Eclairs - The taste test: Fauchon versus Maison du Chocolat

The famous eclair was created in France over 200 years ago and now you can buy an eclair almost anywhere in Paris—but where do you go to find a truly great one? Follow Yetunde on her quest to sample two eclairs from two of the most sought-after pâtisseries/chocolatiers in Paris. Who will be the victor—Fauchon or Maison du Chocolat?


I have a secret. I love eclairs (shhh!). Ok so not such a dramatic secret really, perhaps more of a vice. I love the choux pastry and the creamy filling and the frosted top. So of course when I read in one of my favorite magazines that Fauchon's eclairs were rated number 1 out of a a list of about 5 or so, I knew I had to go and try it out and compare it to my favorite caramel eclair from La Maison du Chocolat.

 

Wednesday wanderings - Celebrate Diwali in Paris

Paris may be known as the center of French culture but the city also has pockets of multiple cultures throughout the city. For an exciting and colorful area, head to the La Chapelle neighborhood—which is located on the edge of the 10th arrondissement. This neighborhood is known as Little Jaffna and is home of many Sri Lankan and South Indian shops and restaurants—you might even forget you're in Paris.

And if you happen to be in Paris from October 26-30, you're in luck because many residents of this neighborhood are celebrating Diwali—aka the "festival of lights." There is sure to be much jubilation and cheer and it is a great chance to experience a part of Paris most visitors never see.

While you're in the area be sure to checkout some of our favorite Indian restaurants: 

Dishny (Indian)
212, rue du Foubourg St-Denis - Paris 75010
Tel: 01 40 05 18 36
Metro: La Chapelle (line 2)

Café Bharath (Indian)
51, rue Louis Blanc - Paris 75010
Tel: 01 42 09 35 84
Metro: La Chapelle (line 2)

Find more information at About.com



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Paris and its many markets - Fresh at your doorstep

Ah yes! We do love our Paris markets. Parisians are spoiled with choice for markets and fresh produce. Tara Byrne of Cook'n with Class, gives us her take on going to the market.

Going to the market in Paris is like a speed dating experience with food in preparation for the grand dining finale. There’s nothing like grabbing your shopping trolley and navigating through the colourful and boisterous stands bursting with nature’s produce.

 

Sipping Saturday — Caipirinhas at Square Gardette

Down our street there has been a shop that has had its windows blacked-out ever since we moved in. We could never really tell if it was under construction or if it was just an abandoned retail space. 

Then one evening we happened to walk by and there were about 30-40 people with wine glasses outside the building. It turned out that this mystery location was a new restaurant called Square Gardette and we stumbled upon the grand opening. Naturally, we decided that we had to check it out so the following week we popped on in for a drink.

The decor inside the restaurant is very basic—it almost looks unfinished. We couldn't tell if that was the look the owners were trying to achieve or if they don't have the time/money to spruce it up. But, personally, I really loved the way it looked.  

They had mostly wine but they did offer a few mixed drinks at the bar. I ordered a caipirinha (which I later learned was the national drink of Brazil) and my wife ordered a martini rosso. My caipirinha was very good and not too expensive at 6€. I might have to make this one of my regular drinks. 

While I haven't tried their food yet, the menu looks very good. I believe the formule (entre, main dish and dessert) was around 30€. I'll report back after I've tried it. 

So if you're looking to find a place that has a strong neighborhood feel and far away from the tourist crowd, check out Square Gardette.

Ingredients:
1 lime, quartered
2 tsp fine sugar
2 oz cachaca
Preparation:

Place the lime wedges and sugar into an old-fashioned glass.
Muddle well to create a paste.
Fill the glass with ice cubes.
Pour in the cachaca.
Stir well.

Note: Keep the sugar mixed in the drink by stirring often.

Recipe from About.com

Location: The corner of Rue General Guilhen and Rue St. Ambroise in the 11th arrondissement.

Metro: Rue St. Maur

  

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La Folie Bergere - A Paris legend

For this Friday Foto, Yetunde takes us to the theatre. Well-known by Parisian and tourists alike, La Folie Bergère has been making its mark in history since the 19th century.

For the love of Chocolate & Macarons- Pierre Marcolini

In honor of Le Salon du Chocolat, I thought that today we should talk about that delectable, delicious, little treat: Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate! Yum!

I don't know where I first heard his name but once I did I was on the hunt to track down a little chocolate shop that I have passed in front of hundreds of times but never SEEN. Ah ha! That has now be rectified. In I went into Belgium chocolatier and pastry chef, Pierre Marcolini's boutique on rue Scribe a luxurious spot for some really luxurious chocolates. Friends and family, if you should ever receive a box of these goodies, no matter how small, know that I really truly love you.

