Feb 22nd, 2010 by haveninparis
paris-hotel-lautrec.com
Text by Tory Hoen
If you’ve spent even a small amount of time in Paris, you know that the macaron is ubiquitous. And in a city of fastidious eaters, it’s significant that a single dessert has managed to win the hearts and minds of so many. But the debate rages on: who produces the best macaron of all? While Dalloyau and Lenôtre both make a commendable run at it, everyone knows that there are only two real contenders.
In one corner, we have the elegant and established Ladurée, which has been turning out sweet confections since 1862. And in the other corner, we have upstart Pierre Hermé, the enfant terrible of the dessert world who worked at Ladurée before setting out on his own. (Word on the street is that the “oppressive” traditions at Ladurée were preventing him from exploring the crazy flavor combinations for which he is now world famous). Naturally, we wanted to get in on the debate, so Sarah (another Hip Paris blogger) and I gathered some friends last week for a comprehensive taste test. Two boxes of macarons later, we reached a nearly unanimous verdict! Continue Reading »
Tags: dalloyau, dessert paris, french desserts, Ladurée, lenotre, macaron, macarons, paris macaron, Pierre Hermé
Posted in HiP Eats | 21 Comments »
Feb 5th, 2010 by haveninparis
Valentine’s Day is a love-it-or-hate-it kind of holiday. But whether you’re a cynic or a romantic, single or attached, you can probably justify making room in your life for a little Parisian luxe. Kim Petyt, an American wedding planner in Paris and author of Parisian Party, has a few gift ideas for lovers and haters alike…
Tags: alexander mcqueen, baccarat, boucheron, Chanel, christian louboutin, colette, gifts, leica, miu-miu, Pierre Hermé, valentine's day, valentine's day in paris, yachts de paris
Posted in Fashion & Shopping | No Comments »
Dec 20th, 2009 by haveninparis
Photos: epiceriedecharles.fr and recette.cuisine.notrefamille.com
Text by Simone Blaser
This Christmas, we’re indulging in a holiday treat that is both delicious and oh-so-French: the marron glacé. That’s code for glazed chestnuts—gooey nuggets of pure holiday joy. When done wrong, they are overpoweringly saccharine; but at their best, they have a nutty and subtle sweetness so delicate and modest, it’s no wonder they gained popularity in Louis XIV’s court at Versailles. Continue Reading »
Tags: chestnuts, christmas foods, holiday recipes, macarons, marrons galces, Pierre Hermé
Posted in HiP Recipes | No Comments »
Dec 1st, 2009 by haveninparis
Our friend Linda Donahue (of Parisien Salon) had the opportunity to try out a baking class at La Cuisine Paris. Below, she recounts the mouth-watering results…
Text and Photos by Linda Donahue, Parisien Salon
Ever since Julia Child launched her famous cookbook, Paris has become a magnet for aspiring chefs. Even those not looking to make a professional foray into the culinary world find the City of Light to be the perfect place to pick up a new skill. La Cuisine Paris was created just for these people.
Tucked away in a courtyard on the boulevard St-Michel directly across from the Jardin du Luxembourg, La Cuisine Paris attracts Parisiens, expats and visitors alike with its diverse range of classes. French cuisine isn’t the only thing on the menu here. Students can learn how to make dishes from around the world, from Thai to tapas to tantalizing desserts. Continue Reading »
Tags: Diane Anthonissen, Jane Bertch, La Cuisine Paris, linda donahue, Olivier Pugliesi-Conti, Parisien Salon, Pierre Hermé
Posted in HiP Eats, Tours and Classes | No Comments »
Oct 26th, 2009 by haveninparis
all photos coutesy of doriegreenspan.com
If you’re like us, you’ve got a serious sweet tooth. Indulge it this Wednesday, October 28, at 7:30pm by heading to the American Library in Paris to hear acclaimed food writers Dorie Greenspan, David Lebovitz, and Alexander Lobrano discuss their favorite sweet treats and the best places to seek them out in the City of Light. The discussion is part of the Evenings with an Author series, and is free and open to the public. Continue Reading »
Tags: alexander lobrano, american library in paris, baking, bon appetit, chez panisse, David Lebovitz, dorie greenspan, evenings with an author, from my home to yours, gourmet, hungry for paris, lenotre, parade, Pierre Hermé, The Sweet Life in Paris
Posted in HiP Happenings & Events | 2 Comments »
Jun 4th, 2009 by haveninparis
photos courtesy of laduree.fr & chocolatezoom.com
Text by Tory Hoen
There are many ways to experience Paris, but one of the more decadent ones is, simply, to follow the chocolate. Yesterday, I had the pleasure of doing just that when I tagged along on Context Tour’s “Chocolate Walk,” a chocoholic’s dream that took me to many of the Left Bank’s most delicious (and gastronomically prestigious) addresses.
We began the tour in front of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés church, where our docent, Camille Labro, pulled an actual cocoa pod (which she had recently brought from Brazil) out of her handbag and gave us a quick rundown on the plant’s important role in world history. Over the next few hours, we would learn the ins-and-outs of chocolate production and consumption, from its historical roots in South America to its modern incarnations in Paris and throughout the world. Continue Reading »
Tags: best chocolate paris, chocolate paris, chocolate tour paris, Context Travel, Debauve & Gallais, Ladurée, macaron paris, Macarons La Duree, Pascal Caffet, Pierre Hermé, Pierre Marcolini, tory hoen
Posted in HiP Eats, Parisian Living, Tours and Classes | 10 Comments »
