Chic new resto: Ellsworth

I had a lovely birthday dinner at Ellsworth with some friends [and my mom!] a few weeks ago, and although I was having too much fun to take pictures and/or notes of the food, I thought I'd still share my experience.

The details: Ellsworth is a new spot from the cool American couple behind Verjus and Verjus wine bar.  [More yummy restaurants to try!]  It is a tiny, intimate but fun little place in the 1st, with an amazing sharing menu. [Although, I will admit, my plates were so yummy I actually did not share!]  I had the sprout salad- and I kid you not, my mouth is salivating at the thought it.  The dressing was so great that I could have eaten 3 salads.  And the famous buttermilk chicken? It is all that.  And more. All washed down by some lovely bottles of wine, and followed by apple fritters.  Definitely worth a visit.  [And you can reserve online, and English!]

Fashionable Macarons

I'll admit that I'm a sucker for packaging- a great looking gift or an eye catching product always wins me over!  Just spotted these uber-colorful Pucci designed Laduree macaron boxes...not only do you get some delectable treats (with seasonal flavors like banana chocolate, yuzu ginger and pineapple!), but you get to keep these sweet and funky box.  [They make great desk organizers.]  Voila!  Spring Paris souvenirs sorted.

La Chambre aux Confitures

Nothing beats an amazing jam with butter on a fresh baguette.....it is also a great gift to take home to those who didn't get to come to Paris!  La Chambre aux Confitures has something for every taste- rasberry & violet, banana & chocolate, salted caramel, and jams to match up with foie gras or cheese.  A lovely selection products, made with quality as the gourmet products of long ago.

La Chambre aux Confitures
9 rue des Martyrs, 9th

Dessance: A new Dessert Bar in the Marais

A new dessert bar has popped up in the Marais.  Dessance is the name, a mix of the words dessert and naissance [birth], and the pastry chefs behind this cafe invite you to try their "innovative, light & addictive" new pastry creations.  Modeled after a proper restaurant, you are invited to try a tasting menu of sweets, with matching wines or champagne.

Dessance
74 rue des Archives, 3rd

Imaginative Eats in the Marais

If you haven't been to the upper Marais for a meal, it might be time.  Interesting new restaurants are popping up overnight in the area.  Le Mary Celeste, above, is named after a 19th century ghost ship, and serves up rare oysters and small plates that change daily.  Recently opened by the team that owns Candeleria, seafood lovers can't go wrong.

Table Ronde is designed as a place for exchanging ideas about gastronomy.  Each month, 18 diners are invited to take part in unique meals prepared by 4 or 5 guest chefs.  Check the schedule and sign up online to try your hand at a getting a coveted spot at the table.

Le Mary Celeste
1 rue des Commines, 3rd

www.lemaryceleste.com

Table Ronde
58 rue de Saintonge, 3rd

www.tableronde.com

Cafe des Abattoirs

The name sounds oh-so-chic in French, but translating it gives you a hint at the menu:  "slaughterhouse cafe" serves up a nice piece of boeuf.  Chef Sophie Rostang's Lyonnais-style restaurant serves up classic French fair in an updated setting; leather-lined walls hint at the farm fare on the menu, and the gorgeous vintage sign reminds one of brasseries of yesteryear.

Cafe des Abattoirs
10 rue Gomboust, 1st
(online booking available)

Terroir Parisien

[top: roasted duckling and apples; bottom: braised sole with mushrooms]

I'm not one to usually take pictures of my food, but this meal at Terroir Parisien was worth writing about, so I snapped a few pics for the blog.  This is the place where you want to come for classic French cooking, but in a modern sense.  All the French classics are here, but interpreted in a new style-- lighter, funkier, newer, just better.  True bistro food, highlighting local producers around Paris.  Simple and yummy, set in a magnificent old treasure of a building, a great place for an introduction or re-introduction to French cuisine.

20 rue Saint Victor, 5th

reservations@bistrot-terroirparisien.fr

Chocolate by Alain Ducasse- Paris' newest chocolate shop

Chocoholocs, add this one to your list of places to visit in Paris- multi-starred and multi-talented chef Alain Ducasse has opened a chocolate factory shop in the 11th.  Step off the main street, into a quiet courtyard and into this former garage to check out the chocolate being made right in front of you.   Pralines with coconut or salty peanuts, ganache with lime or mint, giant bars of chocolate that way 3.5kg....a wide range of yummy flavors await.   [Note:  they are open Easter Sunday from 10am-1pm if you forgot your chocolate for that last minute egg hunt!]

Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse

40 rue de la Roquette, 11th

Chic drinks in St. Germain

I discovered a charmant new bar the other night we I went out for drinks with the girls- La Companie des Vins Surnaturels.  It's tucked away on a side street that you probably wouldn't wander down, right behind the covered market at Mabillon.  The wine bar is very cosy and chic, with little banquettes and couches making it feel like you are at a private party in a Parisian apartment.  The menu features a good selection of wines and small plates [think cheese & jambon].   It was quite packed, even on a week night, so email or call ahead to reserve a table.  

