tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41697822206864647822024-03-05T23:09:13.341-08:00Res Ipsa's ParisThe Definitive Guide to My Little Corner of Paris:
my favourite places and why you should love them too.Res I(p)sahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12905174429252287468noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169782220686464782.post-83018929240101711402010-05-01T06:39:00.000-07:002010-05-01T06:54:34.479-07:00Where to shop for unnecessary desirables #3Over the past few years, small French brands have made a killing. The clothes are simple, with a twist, always fashionable. Here are two of my favourites. They have stores all over the city (including a large concentration in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th arrondissements), so go ahead, explore and enjoy!<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>BRAND: Zadig & Voltaire</strong><br />Because you used to think skulls and butterfly wings didn't look right on clothes, but now you know better. Because you can finally be totally "now" and comfortable at the same time. Because it's an opportunity to brush up on your French literature. Because you'll love it more each time you go back. Because (and don't tell too many people), if you're wallet's a bit thin these days, there's a stock store tucked away in a small street in the Marais. Happy hunting.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.zadig-et-voltaire.com/">www.zadig-et-voltaire.com</a><br /><br /><div align="center">*</div><div align="center"> </div><strong>BRAND: Comptoir des Cotonniers</strong><br />Because they claim both mothers and daughters can wear their clothes, which makes them perfect for us 30-somethings. Because their canine mascot (Leon) is adorable. Because they manage to make girly clothes look cool. Because everything fits incredibly well, even if you're not a 6ft, size 0 model.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.comptoirdescotonniers.com/">www.comptoirdescotonniers.com</a>Res I(p)sahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12905174429252287468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169782220686464782.post-32017038309394825682010-05-01T06:21:00.000-07:002010-05-01T06:38:24.696-07:00Where to dine #4<strong>RESTAURANT: Le Pavillon Elysée Lenôtre</strong><br />Because it's on the Champs Elysées, but in the middle of a garden, so priceless. Because the terrace lets you soak up the sun. Because the food is just the right kind of slightly pretentious but affordable French that goes so well with that new dress you bought. Because you might be sitting next to a celebrity (a French one, such as Michel Drucker, not a massive superstar, but still).<br /><br /><em>Pavillon Elysée Lenôtre</em><br /><em>10 avenue des Champs Elysées, Paris 8ème</em><br /><em>metro: Champs Elysées Clémenceau, Franklin Roosevelt</em><br /><em>01 42 65 85 10</em><br /><br /><div align="center">*</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left"><strong>CAFE / ORGANIC MARKET: Rose Bakery</strong></div><div align="left">Because there's one in Montmartre (the original) and now one in the Marais. Because everybody else has already been there. Because everything is delicious and healthy. Because once you're done with lunch, you can also buy all your organic veggies and Rooibos tea. Because it's a sign that good things happen when the British and the French make not war but love, and cafés.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><em>Rose Bakery</em></div><div align="left"><em>46 rue des Martyrs, Paris 9ème or 30 rue Debelleyme, Paris 3ème</em></div><div align="left"><em>metro: Pigalle or Filles du Calvaire</em></div><div align="left"><em>01 42 82 12 80 or 01 44 78 08 97</em></div><div align="left"><em></em> </div><div align="center">*</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left"><strong>RESTAURANT: Les Bouquinistes</strong></div><div align="left">Because it's one of the "affordable" Guy Savoy restaurants, and the food tastes almost as good at the much more expensive mother shop (although slightly less surprising). Because ordering the 75€ tasting menu means embarking on a 3-hour long pleasure cruise for the palate. Because it is everything that fine French cuisine is about. Because if you take a date here, you're guaranteed to score.