Paris by Site 2012 @parisbysite2012 - Tumblr Blog

Bon voyage!

A few of the places I temporarily vandalized in the name of the gallery

Performed in under three minutes in the privacy of my own home...but perhaps it was the cat's doing.

-KH

Little Sri Lanka

So despite being in France I always find myself loving the "non-French" food. One day, I wanted something spicy and had a 10 in my pocket. What was I to do? France is known for subtlety and I was craving fire. A friend suggested the little Sri Lanka neighborhood by metro la chapelle.

Bonne idée! I had been there once before walking along rue san denis, but I could never find it again. Didn't realize this was because it was north of where i usually turn off the road. Anyway, I'd been wanting to try it for a long time, and it was a good thing that I did, because it was one of my favorite things I've eaten in Paris.

I went in for the Meat combo, being the carnivore that I am, and it ran 7 euro.

Amazing! And apparently very authentic--I did some research after. I also decided to get a sri lanken beer, which the man called lion beer. Though the beer itself only says "strong." When I asked for one the man also warned me to be careful because it was so strong. Though I do have to say it's not that much worse than a New Amsterdam, but tasted a lot better.

My friend got the vegetarian combo for 6 euros, and it was pretty fantastic too.

Little Sri Lanka is a place that I insist on having one of my few remaining meals here. I'm only sad that i found it so late. (Also, expect an edit with the exact name of the place I went)

#buddy

My Meat is a Little Undercooked...

Our first week in Paris, we decided to have a group dinner at Chartier. Chartier is a restaurant specializing in classic French cuisine. Old train station turned into Brasserie, stepping into Chartier is like going back in time. Servers in long white aprons share their expertise and take care of your every need; families laugh and socialize over red wine; children enjoy their favorite part of dinner: dessert. Seeing as how it was my first week in Paris, I decided to take advantage of the plethora of French-food-choices at my feet. My host sister, Charlotte, helped me choose a succession of classics that I had never tasted.

I began with the famous escargots! 6 shells lay in a pool of green garlic butter. I was a little nervous, but Charlotte instructed our table on how to eat them. You grasp the metal clamp and dig out the snail with the small fork. While ingesting, you rip a piece of bread and soak up the garlic-filled butter, and chase the snail with the bread! It was reminiscent of a mussel for me, and I enjoyed it.

Next, I ventured into the world of steak tartare! RAW MEAT!!! Not hardly cooked, raw. I was excited, not worried, but a little apprehensive of whether or not it would be satisfying. It came...shaped like a cylinder of raw ground beef, topped with chives and onions. It tasted exactly how I assumed raw meat would taste. It came apart effortlessly at the touch of a fork and was cool and soft to swallow. Surprisingly, the onions and chives were the most dominant taste of this dish. I didn't dislike it, but I told myself I probably wouldn't order it again. And I haven't, ever since. I don't regret it, though.

Finally, for dessert, I wanted to experience something delicious yet light. Charlotte suggested the choux chantilly. This is almost like a cream puff, but even lighter. The pastry part was light and sweet, and the cream was deliciously whipped and rich. It was the perfect end to my first, real French dinner.

All in all, this trio was the strangest food experience, because it was so new and uncharted in my book. I am happy to keep this food memory in my recollections.

#Kristin

Restaurant Tips from a Future Restauranteur

Israel is known as the land of milk and honey and France is known as the land of bread and cheese. But after spending the last five months in Paris it appears that this city contains the culinary attributes of Israel and possibly the rest of the world. If you want Italian? It's available. Chinese? It's available. Japanese, Vietnamese, Indian, American, Mexican, and even the pub food of the Brits? It's all available. In my last blog post I have decided to share some of my favorite culinary experiences of the Parisian restaurant world, and hopefully if you ever return to Paris you will take my advice and enjoy some of the same dishes that I have had the pleasure of munching upon.

First, let me begin with 2 French local joints (and I know I'm not a local so this is a bit of a paradox, but just trust me, they are local spots).

1. Bourgogne Sud: This place is unreal. Dabble in some juicy frog legs, escargot, and my favorite, the poached egg which is soaked in a garlic vinegar sauce. And, before you leave for the night, make sure you get a chance to shake the chefs hand as he makes his rounds.

