Posts Tagged With: food

Txikito – Just Basque a Move

Posted on April 3, 2024 by Ziggy

Whenever someone asks for Spanish Tapas recommendations, if its not in Chelsea it doesn’t enter my mind. Just like Thai restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen, there are mysterious forces that attract some of the top Spanish talents to the neighborhood. As you may know, we are fans of Z-List long timer Tia Pol, but you also got the excellent Salinas, Mercado Little Spain, Casa Dani, El Quijote, Socarrat, and some others. Txikito, smack in the middle of them all, might just be the most important of the bunch.

A 15 y/o in super competitive NYC is approaching legend territory. It’s one of those places Ive been wanting to try for years, but somehow other mysterious forces prevented it, until an impromptu visit the other day. Impromptu and popular places as such means some luck involved. With my Islanders finally winning an important game the other day, and Mrs Z asking me to buy a lottery ticket now that the jackpot is over a Billion (as if 900 mil is pocket change), I might actually do just that.

Two open bar seats had our names on it, though we were asked not to linger for more than two hours. Not only perfectly fine with us, but I had another reason to leave before it got dark. I was sporting new sunglasses and left my regular glasses in the car. We were reminiscing about our California road trip ages ago where I lost my glasses somewhere off route 1 and had to wear prescription sunglasses for the last two days of the trip. I kid you not, the same evening I lost them we heard “I wear my sunglasses at night” on the radio. Yes, it was radio times.

Txikito is Basque, but as with so many ethnic places trying to introduce us to a specific cuisine, it feels more Spanish than Basque. Other than some of the famed Pinxos like Gilda (a skinny homage to Rita Hayworth), the famous Basque cheesecake, and the occasional very Basque mammoth Turbot, my eye didnt spy much Basque. It spied a Russian salad, found all over Spain for some reason. But dont get me wrong, I like this menu. Like a lot…

I dont recall ever eating Octopus Carpaccio this good. A place just outside Taormina’s (Sicily) old town comes to mind but thats about it. Silky smooth buttery perfection. A signature thats been on the menu since 2008. Another winner was a hearty plate of Spanish white beans with shrimp and mussels. The accompanied bread helped us scarpetta the heck out of it.

The expertly cooked Cochinnilo (suckling pig) was exactly as expected. Just crispy enough outside and supremely tender and flavorful inside. Its an ugly looking dish until you start digging in. I care for you readers, just not to the point of videotaping everything like other influencers. But cutting this in slow mo is a droolworthy exercise. Love the Frisée addition but wish it came with another item like potatoes.

The only thing I didnt care for was the pricy white Asparagus special with scallops. Initial bites were good but that one-tone sweetness got boring in a hurry. La Viña-esque cheesecake was satisfying. Esque means “we tried” here, although its been a few years since our visit to La Viña, San Sebastian where the cake was invented. Salinas nearby also serves a fine version.

Other than me still trying to figure out whether I like standalone Spanish red Vermouth, I think I covered everything. Nice atmosphere, smart decor. Although I didnt get a very good look as putting my sunglasses was like announcing “weirdo at seat 12” to the staff. I dont think I’ll wait another 15 years to Basque another move as I do want to try the rice dish and the rest of the menu. Maybe just stay away from the specials

Txikito
240 9th Ave (Chelsea)
Recommended Dishes: Octopus Carpaccio, Beans with shrimp and mussels, Cochinnilo, Cheesecake

Categories: Chelsea, New York City | Tags: , , , , | Leave a comment

Raoul’s – A Date with Quality

Posted on March 28, 2024 by Ziggy

When I was 5 years old the world was a crazy place. Wars, chaos, crime, Froot Loops, drugs dominated. 50 years later not much has changed. But much did. I’m sure you all had similar conversation on the differences between growing up then and now. By the time I was 5 I already had my fare share of vodka that I mistook for water, and cigarettes that I did not mistake for something else. A 5 year old smoking after a rough day in day care is unimaginable now.

I may have told this story, but I recently lost some weight. I thought it was good news, but apparently to doctors its a red flag. I was bombarded with questions including whether or not I smoke(d). I answered semi-jokingly that I smoked when I was 5-6. But the elderly doctor didnt quite get the joke, or heard me properly, put me down as an ex-smoker and sent me for a chest MRI and other tests. I will never joke with doctors again. I thought I learned that lesson during the vasectomy.