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><em>Les Bouquinistes</em></div><div align="left"><em>53 quai des Grands Augustins, Paris 6ème</em></div><div align="left"><em>metro: Saint Michel</em></div><div align="left"><em>01 43 25 45 94</em></div>Res I(p)sahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12905174429252287468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169782220686464782.post-66398970353859644802010-03-23T05:25:00.000-07:002010-03-24T01:00:54.862-07:00Where to check out some art #1<strong>MUSEUM: La Pinacothèque</strong><br /><strong>Now showing Edvard Munch, l'Anti-Cri</strong><br />Because the Pinacothèque is famous for its very unique approach to tried and tested masters. Because the Munch exhibit is fascinating. Because The Scream is not in it and so you have to focus on all the other stuff. Because you'll finally be able to have an opinion on Munch (Res loves him now). Because you can download the exhibit guide as an App. Because the gift shop is fun.<br /><br /><em>La Pinacothèque</em><br /><em>28 place de la Madeleine, Paris 8ème</em><br /><em>metro: Madeleine</em><br /><em>Edvard Munch expo on until July 18</em><br /><em></em><br /><div align="center">*</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left"><strong>MUSEUM: Jacquemart André</strong></div><div align="left"><strong>Now showing Du greco à Dali, collection de Perez Simon</strong></div><div align="left">Because it's got Frick Collection thing going, as in it's the house of art collectors (husband and wife team) and, like the Frick Collection, the house is probably the best part. Because the current expo is very original, and gives you a rapid but educational view into Hispanic painting from the 15th century to the 20th. Because it too, has an App. Because the salads (and the cakes) at the museum café are to die for.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><em>Musée Jacquemart André</em></div><div align="left"><em>158 boulevard Haussman, Paris 8ème</em></div><div align="left"><em>metro: Miromesnil</em></div><div align="left"><em>Du Greco à Dali expo on until August 1</em></div>Res I(p)sahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12905174429252287468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169782220686464782.post-60917482007089689612010-03-10T14:25:00.000-08:002010-03-24T01:00:54.863-07:00Where to set up your laptop #1Maybe you're writing a novel (and what better place to be doing that than Paris?) Maybe you're playing hookie from work. Maybe you just like to stay connected. Whatever the reason, here are a few of my favourite free wifi places around town.<br /><br /><strong>CAFE: Au Carillon</strong><br />Because writing a novel in Montmartre is so much of a cliché it's actually cool. Because the walls are covered with lyrics and autographs of rock bands (including Phoenix, which is actually French. Mais oui.) Because it's often more full of locals than tourists (no mean feat in this neighbourhood). Because there are plugs everywhere for your computer. Because service is nonchalant, in a really good way.<br /><br /><em>Au Carillon</em><br /><em>1 rue des Abbesses, Paris 18ème</em><br /><em>metro: Abbesses, Pigalle</em><br /><em></em><br /><div align="center">*</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left"><strong>CAFE: Delyan</strong></div><div align="left">Because it feels like a French version of an English tea room. Because all the tables and chairs are different and the walls are green. Because there are couches upstairs. Because the "Formule tea time" is yummy and only 7 euros for a drink and a home-made cake. Because they have Rooibos tea (my fave, and very hard to find in Paris). Because people tend to stay here for hours and no one ever tries to make them leave. Because you're next to the Tour Saint Jacques which is one of the most overlooked treasures of Paris.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><em>Delyan</em></div><div align="left"><em>8 rue Saint Martin, Paris 4ème</em></div><div align="left"><em>metro: Chatelêt, Hotel de Ville</em></div><div align="left"><em></em> </div><div align="center">*</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left"><strong>CAFE: Café Livres</strong></div><div align="left">Because there are books everywhere. Everywhere. And you can read them if you like if you're tired of trying to write one. Because the owner is likely to start chatting to you when you get writer's block. As is the guy who delivers the bread three times a day. Because brunch is lovely and doesn't make you feel like you'll never be able to eat again. Because it too is next to the Tour Saint Jacques.