2. Chéri Bibi: My favorite local Montmartre eatery. People will be dancing and eating late. Try the anchovy salad, the white asparagus appetizer, or the Cajun shrimp. For your main course, go with the thick salmon sashimi style steak with a side of fries and vegetables. Yes get both.

3. l'as du falafel: If you’re craving a bit of Israel go with a falafel. They are filling, delicious, and they get the job done in a speedy manner. Enough said.

4. Rice and Beans: This was my go to Mexican spot. The burritos and tacos are killer and they put a little French twist on them by getting involved with some scallops. Make sure you try one of the beautifully sweetened virgin margaritas before you leave.

5. Nanashi: This place satisfied both my healthy and Japanese interests. Grab yourself a bento box consisting of brown rice, salmon, and some delicious accompanying carrot, beet, and cabbage salads. Wash it all down with a carrot, apple, and ginger juice.

6. Santa Lucia: Rivals the Italian food cooked in Italy. Just look at these pictures of the pasta and pizza. Words can’t describe how good these tasted.

7. Verjus: This was my favorite restaurant in France. I would say it is French haute cuisine. Every course was delicious and the sommelier pairs each course with the perfect wine. Check out these images of the white fish, poached egg, and the best peanut butter desert I've ever had. And yes I said peanut butter.

There's a reason for the stereotype...

What do you think of when you think of the classic french man? A large curling handlebar mustache, a scarf thrown fashionably over the shoulder, a chic chapeau perhaps? Regardless of what the clothing might be, more often than not there is a fresh baguette tucked under the imaginary french person's arm. What could be more "french" than a baguette?!

If you don't know what kind to get, just take a look and see what looks freshest. Personally I think that the "Tradition" baguettes are in general superior to the simple baguettes, but to each his own.

Any boulangerie you visit in the city will have their own version of the baguette, and while they are very similar in general, NOT ALL BAGUETTES ARE CREATED EQUAL. The real trick is to learn when the bakeries you frequent do their baking. The best possible thing to happen is when you just happen to walk into a boulangerie, where you would be buying a baguette anyway, and they are bringing fresh ones out! You order one, pay rarely over 1 euro, and are handed a deliciously warm baguette slipped into a paper sleeve. You then tuck it under your arm to go gather the rest of your picnic essentials, feeling the warmth radiating from it, "calling to you" to rip off just a bite from the end. The problem with this is that usually it will be half gone before you even realize what you're doing, but I suppose worse things could happen.

BEST BAGUETTE (I have tasted here): the black and gold boulangerie/patisserie diagonal from Accent, right by Metro Ledru Rolin - I happened to get a gloriously fresh one the other day and it was heavenly.

WORST BAGUETTE: one from the Monop over by the Institut Catholique... DO NOT GET THEM THERE! Really it was almost hard to eat. So dry...

Though baguettes are certainly available back home in the US the bakers don't seem to take nearly as much pride in their craft. It is also very difficult to get truly FRESH loaves unless you are baking them yourself. In the states we have mastered the art of efficiency, but at what cost? The small businesses that take pride in their specific craft offer wonderful and appreciated products, but can never hope to compete with corporations who work in mass production.

There are many things that I will miss about living in Paris, mainly involving food. A few examples are:

falafel (literally obsessed) This one pictured is the "Pita Mixte" from Falafel King in the Marais. I have decided L'As du Falafel has the best actual falafel, Chez H'Anna has the best schwarma, and Falafel King has the best mixed.

crepes (the caramel from Breizh cafe in the Marais is to die for, but the complete is absolutely fabulous as well)

pastires

cheap but delicious wine or champagne

more pastries

macaroons (this was a passion fruit chocolate one from Pierre Hermé on free macaron day)

more macaroons (Ladurée of course)

oh yeah, and more pastries.

Most of all, even with all these other amazing things to eat and drink in the city, it's the simplicity of a picnic with just a good cheese or two, some rosette, some french wine, and DEFINITELY a good baguette, that I am going to miss the most. If only I could just capture a little french chef, lock him in my suitcase, and make him bake for me at home, but alas I'm not sure if I could make it past customs. If I end up not being able to get back into the states, you'll know why.