When I was 5, opening a restaurant in Soho was much different than today. In the 70’s Soho was a gritty neighborhood, full of starving artists, factories, and deserted streets. Even in the 80’s when we moved to Brooklyn, we would steer clear of that area. But somehow two brothers from Alsace, France managed to open a place that not only survived 50 years, but booked solid every night these days.

Just like the nearby Minetta Tavern and a few other places, stepping inside Raoul’s is like stepping inside a movie set. Not surprisingly it was featured in movies/shows such as The Departed, and Sex and the City. Its history reads like a Netflix series, with at least one episode about discovering Thomas Keller, and some about the many famous artists that used to hang out there.

Raoul’s is an old school French bistro, with the atmosphere and art to match. Much of the art hasnt changed in many years, and we got a good look at it from our booth right under its famed nude painting. They are known for the Steak au Poivre, a secret bar burger that’s no longer a secret and martinis. Their classic Aviation cocktail made me shop for the ingredients as soon as I got home. I need a larger house for my bar.

As much as I complain about pricy bread courses, I almost always get them and enjoy them. No exception here with the Sourdough Baguette, Country Wheat, room term butter, sea salt, and the kind of radishes you stare longer than usual at the supermarket.

As far as Pates go it doesnt get much better than Raoul’s Pate Maison. French Ham and Compté Beignets with truffle remoulade were explosive little schweddy balls. Probably truffle oil in the remoulade but it works here. Maine Lobster Tortellini were supremely flavorful as well but too small of an app to share for four. The Jambalaya Risotto was another outstanding dish.

But the reason I took my family here was the Steak au Poivre. Not quite the tenderness and flavor of say, a Claro Tenderloin, but this was a decent size, and better than some I had in Paris. Perfectly cooked meat and just peppery and creamy enough. Pictured is a half. When I grow up I would love to have a whole one.

Bread pudding was solid NOLA-esque, but also too tiny to share, even though we were too stuffed anyway at this point. The profiteroles would have been a better option. My oldest gave Raoul’s a complement very few outside EWZ, and Hungry Onion (where some ex Chowhounds hang out) understand. “Foxface quality”

Raoul’s
180 Prince St (Soho)
Recommended Dishes: Bread, Pate Maison, Beignets, Tortellini, Jambalaya Risotto, Steak au Poivre, Bread pudding

Categories: New York City, SoHo, NoHo, Nolita | Tags: , , , | 1 Comment

Claro – From Oaxaca With Love

Posted on March 12, 2024 by Ziggy

Fuck congestion pricing. There you have it. The first EWZ post that starts with the F word. I felt it was time. For many of us, driving to the city is expensive as it is. We have to pass multiple bridges and tunnels, some of the most expensive in the world, just to face yet another hefty tax for the privilege. And no, there’s practically zero chance that I will rely on a bus late at night, during bad weather and other situations. We’ll most likely still make plenty of trips as my oldest lives there, but I may need to pivot.

That pivot will require to rely more on less discovered neighborhoods like Gowanus, Brooklyn. Go ahead, I’ll wait while you Google it. You can be a 10 time visitor or even a local that never heard of this neighborhood. Although its tucked between the more famous and eatery heavy Park Slope and Carroll Gardens, you only find yourself in industrial Gowanus if you go to Whole Foods. It looks and feels like a Red Hook extension. The kind of neighborhood where dads playing ukuleles in front of babies in a brewery isnt out of the ordinary.

Add Claro as another reason to go. From the outside and in it looks like your typical rustic Red Hook/Gowanus neighborhood joint. But the food tells a different story. It may sound like a cliche, but if there’s one thing I learned in Mexico City last year, was that Mexican food in the US is quite different than Mexican food there. You expect it but dont realize the extent when you spend time there. Claro, although Oaxacan by nature, is closer to the full service CDMX experience than any place I’ve been to in NYC.

You can visit Claro a dozen times without realizing it boasted a Michelin star until last year. The prices do reflect higher end Mexican, but that was also the case before the Michelin star. Many restaurants like Rezdora, Jeju Noodle Bar often change menus and even decor to try match Michelin expectations, but you get the sense that Claro just wanted to stay the same. Maybe that’s why they couldnt maintain the star.