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><em>Café Livres</em></div><div align="left"><em>10 rue Saint Martin, Paris 4ème</em></div><div align="left"><em>metro: Chatelêt, Hotel de Ville</em></div><div align="left"><em></em> </div><div align="center">*</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left"><strong>CAFE: Pain Quotidien</strong></div><div align="left">Because even though it's a chain (and we don't like chains here at Res Ipsa's Paris), the Montorgueil branch just has that little something special during weekdays that makes it a perfect spot to while away the afternoon hours. Because the salads are delicious. Because the waitresses go out of their way to find you somewhere to plug in the laptop. Because you can get a big wooden table to yourself to spread your papers out on. Because it's on the rue Montorgueil and there are always interesting people to chat with (or eavesdrop on) there.</div><div align="left"><em></em> </div><div align="left"><em>Pain Quotidien</em></div><div align="left"><em>2 rue des Petits Carreaux, Paris 2ème</em></div><div align="left"><em>metro: Sentier, Etienne Marcel</em></div>Res I(p)sahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12905174429252287468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169782220686464782.post-90407162663605782042010-03-06T12:05:00.000-08:002010-03-06T12:18:37.747-08:00Where to have something sweet #1I know, I know, I've been terrible at updating this encyclopedia of all the things I love in Paris. In order to beg your forgiveness, I humbly give you today's favourite spots for the sweet tooth...<br /><br /><strong>CAFE: Le Loir dans la Théière</strong><br />Because the déco is very grungey student chic and therefore <em>très Marais.</em> Because Alice in Wonderland is very hip right now (thanks Mia and Johnny). Because the lemon meringue pie is... well... you really just have to see it... and taste it... you'll thank me.<br /><br /><em>Le Loir dans la Théière</em><br /><em>3 rue des Rosiers, Paris 4ème</em><br /><em>metro: St Paul</em><br /><em></em><br /><div align="center">***</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left"><strong>CAFE: Pozzetto</strong></div><div align="left">Because sometimes, even when you're in Paris, you're in the mood for Italy (well, just make sure that doesn't happen too often or we'll have to have a bit of a talk...). Because when that happens, a gelato is just the thing. And because this place has some seriously yummy gelato, served up by actual Italians (and not the stereotype, for once). The coffee's pretty good there too. And they do take-away icecream...</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><em>Pozzetto</em></div><div align="left"><em>39 rue du Roi de Sicile, Paris 4ème</em></div><div align="left"><em>metro: St Paul, Hotel de Ville</em></div>Res I(p)sahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12905174429252287468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169782220686464782.post-41888772070177175262009-11-23T00:50:00.000-08:002009-11-23T01:02:58.830-08:00Where to dine #3<strong>RESTAURANT: Frenchie</strong><br />Because the 20-odd spots in this tiny, cozy treasure chest of a restaurant are some of the most sought-after in Paris. Because the menu changes every day so you can keep going back. Because if there are two of you, you can order everything on it. And you should. Because even if you're an unemployed, struggling author, you can still afford it.<br /><br /><em>Frenchie</em><br /><em>5 rue du Nil, Paris 2ème</em><br /><em>metro: Sentier</em><br /><em>01.40.39.96.19</em><br /><em></em><br /><div align="center"><em>***</em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="left"><strong>RESTAURANT: Café Charlot</strong></div><div align="left">Because it is one of the many new spots in this area that will give you the sudden feeling of being transported to New York's LES, but with great French food (for a similar ambiance, see <strong>Drôle d'endroit pour une rencontre</strong> on the Rue Montorgueil). Because it's simple, friendly, and full of fun locals who come back, again and again. Because you'll never want to leave and no one will make you.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><em>Café Charlot</em></div><div align="left"><em>38 rue de Bretagne, Paris 3ème</em></div><div align="left"><em>metro: Filles du Calvaire</em></div><div align="left"><em>01.44.54.03.30</em></div>Res I(p)sahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12905174429252287468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169782220686464782.post-29492721532619536522009-10-14T08:39:00.000-07:002009-11-23T00:48:37.861-08:00Where to dine #2<strong>RESTAURANT: Les Gars dans la Cuisine</strong><br /><div><div>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.