The 5 best things I ate in Paris: January 2012

After four weeks in Paris, I’m still discovering and learning my way around this city. But one thing I’ve already learned for certain: the food in Paris c’est magnifique.

The top five things I ate this month that made my mouth cry:

1. Croque madame at Le Nemrod

The madame is simply a croque monsieur with an egg on top. I have yet to try any other croques, but I already have a feeling this is one of the best in town. (Thanks to Emily for the recommendation.)

2. Coulommiers, mimolette and chèvre mi-sec from La Ferme du Hameau

Thanks again go to Emily for this introduction to French cheeses. The coulommiers, which has a texture similar to brie, tasted to my untrained palate much like a broccoli-cheddar soup (which sounds weird, but I liked it because I happen to love broccoli-cheddar). The mimolette was similar to a hard cheddar; but my favorite of the lot was the chèvre mi-sec, a chalky yet creamy goat cheese. It was DIVINE.

The best part? Less than €11 for all three cheeses.

3. Macarons from Pierre Hermé:

There’s macarons, and then there’s Pierre Hermé. I didn’t even know macarons could come in such decadent flavors. I passed on the chocolate foie gras, but I had to try the gorgeous tri-colored olive oil and mandarin — and the salted caramel were simple perfection.

4. Bo bun at Cyclo

Cyclo is one of the many Vietnamese restaurants in Belleville, Paris’ ethnic neighborhood and a haven for Asian foodies. I don’t care that this bo bun was €9, or ten times what it cost me in Vietnam. One bite of this beef and vermicelli dish and I felt like I was back in the streets of Hanoi.

5. Risotto balls at Dans Les Landes

Breaded on the outside, cheesy on the inside, risotto balls were the most interesting concoction in a fantastic tapas trio of charcuterie and BBQ pork ribs at Dans Les Landes.

Next month: I’m tackling falafels and hot chocolate.

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19 Comments

  • Reply
    Jills
    February 1, 2012 at 23:40

    Yay for the food post! Thanks for doing it :)

    Weirdly enough, every time I see macarons I am strongly reminded of Singapore! So this post actually made me kind of nostalgic.

    • Reply
      Edna
      February 2, 2012 at 03:09

      Glad I’m not alone — Singapore was the first place I’d ever seen or eaten a macaron, so they make me a bit nostalgic too!

  • Reply
    lostincheeseland
    February 2, 2012 at 00:14

    Still haven’t been to Dans les Landes, let’s go ! Also, you need to try the macarons at Pain de Sucre, they’re my favorite! And I want that bo bun. Now!

    • Reply
      Edna
      February 2, 2012 at 03:12

      You name the day and I’m there. I am so addicted to macarons and Vietnamese food at the moment. Tapas aren’t too bad either!

  • Reply
    jcmatt
    February 2, 2012 at 11:47

    That’s tempting me into a spring break trip to Paris. I wonder if I have enough money to feed myself stupid for a week.

    • Reply
      Edna
      February 3, 2012 at 08:30

      Matt, if you visit, you have an open invitation at mine. Would be great to see you!

  • Reply
    D.J. - The World of Deej
    February 3, 2012 at 08:43

    Now I’m hungry! The macarons look awesome..

  • Reply
    Stephan
    February 3, 2012 at 12:54

    Been to Paris many times as a flight attendant, BUT still printed our your “5 best things I’ve eaten in Paris” I’m still not convinced about Pierre Hermé though as I’m a big fan of Ladurée but have to admit the salted caramel were absolute heaven!! Thanks for writing! I’m looking forward on my next flight to trying number 1, 2, 4 and 5! Oh the heck with it, 3 as well! Olive oil and mandarin is a must try!

    • Reply
      Edna
      February 3, 2012 at 18:15

      Oh I don’t know Ladurée — I’ll have to give those a try! Let me know if you want a macaron tasting buddy when you next fly in.

  • Reply
    emiglia
    February 3, 2012 at 17:35

    I think we need to do a comparison of your Vietnamese and mine… and the weather here is making me crave Pho something fierce.

    • Reply
      Edna
      February 3, 2012 at 18:17

      I agree — let’s have a Pho-off! Although this weather makes me want to do nothing but crawl under my covers with a bowl of hot chocolate. Yeah, a bowl.

  • Reply
    Tom Stockwell
    February 8, 2012 at 17:46

    French cheese! Mmmmm! My mum and her partner are obsessed with cheese, and they’ve been plying me with lots of stuff from across the English Channel recently (French cheese that is, not English). The Croque Madame looks amazing. Almost anything is better with a fried egg on top.

    • Reply
      Edna
      February 8, 2012 at 18:02

      Totally agree. Why anyone would choose a croque monsieur when they could have a croque madame is beyond me!

  • Reply
    Andrea
    February 9, 2012 at 03:12

    I’ve lived in Paris for 5 years and still haven’t tried some of these places. I have to get out more…

    • Reply
      Edna
      February 9, 2012 at 04:53

      I’m sure after 5 years you’ve got some favorite spots of your own! Would love some suggestions for places to eat in February :)

  • Reply
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