Melissa’s guide to Paris!
Ooh la la! The only thing more fun than living in Paris is sharing it with friends! Thanks to my Frenchman and apartment at 21 Avenue Foch, I am delighted to share my favorite places with you!
Restaurants
Mange bien mes amis! To truly vive la France you must experience the full gastronomical fireworks!
Bofinger is a classic Belle Epoque bistrot. For the most ooey gooey soupe a l’oignon and escargots (which you must taste at least once de riguer) this is the place. The decor and stained glass ceiling is stunning. Tell them it’s your birthday and they throw in an extra ooh la la!
Le Train Bleu at Gare de Lyons is my absolutely favorite for a splurge. Just sitting surrounded by the lavish gilded murals and decor is as delicious as the food. I recommend going for lunch or a drink so you get all the beauty and less sticker shock.
Le Souffle one of my favorites. 3 courses of souffles for 40 Euros. The price is the same for lunch and dinner. If you order the Grand Marnier souffle, they leave an entire bottle so you can spike it to your heart’s content!
La Creperie Josseline You simply must come to Montparnasse to eat the best crepes in Paris. There’s an entire block with nothing but authentic creperies on this street, but this is my favorite. The buckwheat galettes are the savory entree and sweet crepes are for dessert. Crepes Suzette are fun because they set it on fire.
Maxime’s is superlative for the nostalgia. The food is not memorable, but an expensive excuse to go back in time to the era of the men in top hats and courtesans in gowns and jewels.To bask in the art nouveau decor is more fulfilling than any menu.
DInner Dans Le Noir Eating in the dark is a sensuous experience. We prefered the experience in NYC, but here the twist is you are served by blind waiters in a large pitch black room. It was interesting for a non traditional experience. I would love to try their massages and perfume and wine tasting in the dark on my next trip!
Gouter - Salon de The
Angelina’s for the Mont Blank and thick hot chocolate is a must. You can get it to go and eat in the Tullieries garden across the street instead of waiting in the line. But be sure you visit the gorgeous murals that are as exquisite as the desserts.
Laduree Not to be missed - such a feminine experience for a mother daughter splurge. There are many throughout the city. Macaroons abound in every hue.
Mariage Freres Classic French tea room
The Paris Mosque Mint tea and a hamama at the Paris mosque is so fun. They also serve wonderful tagines and couscous and pastries for lunch and dinner.
Les Deux Magots famous for the left bank intellectuals and writers.
Cafe de Flore famous for the left bank intellectuals and writers.
Cabaret
Le Paradis Latin My favorie cabaret - guests under 26 are 40 Euros, Adults are 80. It was a burlesque cabaret variety show
Crazy Horse - Sexy lights and ladies
Moulin Rouge - Very large space - no intimacy and very expensive. It feels far removed from it’s original splendor.
MIchou - One of the most famous drag clubs in Paris.
