Note: This post is NOT sponsored; just an honest review of several food experiences from our trip to Paris.
Paul and I were able to visit Europe right after he graduated business school. From the east coast, the plane tickets were cheaper to Europe than… most places in America. Crazy, right?? Count me in!
My parents graciously watched our toddler while we were gone for 6 days. Knowing he was in good hands, we were able to fully enjoy the trip. It was by far the longest we’ve ever been away from our offspring, but I’m so glad we did it.
Paris was everything I’d imagined it to be. I’d never been, and had high hopes. The architecture, streets, museums, and gardens were incredible. Impeccably designed and executed. I loved it all. (I cover our thoughts on the Top 10 Tourist Attractions here).
But today we aren’t talking about any of that. We are talking about MEMORABLE EATS. Food.
It was a quick trip so we didn’t get to eat everything our hearts desired. BUT we did get to try some delicious french food and well-reviewed restaurants in the areas we were touring. We ate at several places not mentioned here that were good but just didn’t make a lasting impression. I.E. steak frites, yummy baguettes, ice cream cones, a quiche from a patisserie, etc. All good food, but nothing that really stuck out in particular.
Here, however, are the 4 foods that WERE most memorable for me– as evidenced below via facial expression.
1. Escargot
Escargot! Es-car-goh! Land Snails. I was a little hesitant (can you tell?) to try this appetizer. But it was really good! The texture was a little chewy, but the flavoring this restaurant added was amazing. It was kind of garlicky and pesto-ish.
This was our “fancy dress-up dinner” at Le Cafe du Commerce. It was around the corner from our Airbnb (located in the 15th arr.) and recommended by our hostess. All of the food was great and the ambiance felt truly Parisian! This was definitely a date I’ll remember for a long time.
2. Crepes
Ah, crepes! J’adore crepes!! I’d dreamed of trying a real French crepe ever since my years taking French class in middle school & high school. We’d have crepe parties (in and out of class) and load up Reddi-wip, ice cream, chocolate chips, strawberries, and bananas.
Actual French crepes were different (which will surprise, approximately, none of you)… but even better. There were stands all over the city selling these paper-thin morels of divinity. This particular stand was right near the Seine and the Grand Palais.
We got a savory ham & fresh-grated cheese crepe since it was lunchtime after all and we aren’t total savages. Then we also got a simple but divine butter/sugar situation. HEAVEN.
Later in the trip we also tried a more established crepe shop called La Breizh Cafe. They are known for Breton-style crepes which include buckwheat in the batter. The flavor was different than I’m used to and prices felt a little high, but these square, open-front crepes were beautifully made and undeniably created with high-quality ingredients.
3. Falafel
Third up, FALAFEL. So…I’m not saying that falafel is an iconic Paris food or even in the French cuisine at all. Obviously not. All I’m saying is that this falafel sandwich was the best I’ve ever consumed and the experience has been burned in my brain– in a good way.
Paris had an amazing array of different cuisines available. We’d read such high praise for this shop that we had to try.
If I knew I’d be putting these pictures on the world wide web I probably would’ve done something different with my face- or better yet, just snapped a high-quality pic of THE SANDWICH ITSELF! But it is what it is, and you need to know about this shop. L’As du Fallafel.
The falafel inside was moist and packed with so much flavor from the fresh herbs. My favorite part of the eatery was a TV in the corner that showed a video of how the restaurant chefs make the falafel in huuuge silver mixing bowls. Really fun to see.
4. MACARONS
Finally, I have to tell you that the PASSION FRUIT MACARON at Pierre Herme was maybe the best thing to happen to us in 2017. And I don’t say that lightly because- don’t forget- we are in Paris taking a trip to celebrate my husband graduating from business school. 😉
Look at the glitter and shine on that! UGH! There was also a passion fruit/chocolate macaron combo that was surprisingly great too.
Macarons are notoriously tricky to make well (at least compared to choc chip cooks, which is our Family Standard). For me, this justifies the high price tag of macarons. This is especially true when the fillings are complex (curd, buttercream, jam, ganache), and the flavors are the real deal (jasmine, apricot, orange, fresh mint, etc.)! These babies are labors of love.
The Pierre Herme website is here, and you should absolutely go there just to gawk at the gorgeous, perfect, colorful creations.
That’s it for our most memorable eats in Paris France!
Have you been to Paris? What foods were memorable for you??
If not, what iconic French foods are you dying to try??
Let me know in the comments!
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