Wednesday Wanderings - Trip to Rouen, France

I've been in France for about 2 months now but I'd yet to actually leave Paris. So last weekend my wife and I headed to Rouen for a little day trip. Located about 1:15 hours away from Paris by train, Rouen is the the historic capital city of Normandy and it's home to a very impressive cathedral. It is also the location that Joan of Arc was burnt in 1431.  

Tuesday Tidbit: Ancient Roman arena in the Latin Quarter

Les Arènes de Lutèce — Two Thousand Years of Hidden History in the Center of Paris. 

Most people know that Paris is old but many don't realize how old it really is. If you know where to look you can still find pieces of history scattered throughout the city. One great example of this are the ancient Roman Les Arènes de Lutèce amphitheater that is located right in the middle of the city. 

Neva Cuisine - Nouvelle French Cusine

Those who know me, sadly can attest to the fact that most of my lunch breaks are spent sitting in front of my computer answering emails while eating or running around doing a check-in or two. So when my chef husband Eric asked me one morning if I wanted to go to lunch at a restaurant he had only just visited with another friend of ours two days before, I was more than curious and ready, willing and able. 

Take me to the Football Game

People come to Paris for all sorts of reasons, romance, food, culture, art & sports. Yup that's right sports too. Paris may not have won the 2012 Olympics but there is still a lot of sports action to be seen around the city.

For your football fans, you may recall that in the past couple of seasons PSG (Paris Saint Germain), Paris' team, has given fans less than stellar results. Not much to dream about - they even were at risk to be demoted to League 2 status, "Oh la hônte". But since Qatar invested big bucks into the team - over 50 millions Euros and have purchased the fabulous Javier Pastore of Argentina, things are looking up.

Tuesday Tidbit - Paris’ Coat of Arms

This weeks Tuesday Tidbit comes from guest author Monique Y. Wells.

My husband Tom and I love to spot Paris’ Coat of Arms as we walk around town. It appears above the entrance of many public buildings in Paris, including the Hôtel de Ville, the mairies of the 20 arrondissements, and schools. They are also displayed on the “oars” that you find around town – those brown posts that provide historical information about the city. Sometimes, the city’s motto “Fluctuat nec mergitur” is displayed with the emblem. It means “She (the ship, which represents the city) is buffeted by the waves but does not sink.”

The renditions of the coat of arms vary from simple to ornate and from classic to contemporary:

James' Little Apartment in Paris

I check-in a lot of guests each week and I'm often asked about my own apartment so I thought I would do a post about my apartment. Unfortunately, my own place isn't quite as nice as the Feels Like Home in Paris apartments. 

Friday Foto: A Pumpkin grows in Paris

It's official folks. It's Fall! The leaves are changing color and falling from their trees. The chill is starting to wake us up in the morning. The potirons (pumpkins), are beautifully displayed at the markets and the jackets come out of storage.

Paris never ceases to amaze me. There we were strolling between the Bastille and the Seine when we came upon this housing development and its savage garden. I thought my chili "plantation" on my balcony was impressive! An ideal image for the newly arrived, Fall season.

Women Rule! With Women Cab Paris

Well when I read about it in a Paris magazine I thought, "Oh yeah! Something to share!" Or should I keep it to myself? A fabulous concept that I sure wish existed a few years ago when I was hanging with the gals and we were stuck trying to hail cabs that refused to stop on Boulevard des Italiens. A Parisian taxi is not allowed to refuse a fare but frankly, do you think they are listening to that?!

So I am happy that this little bijou has come to town and though I fear my sharing it with you will cause them to be possibly too busy for us all, I hope that this successful story in the making is going to bring this brilliant lady lots of business to come and a larger fleet to handle us all. Woman Power!

For those frequent travelers who use taxis heavily for business or pleasure, you can sign up for special services and priority booking. Women Cab currently has a small fleet but with the success they will soon grow to a larger team. You can reserve same day travel with about a half-hour's notice but if you know when you will be needing your cab best to book ASAP.

Use them for club pick-ups, shopping sprees. And men are not banned but guys you'll need your lady love to make the booking in her name as ladies are the priority here.

I've got my first booking with them coming up soon, will let you know how it goes.


Women Cab
01 42 27 80 13

Photo courtesy of womencab.com

For the love of cupcakes and making wishes come true

This past Sunday, Yetunde, was part of the 2nd Paris Cupcake Camp which took place at the Comptoir General in the 10th district.

My Lemon Cupcake façon tartelette au citron

So Sunday October 2nd, a warm Summer's day in Paris . . . No wait, not Summer but certainly felt that way, but I digress. October 2nd marked the 2nd Cupcake Camp event held in Paris. An event celebrating that all-American mini treat, the cupcake and intended to raise money for the Make a Wish Foundation's France chapter. Not a bad way to make the dreams of some very special kids come true.