The 5 best things I ate in Paris: May 2012

Some of you may remember that last month I said I’d be “going all out” in May, since my boyfriend was visiting and we’d be celebrating my birthday.

That was a lie.

I should’ve known that when Mike arrived, I didn’t want to explore new fancy French places — I wanted to show him all my favorite places.

See, because we’ve been doing long-distance since I moved to Paris, I felt that by sharing my favorite food finds from all over the city — croques, falafels, cheesecake, bo bun, etc. — he was sharing in my Paris memories and experiences of the last four months.

So there was little I ate in May that you haven’t seen already mentioned in previous editions of 5BTIA, and I’ll admit this recap may not be as varied with my culinary finds as the others usually are. But you know what, it was still an awesome month.

1. EVERYTHING at Verjus

Verjus is one of those restaurants where the courses are set and your only choice is whether or not you also want the wine tasting. I’d heard rave reviews of the place from friends (thanks Kate and Kristen) — and they were all well-deserved. Each course was beautifully presented and with gorgeous flavor combinations. And THE WINE — my god, not only were they some of the best wines I’ve ever had, but the pairings were just impeccable.

Plus, the owners are so sweet: they gave us a glass of champagne to celebrate my birthday/our engagement, and placed a candle in my dessert (which seems like a small thing, but for someone who loves their birthday as much as I do, the gesture was highly appreciated). A separate post will be coming on Verjus later, but basically this is one the best meals I’ve ever had.

2. Gelato from Amorino

Not only does the gelato from Amorino have fabulous taste and texture, but they serve it in the shape of a flower. How adorable is that? In fact, I loved it so much I went to the Amorino on Île Saint-Louis three times this month, because of its location on the river — there’s no better way to enjoy gelato than sitting on the banks of the Seine on a warm day. (Hat-tip to Darlene for the recommendation.)

3. Picnic at the Eiffel Tower

When the sun is shining and the skies are blue, no restaurant in town can beat the lawn of the Champs de Mars. Pick up some meats and cheeses, a fresh baguette, a fruity drink and some dessert (Pierre Hermé for me, always). Find yourself a patch of grass in front of the Eiffel Tower, and you’ve got one helluva picnic.

4. Brunch at Angelina

My birthday brunch was at Angelina, mostly because I liked the fancy tearoom atmosphere; I said in last month’s post I didn’t see what all the fuss was about over Angelina’s hot chocolate. Well, I take that back — their white hot chocolate is superb and worthy of all the praise the chocolate chaud l’Africain receives.

As for food, while Mike went for the full brunch I chose just the eggs benedict — which featured not one egg, but both eggs perfectly poached. After disappointing eggs bennies in Singapore and Australia, this almost made me cry tears of eggy happiness.

5. Buttermilk Fried Chicken at Verjus 

Yes, we’ve come full circle. In addition to the restaurant, Verjus also has a wine bar (in fact, I believe it came before the resto) which serves small dishes. Some, like the burrata mozzarella, I recognized from the restaurant menu — but others, like the buttermilk fried chicken, were wine bar menu only. If you’re craving the food of Verjus but don’t have the time or budget for one of their full meals, walk around the corner to their wine bar and enjoy some of their lighter — but still just as delicious — fare.

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24 Comments

  • Reply
    cravesadventure
    June 1, 2012 at 00:54

    Love #2 & #3 – great post – great photos – thanks for sharing!

    • Reply
      Edna
      June 30, 2012 at 01:55

      Thanks Renee!

  • Reply
    Laura
    June 1, 2012 at 01:25

    I now feel stupid that I used to live in the UK, a stones throw away from Paris….but never went there!!!!

    • Reply
      Edna
      June 30, 2012 at 01:54

      Wow, never? I can understand that though, I’ve never been to Canada and I was only a few hours’ drive from the border. Next time you’re back in the UK, you should pop over to Paris for a weekend!