#berrymacaron

Tutti-Frutti from Café Pouchkine

I have tried so many desserts here that I do not know where to start. I have gotten everything from classic macarons to strawberry tarts and éclairs. After learning about an amazing website (www.parispatisseries.com) filled with mouth-watering photos and reviews of the best Parisian desserts, I started the search for my favorite pastry in Paris. It’s safe to say I’ve tried far too many pastries while I’ve been here, and it has certainly given me perspective into the world of desserts. After trying so many pastries, I see two distinct, contrasting sides of the Paris pastry -- on one end, there are the pastries that are flat-out delicious, but lack the visual panache. On the opposite perspective, there are many patisseries that focus far too much on achieving aesthetic perfection, and the flavor falls short. Then there’s the dreamy center, the perfect balance of visual beauty and powerful flavor.

Even though I’ve been desensitized (to some extent) to pastries and desserts, having tried so many in Paris, I will certainly miss what likely rates as my favorite pastry of all time: the Tutti-Frutti from Café Pouchkine. I’ll be honest, Café Pouchkine did not pop up in my pastry radar for quite some time, it was not until I saw it mentioned in the website that I paid a visit. Café Pouchkine distinguishes itself from the rest with its Russian heritage. Run by pastry chef Emmanuel Ryon, it brings a Russian edge to the French pastry. It’s located in the Printemps department store in the 9th arrondissement.

As for the pastry itself, it’s a gorgeous cake-like dessert -- a mix of common and rare fruits covering a mound of fruit jelly, finished off on a sponge cake base. The fruits are fresh as can be and the cake spongy, simply delicious! As you bite into it, the red jelly oozes out. Its combination of unique aesthetics and flawless taste makes it my favorite, surpassing more “conventional” favorites, such as Jacque Genin’s fabulous éclairs and Ladurée’s classic macarons. When I return to America, people will undoubtedly ask me what I miss the most about Paris. And in reply, I’ll most definitely mention the Tutti Frutti right away.

#chris

Foie Gras Faux Pas

Mystifying and alluring, guarded as if it were a precious stone, the extremely rich and creamy food known as "Foie Gras" caught my attention ever since I became addicted to watching Food Netwook cooking shows. Typically presented as one of the most expensive and desirable food commodities on the planet, foie gras could be considered a "holy relic" of fine dining dishes. Before I go into great detail about how the foie gras (fat liver in english) pâté bombarded my tastebuds, I feel that it's my moral obligation to enlighten readers with what exactly this fascinating food is. In short, foie gras is the product of force feeding a goose, which seems extremely cruel and inhumane (but French law approves of such processes). As the liver "fattens" and reaches its extremely enlarged state, the goose is killed and the liver resembles something like an extremely doughy tube of some sort of processed cheese. I'm usually very morally conscious when it comes to the things I eat, but when you live in the foie gras capital of the world, you must carpe diem! My first flavor experience with foie gras was at restaurant called "Le Lutin dans Le Jardin." Being my appetizer course of the meal, I was presented with a sumptuous dish of artichoke stuffed ravioli drenched in a foie gras sauce. The foie gras' notes of rich buttery goodness accompanied well with the ravioli. I made sure to sop up every last drop of the hearty appetizer. 9 out of 10 Brando Stars. My second run in with foie gras didn't end so well. After heading to Cafe Grevin with Peyton and Jessy for dinner, I chose "foie gras maison" as my starter course. Presented in one extremely thick tannish slice, the epitome of fattened goose liver was given for me to feast. Well, let's not say feast, because I had to talk myself through every bite (sometimes like when I have a bad meal with my host family). Accompanied by orange marmalade and bread, I was able to push through the horror that was this slice of foie gras. To me, it felt like I was eating a can of cat food that was mixed with a whole stick of butter. No thanks Meow Mix! After getting taste tests from both Jessy and Peyton, it appeared to me they that agreed. 2 out of 10 Brando Stars (the presentation helped it earn a star). To summarize, my experiences with foie gras could be compared to a dramatic and unforgettable breakup on a TV soap opera. Having at first tasted a seemingly delicious version of foie gras, I was optimistic for our future. Then, after getting to know the "fat liver" a little better, we definitely just don't see eye to eye. It's not you foie gras, it's me. XXOO Brandon And one final shout-out to the Arts in Paris 2012 program! No matter where we go in life, we will always have Paris! Also, Thank You Sooooooooo much Katie for giving us the best history lesson and Parisian knowledge anyone could ask for! I'll miss all of ya'll <3

