From Paris with love

Picture this: It’s a lazy Sunday (well not too lazy lest you forget to make your brunch reservation). You and the entire world are heading to the Marais. All those poor fools will line up for falafels, but not you. Did I mention it’s 60°F? Well it is, finally. You take your seat at one [...]

Whether you believe in the cult of Michelin or not, the gossip is what it is, and this year, it may just shake things up. Word on the street (and in the kitchens) is that the guide is an archaic old boys club. And while they have commended young chefs such as Daniel Rose from [...]

While it pains me to share favorite culinary gems, this particular Asian joint warrants masses of tourists and Parisians alike not only because it is cheap, fast and good but also because it needs a slight reality check. Song Heng in the 3rd arrondisement may happen to have fresh noodles and belly warming qualities but [...]

While it may be tricky to finagle a visit to Alain Passard’s vegetable farm (as I did recently) one can still shop like a Michelin chef in Paris. And yes, even in the frosty winter months. Although the markets in Paris are lovely and so quintessentially French, don’t be fooled, over half of what is [...]

Ko-nee-chee-wa! Bonjour! Upon entering Koba one is bombarded by greetings from none other than Mr. Koba himself. There he is behind the counter of bric à brac, just bellow the famous singing bass fish and the returned check from some pour fellow on display for the world to see. This one man show of [...]

Sometimes a croissant and a café au lait just won’t cut it. The concept of brunch is relatively new to the French, and of course, they have their own interpretation which isn’t bad, but heavy on the pastry. So if it’s eggs bene, a side of bacon and a bloody mary that will get you [...]

In the words of Bourdain, “everything that makes this place good would be illegal in the states,” yes sir-ee. The meat is seared over the chimney fire, there is normally a dog or two scampering around, the toilet is a real, bonafide outhouse and the owner has no qualms throwing back a few (or 7) [...]

Deauville is often unlovingly called the 21st arrondisement of Paris due to the hordes of Parisians that weekend there. While it is a nice little port town it’s charm is lost on Louis Vuitton and Dior boutiques that have recently sprouted up there. And then there’s the casino, and I’m sure you can imagine my [...]

So maybe seafood isn’t your thing, or the aphrodisiac qualities of the oyster is turning you into a nymphomaniac. Either way, fret not, you can still get a juicy steak while vacationing on the sea. While Normandy is known mainly for its dairy cows, think camembert, there is plenty of good livestock in the region. [...]

So you’ve read the reviews, you’ve made the reservation, but two days before your much anticipated dinner you still don’t know where you’re actually going. It is until the eve of your reservation that you will receive a confidential message detailing where exactly you will be dining. Risky business? Nah.
Hidden restaurants became popular in NYC [...]