October 4, 2010 by Maggie Battista
While I love the pace of a vibrant city like Paris, I’m a New England girl at heart. As such, there’s nothing like a big green vista or a vast ocean to make me feel at home.
On my latest trip abroad – which started off with a bang last week at the lovely Chateau de Raissac (more to come on that later) – I’m scheming up several more excursions beyond the fairest city to see the landscapes of Normandy and explore the farms and vineyards of Provence. While bopping across the country, I’m hoping to make a short jaunt to visit a new virtual friend, Kate. We met on Twitter, but I already feel like we’re best friends.
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Posted in Food, Green, Tours and Classes, Travel | 9 Comments »
May 21, 2010 by Maggie Battista
I miss Paris – the gorgeous gray buildings, the bridges over that little river, the cranky taxi drivers. Oh, let’s be real for a moment; I miss the food more than anything else. And since my initial post on Paris Foods You Must Eat (part 1) did so well, I thought an encore was in order.
Let’s start with the chocolate mousse, that luscious mix of cream, sugar, cocoa and air. Only this mousse is featured in a chocolate mousse bar – that’s right, folks, an entire bar of mousses made from all different types of chocolate – that is scooped out by the spatula-full into a tiny paper cone (or into pint containers, if you’re so inclined). You gotta try this good stuff, made in a shop tucked away on a sleepy section of St. Germain. Chocolat Chapon is located at 69 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris, Tel: 01 42 22 95 98.
If thick chocolate mousse is not quite your speed, try the best gelato in Paris. I waited in line for 30 minutes in order to spoon some creamy deliciousness from Pozzetto (39 Rue du Roi de Sicile, 75004 Paris, Tel: 01 42 77 08 64) into my waiting belly. Well, I spooned it into my mouth and it traveled into my belly and… I loved it.
If sweets aren’t your thing, perhaps cheese is? It better be if you’re in Paris. And frankly, there isn’t anything better than a selection of cheeses from your local fromagerie, a fresh crispy baguette and a bottle of organic French wine. The moment you visit Paris, put the fancy restaurants on hold and gather supplies for your own makeshift picnic in your rented flat or hotel room. Continue Reading »
Posted in Food | 7 Comments »
March 11, 2010 by Maggie Battista
I attended my first Paris party last week, and arrived with this apple and rhubarb tart from Les Petits Mitrons. (More on that Paris party in another post soon.) I was so enraptured by the crunchy crust, glazed apples and tender rhubarb that I fell in love on the spot. I carefully prepared for its purchase, visiting the shop a few times to ensure I’d find a fresh one on the day of the party. It was lovingly nestled into this pretty pink box.
The tart was so lovely on this delicate plate, provided by the hosts. No one wanted to cut into it, but everyone wanted a bite.
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Posted in Food | 2 Comments »
March 4, 2010 by Maggie Battista
When I said I was moving to Paris for three months, those who know me well were worried for me. I’m a city girl, so adapting to the hustle and bustle of this little métropole (metropolis) wasn’t a concern. They knew I’d adapt eventually, and I totally have.
My friends, my family and (especially) my husband were all concerned that Paris would prove to be a frenetic playground on which I’d wield my stash of credit cards. They were worried I’d arrive with two suitcases and return with seven, stocked to the brim with pricey designer fashions and cool vintage finds. I promised everyone, especially my husband, that I’d closely monitor my passion for shopping (including my ongoing quest for the perfect handbag), focusing on the bare necessities and perhaps, from time to time, a great deal.
Of course, while visiting Le Bon Marche, I lost myself for a moment. Everything was so pretty that I almost convinced myself that a soft blue scarf with a €245 price tag was, in fact, a steal. Whoever said you could find a steal in Paris was either a true local or a very well informed touriste (tourist).
To ensure I fit into one of those categories, I paid an initial visit to Le Marché aux Puces in Saint-Ouen. Continue Reading »
Posted in Shopping | 7 Comments »
February 16, 2010 by Maggie Battista
parisviewfinder.blogspot.com
As a new girl, a new American girl, in Paris, I’ve been inundated with suggestions on where to go, what to eat and, in general, how to suck the most from my Paris experience.
Often, these suggestions are truly personal, inspired by a friend’s visit with this city or a friend of a friend’s semester abroad. About twenty-seven people have reminded me to get a falafel sandwich at L’As du Fallafel in the Marais. Fourteen people have demanded that I enjoy the ice cream at Berthillon on Ile Saint-Louis. And I’ve had to promise every single one, in blood no less, that I’d indulge at both La Durée and Pierre Hermé.
flickr/CanonS3
While I sincerely appreciate all the insider advice, I’d be lying if I didn’t add that I’m a bit overwhelmed. I truly want to act on each and every suggestion because it was delivered with such love, or in some cases, with such insistence. I recall one friend saying she’d die (quelle horreur!) if I returned without enjoying a chocolat chaud (hot chocolate) at Angelina’s on rue de Rivoli!
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Posted in Parisian Living | 6 Comments »
Kitchen at Camont - Tim Clinch
Kitchen at Camont - Tim Clinch
