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Monday, September 24, 2007

Parisian food so far

Well we're back in Paris and in just a few short days have spent way too much money on food and wine. But then we have to ask ourselves, when are we going to be back here, right? And while we have fixed most of our meals at home and will continue to do so -- I love the Asian markets here -- we do enjoy a meal out once in a while. (photo: a wonderful patisserie et boulangerie right on the Place Leon Blum.)

For an aperitif we enjoyed Au cadran du XIeme, right on Place Leon Blum in the 11th arrondissement. Also in the 11th, is the Q Bar on 50 rue de la Folie Regnault, just off of rue de la Roquette and a block down from the main entrance to Pere Lachaise cemetery. Both are close to our apartment -- probably no mroe than 5 minutes by foot -- and great places to enjoy a late afternoon beverage (or two).

On the Place de la Bastille at no. 7 in the Cafe Des Phares 1er Bistrot Philo. Good view of the place but no credit carge charge for less than €20. For an even better view try Le Grand Corona on Place de l'Alma in the 8th arr. Right across from the improv memorial to Diana (actually facsimile of the torch held by the Statue of Liberty but located we are told over the underground autoroute where she was killed). You'll pay a premium but it's worth one shot anyway. Easy walk down from the Trocadero and right by the noo. 9 metro.

Our only real dinner out so far was at a place we highly recommend: Fuji-San, located right around the corner form the Placee la Bastille on 15 rue de la Roquette. Outstanding Korean barbecue, also Japanese yakitori and sushi and sashimi. We ate there with our firend from Oregon, Diane, and all three did the Korean barbecue where we cooked everything ourselves right at and literally on the table. Delicious food and reasonably priced too.

Our first lunch in the city was right down the street from our apartment, on the Place Leon Blum, at Le Rey. We do NOT recommend this place. Our salads were very wilted and the food not terribly good in general. The quality of service matched the salad.

Our second lunch was infinitely better. We strongly recommend the Cafe Etienne Marcel in the 2nd arr. Located on rue Etienne Marcel right on the corner the cafe wraps around toward rue Montmartre. We had a fanastic lunch of Croque Monsieur very well prepared (this French version of an open face grilled cheese was done to perfection with very tasty, crusty cheese that we both savored), and the pomme frites were equally delicious. Great atmosphere as well (I think WiFi is also available but am not certian of this). Delicious coffee too, I might add. And friendly service.

Another place where we had a very good lunch, and also located on the Place Leon Blum was a traiteur asiatique. Plenty of Asian food to go or eat in, which we did. Superb noodles and rock-bottom prices. You can't miss it, it's right next to the cafe Au Caudran.

Speaking of markets I tried the Asian markets in Belleville, near the Belleville Metro stop, and really quite close to here, but found them to be a bit disappointing, particularly in the selection of condiments and fresh Asian produce. Of course I suppose this was to be expected after spending so much time in the Porte d'Ivry Chinatown. In fact I returned to Porte d'Ivry to stock up on my condiments.

Wish you were here,

Steve

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