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.