  • Reply
    Erica
    June 1, 2012 at 08:30

    ahhhhh that all looks/sounds so good!!!
    I miss brunch so much. It’s not really a thing here and I’m not very good at poaching eggs… or making hollandaise sauce, which puts a damper on my preferred brunch of eggs benedict & hash. mmm greaaase

    • Reply
      Edna
      June 30, 2012 at 01:53

      It’s not really a here thing either — I think partly because everywhere is closed on Sunday (and you know how I feel about that…)!

      • Reply
        Erica
        July 1, 2012 at 15:19

        gah, me too.

        that’s funny because most of my favorite lunch places in Seattle and New York are French restaurants :)

  • Reply
    ChinaMatt
    June 1, 2012 at 14:39

    Damn, I need a new job so I can have the money to visit. I need a new culinary tour.

    • Reply
      Edna
      June 30, 2012 at 01:52

      Yes, you do. Besides, it’s been way too long since we’ve hung out!

  • Reply
    milsters
    June 2, 2012 at 09:50

    Omg I ate at exactly the same 5 places (both Verjus AND the bar) during the last month! :) Great minds eat alike. ;-)

    x Milsters

    http://littlepiecesoflight.blogspot.fr/

    • Reply
      Edna
      June 30, 2012 at 01:32

      Agreed! :) Hopefully I’ll get a chance to eat with you soon!

  • Reply
    Darlene
    June 2, 2012 at 11:28

    Haha, I’ve created an Amarino monster. :) Three times! Next time you’re on the Ile, you should pop by for a visit, we can treat ourselves to another cone down by the quai.

    • Reply
      Edna
      June 30, 2012 at 01:31

      You know I still haven’t gone to Berthillon yet? I always change my mind last minute and head for Amorino instead. Hooked, man.

  • Reply
    Susan
    June 4, 2012 at 17:47

    I suppose if there ever were a perfect place for a picnic, it would be on the lawn of a public Parisian garden…I drool with how easy it was for you to put that together!

    • Reply
      Edna
      June 30, 2012 at 01:30

      It’s not bad. But you still get pad thai from a cart off the street, so in my mind, you win.

  • Reply
    Restaurant Update: Verjus | the kale project
    June 4, 2012 at 18:13

    […] Verjus: Expat Edna […]

  • Reply
    Diane
    June 15, 2012 at 13:30

    Angelina looks amazing. Definitely going to check it out next time I’m in Paris!

    • Reply
      Edna
      June 30, 2012 at 01:29

      You should! Not only is it delicious, but the tea room atmosphere is really lovely.

  • Reply
    Emily
    June 21, 2012 at 08:44

    Love your blog, Edna! I miss Paris… My absolute all time fav Paris restaurant is L’Ecurie at the top of Rue de la Montagne Ste Genevieve – I must have been there a hundred times! It’s totally unpretentious and they have a really great menu for about 17euros (definitely recommend the salade au blue – to die for). Sit outside in the summer and in the “cave” in Winter. I’m hoping to get back for a visit later this year and would love to catch up. Singapore Emily xx

    • Reply
      Edna
      June 21, 2012 at 22:45

      Thanks Emily! And thanks for the rec — I’ll definitely write L’Ecurie down, sounds wonderful! Unfortunately it has yet to feel like summer…hopefully the weather gets better when you visit! Let me know when you’re in town and we’ll definitely catch up over an apéro or two :)

  • Reply
    Brittany
    December 4, 2012 at 12:07

    I love these food posts you do! The fried chicken at Verjus is a revelation. So good!

    • Reply
      edna
      December 7, 2012 at 01:52

      Thanks Brittany! I’ve yet to meet one person who doesn’t drool over the thought of the fried chicken at Verjus.

  • Reply
    Debbie
    August 10, 2013 at 22:17

    Hi Edna
    Do you know of any good family restaurants in the Montparnasse area. I am looking for good quality food but at affordable prices?

  • Reply
    Verjus
    January 22, 2015 at 11:45

    […] Verjus: Expat Edna […]

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