The 5 Best Things I Ate in Paris {Part 1}

As soon as I knew I would have the opportunity to visit Paris again, I immediately started making a list of things I would like to eat.  Paris reminds me of New York with having just about any type of cuisine available that you can imagine, and I LOVE that!  Italy doesn’t have so much of a variety to choose from, so I was excited to know my taste buds would be in for a treat once I arrived in Paris.  So far, they haven’t been disappointed.

Although there were a few other tasty treats, these are the 5 best things I ate in Paris during the month of June.

1. Salmon burger & fries ~ Cafe Charlot

Cafe Charlot is located in the 3rd arrondissement, just across from the Marché des Enfants Rouges, the oldest covered market in Paris.  It’s a typical Parisian cafe with the lovely little sidewalk tables and checkered chairs.  The salmon burger was delicious!  The fries and a glass of French red wine topped it off.  I haven’t been able to find a fish burger like this during my four years in Italy, and this one more than hit the spot!

2. Pain au chocolat ~ Gerard Mulot

Gerard Mulot is one of the best French bakeries I’ve found during my time in Paris.  The pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant) is perfect … very buttery and flaky.  They also have really tasty macarons.  Try the dark chocolate macaron, it will make you fall in love with macarons and understand what all the fuss is about.

3. Pastéis de nata {custard tartlets from Portugal} ~ Comme à Lisbonne

If you’re looking to try a little bite of heaven, then I suggest stopping in for one if these little custard tartlets.  Comme à Lisbonne is a tiny little shop located in Le Marais district, with only one or two small counter stools to sit down at.  They specialize in these custard tartlets, and that’s all you’ll find there.  They’re served warm and topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon.  They’re €2 each, and it will be the best €2 you spend all day.

4. Fallafel with eggplant ~ L’as du Fallafel

I had heard and read mention after mention for L’as du Fallafel.  Since I’ve had my share of traditional fallafel, I wondered how there could be so much hype over a fallafel sandwich.  Now I no longer wonder … I KNOW why.  It’s the best fallafel sandwich I’ve ever eaten!  Be prepared to get it to go.  You pay a guy (€6), then he sends you to a walk-up window with a ticket.  You hand your ticket to the guy behind the window, then he starts going to town piling on topping after topping.  The unique thing about this version is that it comes with chunks of grilled eggplant.  The only downside was that with it being take-away, I sat in a little nearby park and subjected all the children playing and their parents to me stuffing my face.  Oh, and ask for extra napkins.  You’ll need them.

5. French baguette, cheese and wine ~ homemade picnic

A fresh baguette, a variety of French cheeses, and a glass of French wine … these are what dreams and homemade picnics are made of.  This combination just can’t be beat.  And it’s surprisingly affordable.