Food Memories of Paris
And places I didn't get to
Sara,
Thank you for commemorating our Normandy feast! It was so special and memorable - despite the hefty servings of vodka. For the readers, after Normandy, Sara joined us in Paris for a few days before returning to London. So I wanted to fill her in on some favorite food memories I very sadly had after she was left.
Favorite Bites & Memories
Tomato Macaron at Pierre Hermé (Multiple Locations)
One of the many, many, many places to get an excellent macaron. On the visit, I aimed to try ones I don’t typically see in the U.S. Instead of my usual order (one each of Pistachio, Rose, and Salted Caramel) I tried the tomato flavor which was unexpected and subtle. It smelled like ripe tomatoes, had the signature texture and sweetness of a macaron, and then a fun, umami finish. And I sadly didn’t get one, but heard the fig and yogurt was also excellent.
Goose Rilette at Chez Georges (1 Rue de Mail)
I stopped for lunch at Chez Georges on the way to E. DEHILLERIN, the beloved kitchen supply store. This classic Parisian bistro is said to be one of Julia Child’s favorites. I had the goose rilette which was served ice cold with my own barrel of cornichons and pearl onions. It was a huge portion and the with the never ending basket of sliced baguette, each bite was a dreamy balance of crunchy, fatty and creamy, sweet and sour.
Japanese Inspired Cheeses from Fromagerie Hisada (47 Rue de Richelieu)
I had studied up and bookmarked many classic fromageries before the trip from the trusty Cheese Primer. But then I found this Japanese owned and inspired one that went to the top of the list. First opened in Tokyo in 1985, their Paris location carries a mix of French and Japanese products. I beelined for their Japanese inspired cheeses, leaving with a Yuzu Chevre and a Miso-Miline, both of which were so balanced and unique. Would love to go back for a tasting of them all.
Mini Pavlova from La Meringaie (Multiple Locations)
Our favorite Parisian, Liza, took me on a tour of her old neighborhood in the 9th, where we strolled around Rue des Martyrs. I loved this street with all it’s lovely little stores and getting to see her favorite places from growing up. Both Liza and I are not sweets obsessed, so when she insisted we go try the homemade meringues from this shop I knew they’d be something special. I had their seasonal mini pavlova with passion fruit. It was so delicate and not too sweet - the highest compliment!
Various Goodies at Coffélia (45 Rue Condorcet)
Cheating a little bit since we didn’t eat anything here, but Liza and I stopped into this very special store. The owner was so kind and stocked the place with artisanal coffees and teas, home and leather goods, zines and cookbooks made by her and her friends. While we both left with a few special items, I regret not buying a beautiful leather-bound cookbook she had written with friends featuring a collection of recipes that creatively used different teas (ex. Earl Grey madeleines and tea poached fish).
Place I Didn’t Get To
An incomplete list of the many places I didn’t make it to, recommended from locals and visitors who love good food:
Sara, since you’re much closer, if you find yourself back in Paris soon, send me a pic from one of the places above. Or we’ll just have to go to Restaurant Eels, yours and Liza’s rec, all together on our next trip.
A running letter between long distance friends who love to eat
Do you miss your best friend? Are really hungry you right now? If the answer to either of these is yes, you know what to do.