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French food news: Paris’s al fresco MANIA, 1930s-era chow, and cute-cuter-cutest!
By Ann | June 5, 2009
Bonjour, mes amis, and welcome to another edition of French food news! Let’s see, what’s going on in the French food media this week (and also last week)? It’s officially al fresco MANIA for Le Figaroscope, which has now covered Paris’s outdoor dining spots three weeks in a row.
Two weeks ago, there were gardens to dine in, and then last week’s issue was dedicated to this year’s newest sidewalk tables or terraces. Of particular interest to me was Al Taglio, a new branch of the well-known Roman pizzeria, located in the 11th; le Fig says: “We like the crafty concept of this unusual pizzeria. The pizzas, prepared throughout the day, are cut in slices and sold by weight. Among the 15 or so creations are gorgonzola-pear, smoked ham-mushrooms-ricotta, bacon-cream of pumpkin…” Click here for the rest of the article, including addresses.
And then there’s this week’s Le Fig, which lists 10 tables “bien en place,” or restaurants that open up onto a beautiful, tranquil square, or place. Among them is Les Fables de la Fontaine in the 7th, which serves elegant, modern fish, and is one of my favorite restaurants; their outdoor tables are right at the Fontaine de Mars. Le Fig says: “So photogenic, with its arcades and central fountain from which the water runs through bronze ornaments. To dine here on the terrace one summer night is to savour a Paris quiet, calm, as if time is forgotten.” Click here to view the other nine, including addresses (though frankly I found this piece a bit of a stretch… as if they’re running out of ideas).
Let’s see, what else? Last Sunday’s NYTBR had a funny, fascinating book review of The Food of a Younger Land, a collection of depression-era food writing that is like a time capsule to the 1930s. What were Americans eating back then? Everything from fried beaver tail to a strange Los Angeles sandwich called the taco. Check out the review here. (Thanks to Lee for forwarding!)
Meanwhile, as if enough ink hasn’t been spilled over the dining options at the new Mets Citi Field and Yankee (boo hiss) Stadium, last week Frank Bruni threw in his two cents here. And guess what? He mostly agreed with my assessment, proclaiming the Shake Shack burger “juicy, beefy and irresistible.” At least the Mets win the epicurean subway series.
In the totally-unrelated-to-food category, check out these utterly adorable baby wild cats (photo from the addictive site, Zooborns), who are actually long-lost cousins to the domesticated cat. I love their little faces!
Look at the little pink tongue! Dying! with! Cuteness! (Thanks to Lucia for forwarding!)
And finally, speaking of cute… Guess who’s accompanying their parents to Paris this weekend? That’s right, the Obama girls! As reported by the AP, they’ll stay with their mother and grandmother through the weekend; the French press is also speculating that they’ll dine on top of the Eiffel Tower. We hear it’s Sasha’s birthday on Monday and can’t imagine a better place to spend it. Don’t worry, we’ll keep you posted on any sightings!
Happy Friday and happy eating!
Topics: Food Wednesday, In the news |
June 5th, 2009 at 9:46 am
little face! tonguewhiskerfur!
June 5th, 2009 at 10:16 am
I love dining outside in Paris in nice weather — who doesn’t — but one of the changes since my student heyday is the outdoor heaters that allow diners and apero-imbibers to sit outside even in January. I find the heaters of varying efficacy, especially if your feet are placed on the cold concrete sidewalk regardless. For smokers, of course, it’s a boon. But does anyone know if the law still exists about the months of the year a cafe is permitted to serve outdoors? Was there ever such a law?