Frog Legs and Boulangeries

I tried frog legs last week and was disappointed. They were pan-fried in butter and garlic. The majority of the meat was on the thighs. I can confirm that frogs indeed taste like chicken. I had never eaten an amphibian before and would say it had a similar taste and consistency of birds than to fish. I was disappointed because it wasn't that flavorful or filling. If one were to go for a uniquely french entreé, I would suggest escargots. The same ingredients are used except the butter and garlic marinades in the shell creating very tasty juices that are ideal for soaking up with bread.

The food I am going to miss the most will probably be items from the boulangerie. Specifically the Baguette Tradition and Pain au Chocolat. I am a big sandwich eater and in my opinion bread is the most important part. So for only about a little more than a Euro you can get world class bread. I am also going to miss stopping by the local boulangerie every morning on the way to my 9:00 class to get a Pain au Chocolat. These items are not as prevalent, convenient, cheap, and high quality as in the States. Pain au Chocolat that can be found in the States has typically to much chocolate. However Trader Joe's has pretty stellar frozen Pain au Chocolat that you bake yourself. I will miss my local neighborhood bakery.

I Ate the McBaguette So that You Don't Have To

But first, a disclaimer: I am not what you would define as a “foodie;” I care not for the finer dishes that Paris has to offer so I feel that my lowly and unrefined state only makes me fit to review a food group that I know well.

Webster’s Dictionary defines the “McBaguette” as nonexistent, but a semantic revolution is upon us. Just as Greek mythology held that whoever consumed the food of the Underworld was doomed to spend eternity there, the McBaguette will entomb you within the walls of McDonalds and shame will be your proverbial sepulcher. But it will be worth it because, unlike the Underworld, the McBaguette is great and only 4.50 Euros! So, dear reader, take a stroll with my palette…

When you first taste the McBaguette a certain sensation will grip you; this is the taste of two peppered steaks (TWO! Because why not!?), nestled between mustard, lettuce, cheese, and of course, a baguette. Welcome to the sandwich of the future. No more will you have to deal with the troublesome food of peasants that is the sesame bun. You are better than that. With the McBaguette a whole new era opens; finally, a food from McDonalds that you don’t need to be ashamed to eat in public because the thing is that whichever marketing genius decided to create this hydra of flavor was acute enough to make the McBaguette visually resemble your average French sandwich that can be bought in a boulangerie. Maybe the reason the McBaguette is not being marketed in the U.S. is because this appeal wouldn’t stick. In any case, I must bid adieu to this seraph in bread form and, like bats returning to their cave, I will adjust back to the darkness.

I made this just for you, McBaguette

#Jessy

A Sweet Tooth for French Desserts

Lesson Learned: If you come to Paris, then you better have a good dental plan for when you return home.

I have found it near impossible to avoid over-indulging in the many delicious French pastries while abroad. They practical call to me as I walk past colorful patisserie window displays. "Peyton, you know you want to eat us. Who cares about your South Beach Diet?? That was so three years ago..." Despite my best efforts, I could not ignore these incessant urges, which is why I am most likely returning home with a few unwanted cavities. Although I am glad to soon reunite with my family, I am definitely going to miss my favorite French desserts. Among them are:

Angelina's signature hot chocolate:

Location: 226 Rue de Rivoli 75001 Paris, France

If heaven served hot chocolate, then Angelina's old-fashioned hot coco would be on the menu. Since 1903, Angelina's has been renowned for serving the best hot chocolate in the world. As a former favorite hangout spot for iconic celebrities such as Audrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel, Angelina's still attracts swarms of tourists who all wait in line for one thing--a cup of rich hot chocolate. When I finally brought the tiny porcelain cup to my lips and took my first sip, I felt my body instantly recoil to the full-bodied flavor of the chocolate. Never had anything tasted so divinely rich! The density and viscosity of the hot chocolate alone astonished me, but the taste blew me away. It was sweet with a perfect blend of bitter and the homemade whip cream topped it off to make for a yummy treat.

