Archive for March, 2009


Dining Out and About (Paris): The Spice is right

Tuesday, March 31st, 2009

As I’ve mentioned before, the French seem to have an inordinate fear of spice. Which is fine if you’re willing to subsist on croque monsieurs, but sometimes I crave a little heat, a little exotic, a little wow. Happily, I have discovered all that and more at Krishna Bhavan, a vegetarian Indian restaurant next to the Gare [...]

A year in a French market: Paris plumbing and pesto

Thursday, March 26th, 2009

It started with the lights in the kitchen. One minute they were bright as a film set, the next the room had been plunged into darkness.  When the electrician finally came, he seemed doleful. The problem was très, très grave, madame. He would have to break a hole in the ceiling to fix it, he [...]

Macaron madness at Pierre Hermé

Tuesday, March 24th, 2009

You may know March 20 as the first day of spring. But here in Paris, last Friday was le Jour du Macaron. Selected patissiers offered free macarons in exchange for a donation to their pet charity, and none was more publicized and popular than Pierre Hermé. The celebrated Prince of Pastry offered four of his [...]

Boeuf Bourguignon, the spend-less-time-inside method

Monday, March 16th, 2009

It’s a heartbreakingly gorgeous day here in Paris, mes amis, as evidenced by the photo above, which I snapped just this very morning. Look at that sky! The sun! And, of course, I still pinch myself every time I see that steel tower…  I should be outside right now, soaking up some late afternoon sunshine. [...]

A year in a French market: Activities for a Sunday (don’t even think about shopping)

Thursday, March 12th, 2009

Here in 21st century France, there are strong views on activities appropriate for a Sunday. Approved activities: spending time with family and friends, relaxing, movies, drives in the country, eating big lunches and taking long walks afterwards. Unapproved: Shopping. Of any kind. Even groceries. Woe be to you if you forgot to buy butter on [...]

March 20, Free Macaron Day

Tuesday, March 10th, 2009

It’s like Christmas in March! Or, it will be next Friday, March 20, when his macaron majesty, Pierre Hermé, distributes four (4) FREE macarons to all his dessert devotés, at all four of his Paris boutiques. Recipients of the sweet treats are asked only to make a donation to Monsieur Hermé’s pet cause, la Fédération [...]

A year in a French market: A Chinese American in Paris

Wednesday, March 4th, 2009

When I’m in line at the market, I often wonder what the other customers are cooking from the produce they buy. I’m willing to bet I’m the only person in line who turns their swiss chard into a Sriracha-laced noodle stir-fry. Does the vegetable vendor know I’m eyeing her cauliflower and potatoes and thinking spicy aloo [...]

Dining Out and About (Paris): Lunches to crunch

Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009

Most food enthusiasts who visit Paris know about the famous Poilâne bakery (pictured above, right) — their sourdough miche or pain Poilâne is justly world-famous and delicious with just the right amount of heft and chew. But if I was a tourist in Paris, I’d find a visit to Poilâne a little bit unsatisfying. Sure, you’re [...]