Posts from the DRINKS, SWEETS & EATS Category

AT CREAM

Cozy coffee spots are all the hype in Paris at the moment. And although at times it can feel a bit less Parisian that one would hope, it’s shaping what Paris is becoming in many ways.

I remember what it was like when we ONLY had La Caféotèque… it’s so nice to have some early morning options for a yummy espresso or damn good flat white. Cream is up in the 20th, the perfect stroll from Belleville – gosh I love that neighborhood.

Cream has bright wood and a comptoir at the back. Stool seating, bench seating… there is quite a bit of space. It’s very bright, even on a gloomy day. The letters C-R-E-A-M make an arc across the symmetrical entrance from the street. It really is quite cute, in my eyes. The only thing missing is a chai tea latte for those that don’t drink coffee (I popped by with my Paris partner in crime, Anne, who went with a hot cocoa). If you’re around for lunchtime they’ve got wraps.


50 Rue de Belleville, 75020
Tél:
Open everyday

BRUNCH UNDER THE NAVE

L’Archipel, a space for collective innovation.

Under the nave you can enjoy a brunch solidaire, that changes from month to month. How great is that? When we went for Anne’s birthday with LLB, it was à la Méxicaine, and was a lovely place to escape the randomly chilly Spring weekend.

After your delicious brunch made possible by Les Camionneuses, stick around and read one of the hundreds of books that occupy the shelves, listen to music, use wifi, even do some yoga at 16h30! A very cool concept and a wonderful example of making use of beautiful spaces in the city.

Read more about their Sunday rituals here.

L’Archipel x Feel Good Brunch
26 bis rue de Saint Petersbourg, 75008 Paris
Reservations required: [email protected]

LE CAFE CHEZ FONDATION

This place’s green coffee cups has become a staple of the Parisian coffee scene, I know. They are all over Instagram of expats and Parisians. Bref, but for a good reason, this little café is just right for a morning coffee, afternoon coffee and cake, coffee to go… just good coffee any way you like it.

My new thing is keeping my eyes peeled for places I’m able to go to before work. Believe it or not folks, a lot of “cute” or “trendy” or “cozy” places open at like 10am… which isn’t ideal for the workin’ girl! Luckily for me and anyone else with a full time job, Fondation is one of those open early places where you can start your day off right, opening at a whopping 9am!

Oh, and if you haven’t already, read Lindsey’s epic write up on coffee in Paris.

Fondation Café
16 Rue Dupetit-Thouars, 75003
Métro: Temple (3)

DATE NIGHT AT BLUE VALENTINE


This date was a special one, with mom when she was in town. I had seen so many dreamy photos of Blue Valentine and heard nothing but good things so I knew it was the perfect place to reserve a meal out with mom.

To be completely honest, everything on the menu looked tempting, but we both went with the chicken dish. The entrée included for lunch was absolutely to die for and I’m not sure I could really say what it is but it was a purée with an egg yolk baked at a very specific temperature or something and it was just unbelievable and gooey and magical. All of the dishes were presented beautifully, so gourmet. Mom was really impressed with the wine list, but I stuck with a beer. The space was perfect and modern and tasteful, with bricks and artwork and beautiful tables and chairs.

Blue Valentine
13 Rue de la Pierre Levée, 75011
Métro: Parmentier (3) ou Oberkampf (5/9)
Tél: (Reservations needed)

BREAKFAST AT LADUREE

Breakfast is tough in Paris. Le sigh. They’ve got their boulangeries down pat, with a wealth of choices at the break of dawn…and I’m definitely not saying I don’t adore those, but what about sit in breakfast places, with savory or sweet? Somewhere that doesn’t just care about being cool that is just open early with yummy food for a quick pop in before work? After breakfasts out in the states over Christmas break, I realized how much Paris is lacking something in that area. Perhaps my American needs are too much for the Parisians. No but really. There are honestly only a handful of places where you can dine in get something other than a croissant before work in this town! Not to mention that ironically the new stuff opening is all in one area (cough, 11th) so unless you live or work in the 11th, it’s not worth the trek for that pre-work treat and espresso outing. I don’t want a 24euro too-huge-to-finish-brunch. I just want eggs or a breakfast burrito!

One thing that is nice though, is that there is always room at Ladurée. I’m not one who splurges often on things like macaroons (although, I do adore them!), but a simple breakfast at Ladurée is always cozy and spot on: 2 fried eggs, delicious tea, or french toast if you’re feeing crazy… (Just to be clear, don’t worry, their fried eggs don’t cost as much as their pastries). Plus, I’ve always been a fan of the boho chic and vintage atmosphere of Ladurée, topped with its pastel paneled teacups and silver teapots. Darling Hana met me at the Ladurée on the Champs for a breakfast one chilly morning. It was the perfect setting for a girly catch up. There’s always that perfect table for two if you’re going on a weekday before work.

If anyone knows anything about the coming of age of Parisian breakfast, do fill me in. Until then, excuse the quick rant, I’ll stick to my handful of spots that I know for sure has eggs or a yummy treat and that won’t be packed with people with beards in the AM with a huge wait. Still waiting on a legit bagel place.

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