2. Crème Brûlée

Location: On the dessert menu of any French cuisine restaurant

I had my first experience eating crème brûlée while abroad and after my first bite of the tasty treat, I have never looked back. I just love cracking the sugary, hard surface to get to the good stuff. Not only is this dessert fun to eat, but it is also full of mouth-watering flavor. J'adore crème brûlée!

3. Nutella avec chantilly crepe

Location: Most crepe stands, but my favorite is at this crepe stand right next to the Abbesses metro in Montmartre.

Most of the time I ordered my crepes with beaucoup de la chantilly. I go wild for the nutella spread and whipped cream folded into a thin pancake pocket. I honestly cannot think of a better mix. The chocolate is super sweet, but the cream perfectly balances out all of the rich flavor. I am definitely going to miss these!

-Peyton

Citron Loving

I do not define myself as the biggest "foodie" in the world, I would say that I am more of a consumer than an accredited eater. So maybe my experience here in Paris has been filled with things that might seem not that special to someone who is well versed in "wining and dining" I have enjoyed several "Pasta Boxes" (the spinach and ricotta ones mind you), lots of boxes of "Petit Ecoliers", and of course my beloved paprika flavored Pringles.

But I can say that through my "consuming" adventures I really made a strong connection with the French delicacy of the Tart Du Citron. I have tried bottom of the barrel ones all the way to the fine (15 euro) ones, I would dare say this has become a slight obsession for me, and I don't think that 4 months was enough time to actually fully explore this delicious delectable.

So here is a list of ones that I ate regularly, that do the trick if your in a bind for some tart loving, but don't hold a candle to the expensive ones.

Cafe Paul (The chain that is everywhere) - weirdly not that bad for a tart du citron, great crust

Black & Yellow Boulagerie (across from Accent) - they have more then one version of the tart du citron, I would steer away from the bigger "pie" piece ones and just stay with the tartlet version

MY FAVORITE:

Jacques Genin

The ones that i have tried that have been rather sub par are usually at chain places such as Pomme du Pain, and Brioche Doriee.

So Tart du Citrons will be the thing that I miss the most when I leave France, i hold them dear to my heart. I have eaten many things here that I have enjoyed/ hated, but I have only really fully and deeply explored this citron delight. I will miss you my little friend and hopefully I will be able to make some weird American version of you back in the states.

#gingerinparis

The Sometimes Confused, But Always Happy Restaurant-Goer

I think most would agree that Paris is a city where one can dine incredibly well. Although I miss spicy Mexican food, I have been nothing but surprised, intrigued, and satisfied with my food experience here.

One common theme that seems to happen to moi is not being able to understand the vocabulary of specific items on the menu at little cutesy French places. All the big bistros in touristy areas use very simple vocabulary (or are just translated into English), but the little restaurants tend to use very specific words that even my French-majoring/gets-mistaken-for-being-French-thats-how-good-her-accent-is friend does not know some of the words. (I tell you this to make myself feel a little better...)

One such example was when we accidentally ordered sheep brains (ris d'agneau) and did not know it was brains until mid-way through eating it, and LOVING it, when we asked the waitress what it was. I decided it just makes me stronger and maybe smarter. It tasted slightly chewy, but the juxtaposition of the crispy outside and chewy inside was perfect.

On other occasions I understood exactly what I was eating, but had no idea how it would taste. My favorite example of this was my petit pois sorbet. It was incredible. First off, I love peas. I put peas in pasta, on pizza, on salads, on pretty much everything, so I was very excited to try it in a light sorbet.

The pea sorbet was served with strawberries and some powdered sugar. It was to die for. I almost ordered a second serving, but decided it was better to just anticipate the next time I might be allowed this rare treat. (Now I am worried I will never find it again...)

This incredible edible experience was brought to me by Chatomat; a restaurant in the 20th that seats about 20-30 people at a time. Its small, comfortable atmosphere and fun/slightly wacky menu is why it took us 2 weeks to get a reservation for 10 PM on a Sunday! But this time and place was worth it because rich Americans sitting next to us paid for all 5 of our dinners because they said we "went to good schools."