Masa, Mezcal, and superb raw materials is the name of the game. A concentrated menu that will make you want to bring friends that appreciate good food. While picky eaters can manage, there’s not enough variety to satisfy. Though the excellent Mezcal lineup and based drinks can keep them entertained.

We started with Tuna Tostada, the only dish I’ve had here before. The tuna was bright and flavorful, as were the rest of the ingredients. But its closer to a refreshing salad than a Tostada. Not a bad thing. The Garnachas de Venado was the first moment of brilliance. Two thick fried corn tortillas shaped like small hockey pucks, topped with braised venison. But what made the dish was the accompanied Curtido (fermented cabbage). Another winner was the outstanding Black Bass with green mole, topped with smoked Trout roe, and another beautiful concoction of Brussel sprouts, cabbage, and more.

But the piece de resistance was the Mole Negro. As the hefty price ($68) suggests, its more of a dish for two. It featured a succulent Bone Marrow with fried mole that added a nice texture, and a perfectly cooked short rib sitting on a bed of their famous mole. But it was the ugly duckling, a sad looking Tenderloin that was one of the best cooked meats I’ve had in a long time. It comes with Negi Onion (fancy for scallions), and their excellent tortillas. Their Masa is made in-house from imported Oaxacan corn.

Arroz con Leche with pineapple was the perfect finish to a rare flawless meal. Not too sweet, and not the soupy variety. As for drinks, you got your Mezcal pairing options, but we opted for Mezcal based drinks which were both well balanced and superb. Jungla – Milk Piunch for me, San Pascualito Rey for her. Go!

Claro
284 3rd Ave (Brooklyn)
Recommended Dishes: Tuna Tostada, Garnachas de Venado, Black Bass, Mole Negro, Arroz con Leche

Categories: Brooklyn, New York City | Tags: , , , , | Leave a comment

Taco Tuesday – Taqueria Ramirez

Posted on March 5, 2024 by Ziggy

If you are local, unless you’ve been living under a rock, or Staten Island, you probably heard of Taqueria Ramirez by now. The Greenpoint jewel has quickly become NYC’s taco mecca, with people making the pilgrimage from far and wide. The Los Tacos of the locals if you will. The place is so busy that if the line doesnt snake around the block, you might as well get on it. Like the infamous Cronut, this is why it took me years to finally try it. One of the perks of living in options galore NYC. FOMO is easy to avoid.

But on the first spring-like day of the year I figured it’s time. We got there 10 minutes prior to opening and the line already reached the corner. Its that uncomfortable moment where you are the one blocking the crosswalk for a few good minutes. Sorry 5 year old on a tiny pink bike. You need to go around me and risk death. I got more important business to take care of.

Taqueria Ramirez opened during the pandemic (Sep 21) by Greenpoint residents who grew up in CDMX. Its a small mystery that in a city of over 300,000 Mexicans, many of which in the food business, it took this long. But once you dive into the preparation and the technique, you begin to understand why. Perhaps for the same reasons you cant get a NYC style bagel outside of NYC. Spoiler alert: Its not the water.

The result was pretty much what I expected. Best Mexico City style tacos I’ve had outside of Mexico City, but not exactly Mexico City quality. We tried three of the six tacos they offer. I regretted not ordering a 4th as soon as I placed my order. What was I not thinking. I’m finally here. But three turned out to be plenty and quite filling.

As good as it was, the Suadero, a cut of beef and preparation very rarely seen in NYC was probably my least favorite. The Pastor was solid, and plentiful. It’s not exactly as flavor packed as what you find in CDMX but enjoyable nonetheless. The Longaniza was the most distinct tasting of the three. Its chorizo on crack. I’d gladly order all three again.

The place is tiny, and finding an open seat is like finding a Palapa in Aruba after 6 am. But since people are not staying long (around 10-15 minutes), and with some seating areas outside (no tables) everyone manages. The popularity makes the entire experience a bit hectic. But it was fun watching the crew of 5 at work.

One handles the Pastor (a meat “Trompo” that trumps every trompo I’ve seen), one in charge of the Tortillas (a bit on the greasy side), and you got the “punisher” that puts the final touches with his torch. Another in charge of the traffic, and one of the register. A well-oiled machine, making something out of nothing. And the area is nice enough to explore to make a half a day out of it. Go!

