John Dory’s Here!

The new John Dory opened in the ACE Hotel.  Cannot WAIT to try it.

Shiny Fruit

The quality of the produce in Paris is fantastic, but these jewel-like fruits on display at Hediard just cannot be natural.  Do they polish each berry?  Do they have a food stylist come in and spray them with magic shiny stuff?

Hediard, for all things luxurious and delicious.

Lunch at Bistrot Paul Bert

Prix Fixe: 16,50 euro includes entree, plat et dessert.  With my 5 euro glass of Bordeaux and tax, meal came to 24 euro.  Bistrot Paul Bert had popped up in numerous articles as a solid neighborhood joint with excellent traditional French fare.  It happily fulfilled my expectations- I had a simple beet salad (you have no idea how much I appreciate a good salad after two weeks here), followed by juicy roast beef and “puree a la maison,” followed by a decadent big chocolate macaron filled with some seriously rich chocolate mousse.  Wow.  Great value, and I loved the ambience.

Draft Lemonade

Good Butter

A ham and cheese on a baguette is elevated to heavenly status with a big healthy swipe of butter.  I have to admit, the French have excellent, excellent butter.  The best.  Here, the butter on the bar at Petit Fer a Cheval, my favorite bar in the Marais.

 

Pierre Herme Croissant

Eaten in the sunshine.  In the background, my favorite leopard print Dieppa Restrepo loafers.

The verdict: ridiculously good.  Super flaky, light, good butter. I bought macarons here too, for which they are famous.

At the Market

The Sunday morning market is AWESOME.  I had all these plans to go to these markets all over the city, but the fact is, the one right behind my friend Annic’s apartment is perfect, and I can be certain I am the only American there.  It’s little, just two little streets that cross each other like an X.  The boulangeries, fromageries, caves du vin, seafood markets, butchers, vegetable guys and florists all open up their doors and expand into stands in the street.  Rotisseries set up on the street fill the air with the smell of roast chicken.  The fruits and vegetables are artfully arranged, as if someone was going to take the whole arrangement of haricot vert and use it as a decorative piece.  We have Annic’s big straw bag, and we pop in and out of each store, only buying one or two things at each.  The street is filled with families doing the same, and a relaxed happiness pervades, as if the tradition of Sunday market brings not just good food but incredible comfort. People greet each other and share kisses and jokes.  The street vendors offer you a taste of their produce before you buy, confident that once you have a bite, you will buy from them.  There is intense pride in the products shown.