kebbé – unusual flavors that worked well together. We indulged in Awaymettes for dessert and didn’t regret it. Wine choices were good and service was pleasant, offerings tastes of different glasses before we finalized. Would definitely return.
SAUVAGE 6ieme We decided to opt for the multicourse vegetarian ‘menu du chef’. Service was poor and very slow – the waiter seemed new and inexperienced. They missed serving one of the courses until we reminded them. Some of the pairings worked others did not. I can’t recall all the dishes but the mushroom dish was great I’m definitely not inclined to return
SEMILLA 6ieme This, for me, was one of the best experiences. Place is crowded, tables tight and somewhat noisy but food was overall excellent and desserts especially so. We had tagliatelle de thon which was very good, fresh and interesting choice of flavorings. We also had the other fish starter (with supplement) which was a white fish with cucumber and even better flavors. For main course I had a veal dish which was nice, others at table had vegetarian risotto with courgettes which was a star. For dessert the strawberry tartlet had an excellent shortbread like pastry case and chocolate dessert had nice deep dark chocolate flavor.
LE 52 10ieme Dined solo here without reservation. No problem getting a table. This place is mix of bar/restaurant. Casual, great beer choices, very friendly service. I had creative sardine paté followed by hearty grilled sausage and veg course. The waiter gave excellent wine suggestions. The area between the metro and the restaurant is colorful. A wander around the area also brought me to some alleys with super lively bars and outdoor passages.
LA MAISON DU JARDIN 6ieme This choice was influenced by location – 5mins from our hotel on a rainy evening. We had avocado cream/shrimp starter which was solid and well presented. Lamb pasilla was great choice, plenty of veg, great lamb flavor. We also had lieu noir which was nicely spiced and served on a bed of leeks. Cheese course was somewhat disappointing – small portion and nothing remarkable about the choice of cheeses
GEORGETTE 6ieme Very pleasant dinner ‘a la terasse’ Seems to be a favorite with locals so reservations are advised. Tomato risotto was excellent, pave d’espadon (swordfish) was full of flavor and served with olive puree that played well with the fish. Apricot dessert had that deep sharp apricot flavor that speaks of fresh fruit.
L’escudella 7ieme Well-run neighborhood spot with pleasant terrasse and great service. Tomato and burrata mousse starter was light and flavorful. Salmon main course was served with vegetable puree. Duck was perhaps a little on heavier side but with nice accompaniment of veg and potatoes. Dessert was red fruit mousse which was light and airy. All accompanied by house rosé which was an excellent choice for the season.
Bacav 5ieme Small and tucked away with some outdoor space Bacav is another attractively-priced neighborhood gem. Foie gras starter was small but all the unctuousness one wants with foie gras. And celery remoulade played well against the richness of the foie gras. Escalope de veau main course was a little tougher than I would have liked. Desserts were all well loved traditional French choices. Ile flottante was light and custard was rich and not too sweet. Table neighbors had the tasting menu and seemed to be enjoying the many courses. Others were sharing the large profiterole dessert.
I’ve tried to put photos in order of where I ate but now sure how successful that is.
minder: please include [City, District] in your post title above. If the topic is about a specific eatery, please click the 'Add Location' button to enter the address, so your topic shows up in the Topic Map.   PORC, ViNAiGRETTE à L'ÉCHALOTE , CHAMPiGHONS de PARiS A LA GRECQUE, CEUF PARFAiT • BURRATA IP des PouiLLES; COMDiMENT TOMATE / MBC PLATS 24€ • SAUCiSSE PAYSATHE AU CONTEAU PURÉE E MOUTARDE • TARTARE DE BOEUF CHAROLAiS, CONDiMENTS et HERBES . ESCALORE DE VEAU et COURGETTES RÚTiES, SAUCE CORNiCHONS . LAPiN/ MiLOTÉ EN COCOTTE, TRiLLES et PETTE POiS • SAUTÉ dE PORC PRiNTATiET, OLiVES et CUrfiN •