La Companie des Vins Surnaturels

7 rue Lobineau, 6th

Chloe Pop-up store at Printemps

Department store Printemps is feteing Chloe's 60th birthday with an exclusive line of re-editions, like the Paraty bag above.  But hurry- the 16 piece mini-collection is only available for a short time!

At Printemps Paris, until March 9

Chic Treats: 3 New Pastries to Try in Paris

If you've been to Paris before, you've most likely had macarons.  Laduree macarons on your first visit, perhaps venturing to Pierre Herme or Sadaharu Aoki to try more unusual flavors if you are a foodie or a frequent visitor.  Now that cupcakes have hit Paris and macarons have hit New York, and the taste buds are hankering for something nouveau....here are a few ideas for your next visit.  Bon appetit!

Les Choux, from Popelini

  These little puff pastry balls are filled with creme in different flavors- from classics like dark chocolate and salted caramel- to funky flavors like raspberry & rose.

Nine flavors on tap daily, so you might need to try a few to find your favorite.

A box of un peu [a few, or 1/2 dozen] runs 11 euros.

Popelini, 29 rue Debelleyme, 3rd and 44 rue des Martyrs, 9th

La Fabrique:  Cookies

It's always hard for me, as an American, to admit that the French might take something we are known for, and do it, well, better....but you'll have to be the judge of this one on your own.  La Fabrique specializes only in cookies, with a French twist.  A rotating 17 different specialties focusing on traditional Frenchy ingredients [like the calission d'Aix en Provence filled cookies, pictured above]- these are not your mama's cookies.   12 euros for 8 cookies

La Fabrique, 47 rue des Martyrs, 9th

l'Atelier de l'eclair and l'Eclair de Genie

L'Atelier de l'eclair has serves up mini, normal or giant eclairs, depending on your appetite.  Also available in savory flavors, such as chorizo and sun-dried tomato or fois gras- you can make a lunch out of pastry.  L'Eclair de Genie offers even more twisted flavors- rose bonbon, chocolate/mango/banana- alongside gorgeous chocolate truffles in a hip, Marais location.

L'Atelier de l'eclair, 16 rue Bauchaumont, 2nd
L'Eclair de Genie, 14 rue Pavee, 4th

Arts & Antiques Tour with Philippe Starck's Ma Cocotte

It's getting to be that time of year again, when cocooning sets in as the weather turns cooler.  Why not spruce up your maison with some new [old?] treasures from the largest flea market in Europe?  Our Arts & Antiques tours take place on Saturday and Sunday mornings, and are loads of fun- I recommend it as a great tour for couples or families as well, as the puces can be likened to a living, breathing museum full of amazing finds.

And to top it off, we could end your visit with a stop to the cool new restaurant in town: Philippe Starck-designed Ma Cocotte, the hot new address for fall at the flea markets.  On y va!  [Contact Chic Shopping Paris for more info about the flea market tours.]

bring some home: amazing jams

I've always considered luxurious pots of interesting jams or mustards to make amazing little gifts- what more could one want than a taste of France?  [To make the gift extra special, pair it with a little spoon from Sabre or a vintage silver one from Les Puces.]  Here are a few nouveautes for fall:

Henri le Roux makes amzing flavors like Pomme Tatin [apple tart with salted carmel], Fraise Poivree [peppered strawberry] and ginger orange.  Beware- this shop is also filled with chocolate goodies!  

I've always had a soft spot for these Bonne Maman minis.  Why not serve them individually for your next brunch [or your little girls tea party].  Trop mignon!

Boissier will woo you with their label and then with their flavors.  White chocolate- mango, anyone?  Or maybe dark chocolate- raspberry, which is a definite upgrade from Nutella.

Henri le Roux

1 rue de Bourbon le Chateau, 6th

Bonne Maman

available at Monoprix all over Paris

and at Amazon.com

Boissier

184 av Victor Hugo, 16th

Best Ice Cream in Paris

It's finally warm enough here [at least for today!] to warrant going out for a glace....so I thought I'd put out a list of the chic-est spots to get a cornet [cone] in the capital

Pierre Herme- famous pasty chef that turns out intriguing flavors, such as La Milena [fresh mint ice cream and red fruits sorbet, together] or try the Gla'Gla collection- ice cream sandwiched between to macarons.  Yum!  (Available by the pot- 140 ml for 6.60euros)

Mini Palais Bar a Glaces- the Mini Palais [aka the restaurant the runs out of the back of the Grand Palais museum] has opened an ice cream bar for the summer on its lovely terrace.  Around 20 flavors of sorbet and another 20 of ice cream, the menu combines classics and unusual flavors as well.  [Lemon-thyme, anyone?]  (3euros a scoop, in a cup or cone.)

Hugo & Victor- another famed pasty shop that has come up with some delightful glaces for summer.  Eat in it the carton, get a big carton to share, or try their original take on an ice cream cake, ice cream served with a financier crust.  [Pictured above, the lemon cheese cake ice cream sensation.]  (5.50 euros for an individual pot, 6 euros for a slice of cake.)

