Back in Paris and already the food is better

Well, OK, Providence has great food there's no denying that fact. But the food in Paris, or perhaps I should say the experience of eating in Paris, is really very different. It's simply a part, a critical part of life. It's not treated as something "special," or given some sort of theme park ambiance. Food=Life. simple. Good food=good life. Even simpler.

I recently rejoined my wife in the City of Light, where she has been weighing in on a series of professional development courses in pastry at Le Cordon Bleu. since I arrived last Saturday we have been out three times in the past 48 hours (lunch only though please note).

Anyway, I'm sure there will be more to come but here's the first three:

Candide, on Avenue Parmentier close to Place Leon Blum. A bit upscale inside perhaps for the 11th -- but very cozy. Freindly service, tasty food and good prices. Spring for the formule; it's the best value. Metro: Voltaire.

Cafe Croix Rouge. Located at a curious confluence of several streets, on the corner of rue de Sevres and rue de Grenelle, not far from St. Germain des Pres. Impeccably friendly service. Both of us had a tasty salad with a twist on an old Itlaian standby: mozzarella, tomatoes and green beans (in particular the luscious haricot verts) thrown with olive oil and a bit of vinegar. Yummy! Washed down with a glass of sauvignon what could be better. Metro: St. Suplice or Sevres de Babylone.

Cafe Etienne Marcel (pictured above). Located at the corner of Boulevard Etienne Marcel and Rue Montmartre (to the left in the photo above). We've eaten here several times and have never been disappointed. The outdoor seating is superb, great for people watching since it's in a part of Paris that is packed with wonderful faces and energy; close to Les Halles and the gateway to Monrmatre. The croque monsieurs are scrumptious as are the frites. Service is always pleasant and prices reasonable. Metro: Etienne Marcel.

If you're serious about food even better: you're within spitting distance of Mora, A. Simon, Detou, Bovida and right around the corner up a block or so is the city's best culinary-only bookstore: Librarie Gourmande (no. 92, rue Montmartre).