But what do I take away from these foodie experiences? I take away not only an appreciation for different foods and taking chances with my food choices, but I also appreciate the connections of this more adventurous side of moi with my overall experience in Paris. Living in a foreign land is the perfect place to take chances. Whether it is with food, trying a new French word in a shop or on the street, or trying a different walking route, I gained a deeper sense of adventure from these past four months in the city of Love/Lights/Foods made of brains & peas.

#nls

Noisettes, the peanuts of France.

If you are traveling to Europe and love peanut butter as much as I do, you may want to consider bringing some of your own. Because choosy moms in France choose Nutella, sorry Jif. Noisette is the French word for hazelnut and in my time in Paris I have enjoyed every single food that has noisette in it. Don’t expect Reese’s, chocolate covered peanuts or Nutter Butters in Europe. You can trade them in for these delicious treats:

Everyone knows about Nutella and thanks to our professor I was able to try a richer, more sexy version of it this year and enjoyed it far more than plain old Nutella. In case you are a straight-shooter and live only on PB, Nutella is a spread made from chocolate and hazelnuts and is a famous addition to crêpes. (One sad thing that I have yet to try are Nutella shooters which sound delicious. They include: Frangelico hazelnut liquor, Godiva chocolate liquor, and whipping cream. To make it just that much sweeter though—nutella is around the rim of the shot.)

The second noisette specialty I will miss is ice cream. There is hazelnut ice cream at most ice cream shops, including one of the most famous--Berthillon. I have tried it at several shops and even a huge exposition where French people bring all of their foods from each region to try all in one place. Berthillon is definitely an ice cream shop to stop by in Paris on Île St. Louis! http://www.berthillon.fr/ Please do this for yourself.

My final (AND FAVORITE) noisette treat is Kinder Bueno Bars! I am addicted to chocolate and these candy bars have helped me indulge in the necessary amount of European chocolate. Kinder bars have hazelnut filling with a crispy bottom like in Kit Kats, but then they are surrounded with milk chocolate. I was hesitant to try them, but I have learned that all noisette foods are great. They should all be indulged in. Luckily because they are so popular in France, I will be buying several of the jumbo packs and taking them to America and hiding them from myself in hopes that they last me a while in the States.

While this treat has nothing to do with hazelnuts I am a proud American who loves American candy. However, due to the stupidity of someone who works for M&Ms, Crispy M&Ms are no longer available in the United States. I have been saddened by this. BUT GET EXCITED, because they are still for sale in Europe and I will miss them when I return to America. I have found them in many duty-free shops in the train stations or airports. This is just a public service announcement to all of the people who have been affected by the Crispy M&M shortage in America. Thank you.

#missy

Ladurée or Pierre Hermé?

When one comes to Paris, one cannot leave without going to Ladurée, the original place where delicious macarons were born. A macaron is a sweet meringue-based cookie made with egg whites, icing sugar, granulated sugar, almond power and food coloring. It is then filled with ganache or buttercream filling and sandwiched between two cookie shells. It is very moist and smooth that gently melts in the mouth. There are a variety of flavors ranging in many different colors.

According to Ladurée’s website, “the story of the Ladurée macaron starts with Pierre Desfontaines, second cousin of Louis Ernest Ladurée, who at the beginning of the 20th century first thought of taking two macarons shells and joining them with a delicious ganache filling.” Ladurée was founded in 1862 when Louis Ernest Ladurée opened a bakery at 16 rue Royal in Paris. With its innovation and tradition, Ladurée continues to produce the world’s best original macarons with “the ingredient plus a pinch of unique “know-how,” essential to the making of such a delicacy.”

http://www.laduree.fr/

Ladurée has always been one of the “it” places on my list. I have always been craving for the original authentic macarons. And finally, on my second day in Paris, I ran into the Ladurée store on the Champs-Elysées with great excitement. The store itself was very charming and pretty with French decorations. In front of the entrance, there were a lot of people waiting in line to buy their macarons. The macarons were nicely displayed and put in various colorful design boxes. At the first sight, the macarons were like pieces of jewelries put in precious boxes for each customer, as if I am in a jewelry shop, ready to pick my own. Ranging in vibrant colors and flavors, I picked five flavors: coffee, rose, caramel, citron and pistachio. With my first bite, I could finally taste the French macaron gently crushing and melting in my mouth. It was the exact taste I was dreaming for. On that day, I vowed to come to Ladurée every single day while my staying in Paris!