<br /></div><div><em>Les Gars dans la Cuisine</em><br /></div><div><em>72 rue Vieille du Temple, Paris 3ème</em><br /></div><div><em>metro: Rambuteau, Filles du Calvaire</em><br /></div><div><em>01.42.74.88.26</em><br /></div><div align="center"><strong>***</strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>CREPERIE: Breizh Café</strong></div><div>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!)</div><br /><div><em>Breizh Café</em></div><div><em>109 rue Vieille du Temple, Paris 3ème</em></div><div><em>metro: St Sébastien Froissard</em></div><div><em>01.42.72.13.77</em></div><br /><div align="center">***</div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>RESTAURANT / BAR: Au Rocher de Cancale</strong></div><div>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.</div><div> </div><div>Update: And because it was apparently a favourite of Paris' first restaurant critic, Grimod, in his 1805 Almanach: <a href="http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/11/22/travel/22Grimod.html?em">see here</a>.</div><br /><div><em>Au Rocher de Cancale</em><br /></div><div><em>78 rue Montorgueil, Paris 2ème</em><br /></div><div><em>metro: Etienne Marcel</em><br /></div><div><em>01.42.33.50.29</em><br /></div><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392487595653740994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 318px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvB45zi3aduv5pdXTkmxOfxVh3phRqTcrz4kKhtowUc_6l8-fiYkyR6acmLt9Dy3wZeIDnZhhn8f8E9UuY2EAY6AJT1URWjmbyHrS6_FuuqWklNYx7-qwdxxcb6ePU_I2YN7pj5avEDIig/s320/photo-du-rocher.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">***</div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>RESTAURANT / HOTEL: Hôtel Amour</strong></div><div>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).</div><br /><div><em>Hôtel Amour</em></div><div><em>8 rue Navarin, Paris 9ème</em></div><div><em>01.48.78.31.80</em><br /></div><div><em>metro: Saint-Georges, Pigalle</em></div></div>Res I(p)sahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12905174429252287468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169782220686464782.post-66286179944117791992009-10-11T04:41:00.000-07:002009-10-11T04:48:27.040-07:00Where to raise your glass #2<strong>BAR: La Perle</strong><br />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.<br /><br /><em>La Perle</em><br /><em>78 rue Vieille du Temple, Paris 3ème</em><br /><em>metro: Rambuteau, Filles du Calvaire</em>Res I(p)sahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12905174429252287468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169782220686464782.post-81357673898662217412009-10-11T04:32:00.000-07:002009-10-11T04:41:18.581-07:00Where to shop for unnecessary desirables #2<strong>CLOTHES: Shouka</strong><br />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.<br /><br /><em>Shouka</em><br /><em>Art's collection</em><br /><em>78 rue Vieille du Temple, Paris 3ème</em><br /><em>metro: Rambuteau, Filles du Calvaire</em>Res I(p)sahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12905174429252287468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169782220686464782.post-29490761441233616602009-07-28T10:18:00.000-07:002009-07-28T10:31:33.732-07:00Where to enjoy the summer #1<strong>CAFE TERRACE: Le Relais de la Butte</strong><br />Because the panoramic view of Paris will make you giddy. Even if you live here. Even if the service leaves to be desired. Because let's face it, you're in Montmartre, sipping a fruit cocktail, feeling Amélie-esque and basking in sunshine and everyone wants to be you.<br /><br /><em>Le Relais de la Butte</em><br /><em>12 rue Ravignan, Paris 18ème</em><br /><em>metro: Abbesses (that's right, not even my neighbourhood!)</em><br /><em></em><br /><div align="center">***</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left"><strong>SPOT: Paris Plage</strong></div><div align="left">Because while I know what you're thinking, it's actually wonderful. Because the monuments are all around you but you're pretending to be on a beach. Because if you nab a table at the <em>ad hoc</em> crêperie between the Pont Louis-Philippe and the Pont d'Arcole, you can sip a glass of off-pink wine with the Seine at your feet and the sun setting over the bridges. Because they have loads of other things too (pétanque, boats, etc) if you're feeling a bit more active.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><em>Paris Plage</em></div><div align="left"><em>Along the river stretching out on both sides of Hôtel de Ville</em></div><div align="left"><em>Hurry, it ends August 20th!