Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Where to dine #2

RESTAURANT: Les Gars dans la Cuisine
Because the deco is 70s kitsch meets 00s gay über-cool. Because the dishes are classic with a trendy twist. Because the prices are ridiculously low and the ingredients mouth-wateringly fresh.
Les Gars dans la Cuisine
72 rue Vieille du Temple, Paris 3ème
metro: Rambuteau, Filles du Calvaire
01.42.74.88.26
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CREPERIE: Breizh Café
Because they're the best crêpes in Paris. Because this place does both traditional and not-quite-traditional-but-you-wonder-why-no-one-thought-to-put-those-things-together-on-a-crêpe-before. Because the smallest eater I know finished her main course AND her dessert when we went there. It's that good. (PS: I recommend you book in advance!)

Breizh Café
109 rue Vieille du Temple, Paris 3ème
metro: St Sébastien Froissard
01.42.72.13.77

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RESTAURANT / BAR: Au Rocher de Cancale
Because downstairs it's full of pretty young things, loud music and strange art on the walls. Because upstairs it's actually quiet enough to notice the place is 150 years old. Because it's fun to have fusion food in an 1850s setting.
Update: And because it was apparently a favourite of Paris' first restaurant critic, Grimod, in his 1805 Almanach: see here.

Au Rocher de Cancale
78 rue Montorgueil, Paris 2ème
metro: Etienne Marcel
01.42.33.50.29


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RESTAURANT / HOTEL: Hôtel Amour
Because it's a brothel. Because now you're just dying to check whether or not I'm kidding. Because they have macaroni & cheese and one of the best restaurant terraces in Paris. (Oh, and the hotel looks pretty nice too, though I haven't tried it myself).

Hôtel Amour
8 rue Navarin, Paris 9ème
01.48.78.31.80
metro: Saint-Georges, Pigalle

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Where to raise your glass #2

BAR: La Perle
Because it is simplicity itself. And therefore cool somehow. Because it's always full of local 20 to 30-somethings. Because it's on my favourite street.

La Perle
78 rue Vieille du Temple, Paris 3ème
metro: Rambuteau, Filles du Calvaire

Where to shop for unnecessary desirables #2

CLOTHES: Shouka
Because it's Art's collection is silky, smooth, feminine and wearable. Because it's a real Marais boutique, with stone walls, wooden beams, and a friendly (rather dashing) owner. Because it's the opposite of H&M (no offence to our Swedish friends). Because both your wardrobe, and your banker, will thank you.

Shouka
Art's collection
78 rue Vieille du Temple, Paris 3ème
metro: Rambuteau, Filles du Calvaire