However, my friend also suggested me another famous macaron shop called Pierre Hermé. It was founded by Pierre Hermé, who was an heir to four generations of Alsatian bakery. After his numerous pastry chef experiences, he left the Fauchon, one of the prominent pasty shops in Paris, to start his own Pierre Hermé Paris with Charles Znaty in the end of 1996. Interestingly, he opened his first shop in Tokyo in 1998 and then returned to Paris. “Immediately, the pastry shop at 72 rue Bonaparte in the Saint Germain de Prés area scored a big success.”

http://www.pierreherme.com/

Pierre Hermé was a totally different experience. The interior of the shop on the Opéra was more modern or even contemporary, decorated with vivid colors. Pierre Hermé provided more of its new and exotic flavors that require people to try and taste because only by reading the name of a macaron, one can never assume how it would taste like. Two of my favorite seasonal flavors, which are not available now, are the lychee and the hazelnut. As for the lychee flavor, there is an actual piece of fruit inside the macaron that really gives the freshness of the fruit and the unique taste at the same time. With such uniqueness in all different flavors and various colors of the macarons, Pierre Hermé also took all my love.

To me, Ladurée is more of the traditional macaron that lets people appreciate the French authenticity of it. However, Pierre Hermé is more of the modern, unique macaron that intrigues people to taste something new. It is still hard to choose which one would be my favorite, but what is for sure is that the two are distinctively different that they both deserve credits. I will miss these macarons so much for their wonderful tastes and for the moments of tasting them while walking in the streets in Paris.

#soysauce

Host Family Meals: You Win Some, You Lose Some

Dinner on May 22nd was quite the experience. Madame is a good cook, but tonight's meal consisted of just about all of the foods I don't like. I don't consider myself a particularly picky eater. Like any human, I have my preferences, but I'll eat most things without griping. There are only a few things that I can't stand, namely meatloaf, pickled vegetables, mustard, and fish. That night's dinner had three of those four things.

For our appetizer, Madame gave everyone slices of salmon. She knows I don't usually like fish, so she asked me if I liked salmon- I lied and said yes because I didn't want to be gênant. I doused the salmon in lemon juice and ate it quickly to get it over with and on to the next course ASAP. After that, they brought out a container filled with bright pink spread. They asked me if I'd like to have some, so I said yes, even though I was very weary of its ingredients. I took a decent amount because I didn't want to show them how averse I was to the mystery goo, but the first bite confirmed my apprehension. It was the fishiest tasting thing I've ever eaten. The label said "Tartinade aux oeufs de cabbilaud". I understood this much: "Spread with eggs of _____". Since the spread was bright pink and tasted awful, I was pretty certain it wasn't eggs of chicken. Not wanting to be rude, I ate every last trace of it on my plate and washed it down with as much water as I could. After dinner, I ran to my computer to Google Translate "cabbilaud" The verdict: cod. Wonderful. I just ate fluorescent cod eggs. Excuse me, host family, while I go vomit in your bathroom for the rest of the night.

(the culprit)

The fun didn't end there- that was just the appetizer. I was looking forward to the pizza in the oven until Monsieur took it out and it was covered in pitted olives. None of the kids like olives, either, so I didn't feel so picky about being averse to them. Nevertheless, I didn't let my disgust show and ate a big slice, olives and all. At least the salad was next and that would cleanse my abused palate, right? We always have the same dressing on our salad. Tonight, Madame decided to change it up and give it a mustard dressing. Fantastic. With each dish, I was hoping that the next would be less offensive to my taste buds, but it just got worse and worse.

That evening, it was my 14 year old host brother's birthday. I thought to myself "well, at least we'll finish the dinner with cake." While we did, indeed, have cake, I totally wasn't prepared for the "cake" that was put on the table. It was gâteau brûlé, which literally translates to "burnt cake". I thought Madame had maybe left it in the oven for a bit too long, but apparently you're actually supposed to burn the entire top half of the cake. Who on earth would willingly burn a perfectly good cake!? It was interesting, to say the least. I didn't dislike it nearly as much as the rest of the meal, but I think that I'll just stick to regular, good old gâteau from now on.

#KatieParent

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