</em></div>Res I(p)sahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12905174429252287468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169782220686464782.post-10232783387529568912009-07-17T11:16:00.000-07:002009-07-17T11:24:01.596-07:00Where to raise your glass #1<strong>CAFE: Café Beaubourg</strong><br />Because, while admittedly overpriced, it has one of the best car-free, people-watching terraces in Paris. Because there's a small chance the art from next door might seep in subliminally while you're having your beer, making you terribly cultured.<br /><br /><em>Café Beaubourg</em><br /><em>43 rue Saint Merri, Paris 4ème</em><br /><em>metro: Rambuteau</em><br /><em></em><br /><div align="center">***</div><br /><strong>BAR: Andy Wahloo</strong><br />Because the deco is loosely based on the very Parisian (and strangely not considered either derogatory or racist) concept of the "Petit Arabe du Coin," North-African style. Because it's tiny and intimate (which makes it a bit too crowded on Fridays and Saturdays, though). Because the DJ is likely to play music you've never heard before but immediately think is very cool. Because the house cocktail with ginger makes you go "Woh."<br /><br /><em>Andy Wahloo</em><br /><em>69 rue de Gravilliers, Paris 3ème</em><br /><em>metro: Arts et Métiers</em><br /><em></em><br /><div align="center">***</div><br /><strong>BAR: La Belle Hortense</strong><br />Because it's a great place to have a glass of wine before having your Tarte Tatin à la Tomate at the Philosophes. Because it's actually a bookstore, and having wine in a bookstore is one of those things that has to be done.<br /><br /><em>La Belle Hortense</em><br /><em>31 rue Vieille du Temple, Paris 4ème</em><br /><em>metro: Saint Paul</em>Res I(p)sahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12905174429252287468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169782220686464782.post-17727740625951961572009-07-17T10:54:00.000-07:002009-07-17T11:06:27.238-07:00Where to dine #1<strong>RESTAURANT: Derrière</strong><br />Because all I can tell you is It's Just Really Cool. That's all I'm going to say. And because of the Narnia wardrobe. I'm really not telling you anything else. Just go. (Oh, and the fish is excellent).<br /><br /><em>Derrière</em><br /><em>69 rue des Gravilliers, Paris 3ème</em><br /><em>metro: Arts et Métiers</em><br /><em>01.44.61.91.95</em><br /><em></em><br /><div align="center">***</div><em></em><br /><strong>RESTAURANT: Le Réconfort</strong><br />Because I've been going here for years, and even though the place has abandoned its cutesy-colourful look in favour of designer-chic, the menu has essentially stayed the same. Because said menu is printed inside second-hand books. Because the food is simple, very French, and yummy. Because it's a fabulous date place, even if you're not on a date.<br /><br /><em>Le Réconfort</em><br /><em>37 rue du Poitou, Paris 3ème</em><br /><em>metro: Saint Sébastien Froissart</em><br /><em>01.49.96.09.69</em><br /><em></em><br /><div align="center">***</div><br /><strong>RESTAURANT: Les Philosophes</strong><br />Because of the Tarte Tatin à la Tomate. Because it's the best place to bring tourists, without paying tourist prices. Because the outside tables are always full and after you've managed to get your hands on one, you feel cool.<br /><br /><em>Les Philosophes</em><br /><em>28 rue Vieille du Temple, Paris 4ème</em><br /><em>metro: Saint Paul</em><br /><em>01.48.87.49.64</em>Res I(p)sahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12905174429252287468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169782220686464782.post-68204923679384895292009-07-17T10:34:00.000-07:002009-07-17T11:35:21.376-07:00Where to go to feel pretty #1<strong>HAIR SALON: Atelier 7</strong><br />Because it's not a chain, but a boutique salon where you can get your hair done by the owner (Sophie). Because it feels fun and friendly rather than clinical and scary. Because I got the best haircut of my life there on a day when I was feeling like crap (so the stakes were extremely high).<br /><br /><em>Atelier 7</em><br /><em>7 rue Saint-Claude, Paris 3ème</em><br /><em>metro: Saint Sébastien Froissard</em><br />01.44.59.39.83<br /><br /><div align="center">***</div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><strong>SPA: Comfort Zone </strong></div><div align="left">Because with its earthy tones and dark wood, you feel relaxed before you've even hit the dressing room. Because after that you still have a gorgeous robe, tea in the lounge area and aromatherapy galore to help you out. Because I almost fell asleep on the heated massage table. Because it's one of those places that's classy without being uncomfortably snooty, or unaffordable. And unlike many places in Paris, it doesn't have a one-month waiting list.