The 5 best things I ate in Paris: May 2013

In this series, I round up the five best things I ate in a particular city or country. Each month around the 15th I feature a destination from my past travels; on the last day I recap the best of the month in Paris. 

May was my last full month in Paris, but of course I showed no signs of slowing down in my food explorations. My fiancé was also in town this month, meaning visits to all of my favorite restaurants, but somehow I still managed to make time — and stomach room — to find some new Paris favorites:

1. Pierre Sang

Pierre Sang by Expat Edna

I’d heard so many rave reviews about this restaurant in Oberkampf that I took a gamble and came here for my birthday lunch. It totally paid off: Pierre Sang is a Top Chef France finalist who ‘freestyles’ his dishes based on the local ingredients of the day, meaning you simply choose how many courses you want and the rest is up to him — you don’t even find out what you’re eating until after you’ve finished the dish.

For the quality of the food, €35 for five courses is a steal, and Pierre Sang is a charming character, laughing with his chefs and smiling mischievously as he works his magic right in front of you.

2. Gelato, Grom

Grom, Paris by Expat Edna

Located on the left bank near Odeon, Grom has successfully stolen my loyalty from gelato competitors Pozzetto and Amorino. The gelato here is richer and the flavor selection is quite large and varied; I was surprised by their flavor of the month for May, a Le Petit Prince-themed gelato, given that dessert isn’t exactly the first thing I’d associate with The Little Prince. Regardless, I’ll be returning many times in the next few weeks; even if summer temperatures never arrive in Paris you’ll find me here in my peacoat, shivering as I eat my gelato.

3. Sandwiches, Verjus

Sandwiches at Verjus, Paris by Expat Edna

Verjus, already a favorite of many in the expat community, continues to win hearts by now offering three American-influenced sandwiches at lunchtime in their wine bar: the Bakesale Betty (fried chicken), Mr. Chang’s buns (braised pork belly), and the Midnight Cuban (braised pork shoulder). It’s €15 for a sandwich, house-made drink, and dessert (tip: go for the butterscotch brownie if it’s on the menu; it’s so good it made me want to cry). You can also get the sandwiches to go for €10 each — they’re perfect for picnicking in the nearby Palais Royal gardens.

4. Chocolate cake, Gerard Mulot

Gerard Mulot cake by Expat Edna

This cake from the well known Gerard Mulot was full-on decadent chocolate-on-chocolate-mousse action. I’m not a huge chocolate fan, and frankly I chose this cake simply because its colors matched my birthday party theme. But it was fabulous — this cake was so smooth, eating it made me feel like I was enveloping my tongue in chocolately silk pajamas.

5. Craft brews, La Fine Mousse

Beer by Expat Edna

You won’t find Heineken or Kronenbourg at La Fine Mousse — they’re dedicated to craft beers only. They have twenty taps, giving you the chance to discover a whole new world of French, Belgian, and international artisanal beers. I went with some home-brewing friends, one of whom said his beers have been on the menu now and again, so it seems they also support very local brewers. If you’re really into your beer — and hanging out with a customer base of mostly all guys — then this place is a must-visit. (The photo above isn’t La Fine Mousse because I didn’t have my camera that night, though these are good beers nonetheless.)

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29 Comments

  • Reply
    Steph (@ 20 Years Hence)
    June 1, 2013 at 05:38

    This all looks absolutely amazing… I am sure that using these posts as a guide I’ll be gaining back all the weight I’ve lost in Asia. The one I’m most curious about is the Petit Prince gelato though… did you order it? What did it involve?

    • Reply
      edna
      June 3, 2013 at 20:22

      According to the google translated Italian, it was fiordilatte with ricotta with caramelized almonds and sesame seeds. Not exactly the flavors I would’ve guessed but it was tasty.

  • Reply
    cantaloupe
    June 1, 2013 at 08:26

    There’s Grom in NYC. Very delish.

    • Reply
      edna
      June 3, 2013 at 20:22

      Oh cool — I knew they had other branches but didn’t realize they’d expanded into the US.

  • Reply
    Ashley of Ashley Abroad
    June 1, 2013 at 12:10

    How did I attend your birthday party and not even try that cake?

    • Reply
      edna
      June 3, 2013 at 20:21

      Ha, I have some idea.

  • Reply
    Laura
    June 1, 2013 at 15:18

    I always love your “5 best things” posts – those sandwiches from Verjus look especially delicious!

    • Reply
      edna
      June 3, 2013 at 20:21

      Thanks Laura! They’re pretty good though a bit pricey for my budget so definitely a treat for me!

  • Reply
    Caroline
    June 2, 2013 at 00:32

    Looks delicious! Always love your monthly round-ups!

    • Reply
      edna
      June 3, 2013 at 20:19

      Thanks Caroline!

  • Reply
    Julika
    June 2, 2013 at 11:50

    Heavenly delicious post as always! I can’t wait to be in Paris next week to explore some of your restaurant recommendations!

    • Reply
      edna
      June 3, 2013 at 20:19

      Thanks Julika, I can’t wait either!

  • Reply
    RBJello
    June 2, 2013 at 17:48

    Woo! Glad you loved Pierre Sang too! I enjoyed the lunch a lot more than the dinner. Thanks for the linking to my blog. :)

    • Reply
      edna
      June 3, 2013 at 20:19

      I’ve heard the lunches are better than the dinner as well, so glad I heard about it from you guys!

  • Reply
    Lil
    June 3, 2013 at 16:14

    I am glad that Grom has won your heart and talking about it now makes me hankering for some…

    • Reply
      edna
      June 3, 2013 at 20:18

      Thanks so much for introducing it to me!

  • Reply
    Carmel
    June 3, 2013 at 17:01

    So what were the flavors in Le Petit Prince? Looks tasty.

    • Reply
      edna
      June 3, 2013 at 20:18

      The one dedicated to Le Petit Prince “and the small and good things in life” was (according to the google translated Italian) fiordilatte with ricotta with caramelized almonds and sesame seeds

  • Reply
    Ashley
    June 4, 2013 at 12:04

    I love Grom! A friend who lived in Florence recommended it, and we tried it out while in Italy a couple months ago. Usually I go to Amorino in Paris, but I will have to head to Grom next time I’m in town.

    • Reply
      edna
      June 11, 2013 at 14:14

      I usually prefered Amorino or Pozzetto as well, until I discovered Grom. You should definitely try it!

  • Reply
    Erica
    June 6, 2013 at 20:08

    i NEED to try that first place. now to make it to Paris…

    • Reply
      edna
      June 11, 2013 at 14:15

      Yep, what are you waiting for?

  • Reply
    Andrea
    June 6, 2013 at 23:55

    THis all looks delicious! Paris is such a fun foodie place

    • Reply
      edna
      June 11, 2013 at 14:17

      Thanks Andrea, it’s one of the best!

  • Reply
    Ceri
    June 13, 2013 at 18:38

    Mmmmmm, that cake has my mouth watering.

    • Reply
      edna
      July 2, 2013 at 11:22

      As it should — it was so rich!

  • Reply
    Shanghai Girl
    June 16, 2013 at 22:31

    uhhh omg need to go to paris asap

    • Reply
      edna
      July 2, 2013 at 11:21

      yeah girl.

  • Reply
    Erin Walton
    July 8, 2013 at 00:12

    Freaking YUM! I’m a little bit over corn and rice here in South A, I can tell you! Gotta get some similar foodie action…

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