Martine Lambert- originally from Deauville, the tea shop in Paris now has quite a following as well.  They pride themselves on quality ingredients, with sorbets made of a whopping 70% of fresh fruit.  Unusual flavors [China nights- Szechuan Peppercorns and chocolate truffles or Gingerbread and candied peel of lime] and classics round out the list.  (Around 3 euros a scoop.)

Berthillon- the Parisian classic, all the others owe their start to the great, quality glace that comes from Berthillon.  Fresh pasturized milk delivered each morning to make their concoctions, on site.  Note- they are closed Monday & Tuesday, so make sure you take a visit to Ile St Louis on another day!

Magnifique Mustard

This Maille mustard is absolutely stunning, non?  One might buy it just to have on the table for a chic pique-nique....but the best part is that is tastes as good as it looks.  The entire trio is amazing looking- green herbs, blueberry/violet [shown], and garlic/red pepper- but get them quickly, as these fab flavors are limited-editions.  [Although at the Boutique Maille, you can always find a great array of mustards/ oils/ vinegars- great gifts for gourmet friends back home.]

Maille

6 place de la Madeleine, 8th

Best Brunches in Paris

Over the past few years, the concept of brunch has been taken to a whole new level here in Paris.  Parisians spend a good part of their Sunday morning brunching on delictible goodies, in a way that only the French can.  Here is a resume of 5 new brunch hot spots:

The Trendiest:  Le Dome du Marais [pictured]- recently redone by a duo of trendy restraunteurs, this former auction house-turned-restaurant is oh-so-Parisian.  Menu?  Hot drinks, pastries, scrambled eggs [or benedict], salad, fresh fruit.  Or order off menu [salads, burgers].  Time:  12pm-4pm, 25 euros

The Most "Made in USA":  Livingstone NY Steakhouse- US- style steakhouse.  Menu?  Juice, American coffee, pancakes, muffins, popovers, strawberry butter, burgers, bagels & lox.  Time:  12pm-6pm, 24 euros

The Most "Dangerous Liasons":  Hotel Daniel- a boudoir/ hotel setting where one expects to run into the Marquise.    French pastry chef Sebastien Gaudard puts back the Frenchiness in brunch, a forgotten tradition of the 17th century.  Menu?  Finger sandwiches, eggs to order, ham, fresh yogurt, salad, pastries, cakes. Time:  10am- 3pm; 43 euros

The Most "Strickly for Taste":  Alain Milliat- the top-notch specialist of fruit and veg nectars has opened his own tea salon/ juice bar.   Menu?  brunch/ buffet with cakes, compotes, tartes, homemade jams, breads & pastries, cereals & yogurts.  Also cheese plates, omelets, hams.  Time:  11am- 3pm, 28 euros

The Most Seaside:  O restaurant [above]- in order to forget the dreadful Parisian weather, check out this freshly redecorated barge restaurant.  Menu?  Large buffet with Beef bourguignon, cheeses, beef tartar, pastries, salmon, salads, oyster bar, etc.  The Plus?  A clown that looks after the kids while you sun yourself on the terrace.  Time:  12pm- 3pm, 38 euros [15 euros for kids]

Article translated and modified from Elle.fr

cocktails with a view

looking for a hip new bar in paris?  check out la vue, with exactly that- a great view of the city.  the place boasts hip djs, a funky menu, and a special elevator to take you to the 34th floor so you can sip your cocktails with paris at your feet.  so chic!

La Vue
3, place du Général Kœnig, 17th

this weekend: paris des chefs

Gourmet geeks unite- if you are in town this weekend, be sure to check out Paris des Chefs.  Three days dedicated to food and design, with tastings, demonstrations by chefs from around the world, and more.  To top if off, many events will take place in the recently redone art deco buliding La Maison de la Mutualite [renovated by hip architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte].    

Galette du Rois

It's that time of the year again- you can't pass a bakery without spotting one of these buttery, flaky concoctions known as the Galette du Rois [king's cake].   I love the etoile creation, top, available at La Grande Epicerie and the cleverness of the color-your-own-crown that comes with the delicious galette at La Patisserie des Reves.  

If you want to try to create the same thing at home, there are many recipes online.  [I'm going to attempt the nutella-filled galette this weekend.  And don't forget the galette party tradition- the youngest person [usually a child!], goes under the table, and tells the cake server who gets each piece of the galette in order to not peek and see the feve [trinket/ charm].  Whoever gets the feve in his/her piece is queen or king for the day.  A vous de jouer!

alice in printemps-land

to celebrate the opening of alice au pays des merveilles [alice in wonderland], printemps department store has dedicated its exterior and interior to the theme. outside, check out the store's windows which contain alice's new wardrobe, designed by some of fashion's biggest names [note the gown by the late, great alexander mcqueen]. inside, stop in laduree's take on the mad hatter's tea room to digest some delectable pastries. if i could take the right pill to land myself in this tea room every afternoon, i'd do it as well! hurry by if you want to check this out, as it ends march 13th.

printemps haussman
64 blvd haussman, 9th