La Fontaine de Mars, Mainsail of Culinary Explorations in Paris’s 7th arr.
The mainsail for culinary explorations in Paris's 7th arrondissement is La Fontaine de Mars, the ultra-traditional, southwest-leading Parisian bistro, red-and-white checkered tablecloths, watchful matron, harried but attentive service and all.
A Meal in Montmartre: Chicken or Beef on Rue Lepic
Strolling down rue Lepic in Montmartre may lead on an essential dining question: Chicken or beef? Le Coq Rico, Antoine Westermann’s “poutryhouse” near the top of the hill, or Les Fines Lames, a beef restaurant run by a three friends towards the bottom?
The Humble Crepe Gets a Paris Makeover
The humble crepe has been enjoying a Paris makeover recently as stylish yet relaxed restaurants devoted to neo-griddlecakes topped with anything from yuzu and Japanese sugar to sautéed scallops have popped up in trendsetting neighborhoods throughout the city.
Kei Kobayashi: Exceptional French Chefs Aren’t Always French
If the name Kei Kobayashi sounded more French then perhaps this exceptional chef would have more American and British clients at his restaurant Kei, near Les Halles. As it is, he has a faithful French clientele, Japanese clients and a smattering of other well-informed international gastronomes. No need to wait for him to earn a third Michelin star to put Kei on your culinary map of Paris.
Benoît Castel: Bread, Brunch, Pastries in Eastern Paris
Brunch at Benoît Castel Ménilmontant, a pastry shop and bakery in the 20th arrondissement, is an ideal place to begin weekend wandering in the increasingly gentrified neighborhoods of eastern Paris. We came for the bread, we stayed for the brunch, and only later did we taste the heart of Benoît Castel’s trade, the pastries.
Paris by All-Night Bistro: La Poule au Pot
It’s 2am on a Tuesday night and I’m enjoying a bowl of French onion soup at La Poule au Pot in the Halles quarter in central Paris. What may sound like an unreasonable hour to be out dining on a weekday is in fact the perfect time to get to know one of the most esteemed traditional bistros and most venerable bistro owners in the capital.
Paris-Basque: Bistrot Belhara, Iratze and Paris’s Basque Festival
An encounter with two Basque chefs in Paris, Thierry Dufroux of Bistro Belhara and Mathieu Moity of Iratze, participants in Paris-Basque, an annual festival that brings Basque cuisine, sports, music and good cheer to Paris. Includes video interviews with the chefs.
Le Vieux Crapaud: Admirable Bistro Fare Near the Arc de Triomphe
Country fare meets upscale neighborhood near the Arc de Triomphe at Thomas Boutin’s Le Vieux Crapaud, where venturesome eaters enjoy frogs, pig’s ears, snails and pigeon while their dining companions savor admirable preparations of more familiar traditional bistro cuisine.
Paris Restaurants: 10 Ways to Keep It Simple and Simply Good
Those who live in Paris know that it isn't all about fine dining but about dining with fine friends. Here's a selection of 10 restaurants and other eateries throughout Paris for when you want to keep it simple, simply good.