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><em>Spa Comfort Zone</em></div><div align="left"><em>49 rue Quincampoix, Paris 4ème</em></div><div align="left"><em>metro: Rambuteau</em></div><div align="left"><em>Open Wednesday to Sunday</em></div><div align="left"><em>01.44.78.64.64</em></div>Res I(p)sahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12905174429252287468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169782220686464782.post-37915381840300519862009-07-17T10:09:00.000-07:002009-07-17T10:19:43.614-07:00Where to shop for unnecessary desirables #1<strong>SHOES: Ann Tuil</strong><br />Because it sells shoes - really nice ones from designers like Sergio Rossi. Because it has a nice, small, neighbourhood feel and the guy running the place recognised me on my second visit.<br /><br /><em>Ann Tuil</em><br /><em>103 rue Vieille du Temple, Paris 3ème</em><br /><em>metro: Filles du Calvaire</em><br /><em>Opening times appear random but they include Sundays</em><br /><em></em><br /><div align="center">***</div><br /><strong>SHOES: Prune</strong><br />Because it sells shoes - really nice ones from designers you've never heard of and can't find anywhere else. Because it feels more like an upscale art gallery than a shoe store. (So really, it counts as a cultural outing.)<br /><br /><em>Prune</em><br /><em>41 rue des Archives, Paris 4ème</em><br /><em>metro: Rambuteau</em><br /><em>Open whenever I walk past, including Sundays, much to my banker's chagrin</em>Res I(p)sahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12905174429252287468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4169782220686464782.post-51395389468604970812009-07-17T09:27:00.000-07:002009-07-17T10:08:21.236-07:00Where to shop for food #1<strong>MARKET</strong>: <strong>Le Marché des Enfants Rouges</strong><br />Because its improbable name, a reference to the young pupils of the local orphanage, was coined at the start of the 17th century. Because the concept of choosing your lunch from a motley crew of international food stalls and then settling at one of the large wooden tables to eat with strangers is impossibly charming. Because one of the sweetest things the Boy ever did was order a pizza there just because it was called the "Res Ipsa Pizza" (clearly I'm easy to please when it comes to grand romantic gestures).<br /><br /><em>Marché des Enfants Rouges</em><br /><em>39 rue de Bretagne, Paris 3ème</em><br /><em>metro: Filles du Calvaire</em><br /><em>Open Tuesday to Saturday</em><br /><em></em><br /><div align="center">***</div><br /><strong>BAKERY</strong>: <strong>Berko </strong><br />Because even though you're living in the Magical Land of Patisserie, sometimes you crave cheesecake. Or cupcakes. Or both. And because when that happens, walking into Berko feels like you've died and gone to frosting heaven.<br /><br /><em>Berko</em><br /><em>23 rue Rambuteau, Paris 4ème</em><br /><em>metro: Rambuteau</em><br /><em>Open Tuesday to Sunday</em><br /><br /><div align="center">***</div><br /><strong>SUPERMARKET: Monop' and</strong> <strong>Daily Monop'</strong><br />Because they're open late enough for weary consultants and other non-35-hour-week folk. Because they have loads of fresh, pre-prepared dishes that mean I no longer have to cook when I get home at some ungodly hour and am feeling rather lazy. Because shopping there with my Duane Reade "Bag It For a Greener NY" tote adds a certain element of bobo chic to the experience that is not entirely unpleasant. (The Monop' is a bigger version of the Daily Monop' and more closely resembles a supermarket. Check out the yummy Japanese ice tea imports.)<br /><br /><em>Monop' and Daily Monop'</em><br /><em>Somewhere near you, for example:</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>135 rue Saint Martin (Monop') Paris 3ème</em><br /><em>Metro: Rambuteau</em><br /><em>Open Monday to Saturday until midnight</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>59 rue de Montorgueil (Daily Monop') Paris 2ème</em><br /><em>Metro: Etienne Marcel</em><br /><em>Open Monday to Saturday until midnight and Sunday until 8pm</em><br /><em></em>Res I(p)sahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12905174429252287468noreply@blogger.com0