Categories: Brooklyn, New York City | Tags: , , , , | Leave a comment

Tasty Tours – Eating With Ryan

Posted on February 27, 2024 by Ziggy

Yep, I took a food tour in NYC. Something I havent done since I took a relatively mediocre Free Tour by Foot tour of East Village. Free Tours and food dont really go well together in NYC, even if free means very cheap ($1-$2 each item). But generally for me, taking a food tour in NYC always felt like an experienced auto mechanic getting oil change lessons. Probably boring, but I may learn a thing or two.

Well, I actually did. I learned a few things about Washington Square Park, and even Taylor Swift, among other tidbits I never picked up in the almost 40 years of living here. For a while I thought a Swifty was a cleaning supply. I just figured it would be something fun to do with my daughter. Playing tourist in my own town, and someone else feeding me for a change, I must say it felt good. The element of surprise, coupled with some of the tastiest snacks in the area, and a fun guide to boot.

Tasty Tours is a newish tour operator started by a young enthusiastic fella named Ryan. As with any food tour, you have to have the right personality for it. The reviews suggested it, and I’m happy to confirm. Ryan is easy going, funny, and just the right guy you want to spend a few hours with. As a tour guide you feel obligated to share your knowledge, often ignoring the risk of overdoing it. But Ryan got the formula right. Just the right amount of history, trivia, customer engagement, and even the proper amount of food.

Although Ryan doesnt mind me sharing the food we ate, I rather not. I think the lack of any preconceptions and the element of surprise is part of the fun. But if you want to know, you can easily find that info on his site. Its a nice mix of classics that you may already know about and some less known spots. I can tell you that out of the 6 stops, only one of them I probably wont return, and at least two of them I’d like to return very soon. I’m sharing one food picture, but I wont tell what it is. You’ll need to guess 😉

One thing I miss the most from my guide days is that moment right after a good tour. I felt that after this one. As I told Ryan, its unfortunately the bad ones that will stick out and become most memorable, as you are also in the mercy of the people you meet. Food tours is an experience at its core. Dont take one strictly because someone you know told you to take one. Take one if you want to meet a local and other travelers, learn a thing or two about the area you are visiting, and eat tasty food in the process. Come to think of it, who wouldn’t want that.

https://www.tastytoursnyc.com

Categories: New York City, West Village | Tags: , , , , | Leave a comment

Anton’s – A Classic in the Making

Posted on February 13, 2024 by Ziggy

I dont know why I havent written a post on Anton’s before. Well, I sort of know. I may have added it to the world famous Z-List (I was told by people from various countries) before Anton’s even opened. You see, I’ve been following Nick Anderer ever since I met him at a Gabriele Bonci / Katie Parla pizza event in Brooklyn years ago. He called the police on me twice but eventually just got used to it. Another rehashed joke. I know. I’ll be here all week, try the veal. 

Like Anton’s itself, Anderer’s resume reads like an homage to the classics. Tabla (under the great late Floyd Cardoz), Babbo, Gramercy Tavern, Maialino, Marta. I recall sitting at the Marta counter, watching him throw out pie after pie that looked perfectly fine to my lazy eye, but not perfect enough to him. But it was Martina, Marta’s baby sister where I began to understand his trendsetting ways. Martina was unlike any pizzeria we have, but NYC was just not ready for her yet. Great, now I have the Bonci TV show in my head, most likely for the rest of the day.

Partnered with beverage director and life partner Natalie Johnson, Anton’s is Anderer’s first. The duo not only bringing in a wealth of expertise, but managed to put together an all-star team that includes Otto’s long timer legend Dennis Mullally, among other capable hands. After five years that included a painful pandemic, its now a well oiled machine that’s consistently booked. Though it feels more like the prototypical village neighborhood corner Italian. I’ve seen it referred to as European, but I dont recall seeing Borscht on the menu. He does make killer Pelmeni, but he calls them “Ravioli”.

Has this happened to you? You buy a nice stinky Camembert in France, eat it in the hotel with a fresh baguette, and a nice Vouvray with your spouse, and before you know it you find yourself wondering outside with your PJ’s looking for the nearest garbage can at 2 am. Even when secured in the fridge, the stench can take over the room. Its the Durian of cheese. At Anton’s, two waiters were holding their breath while I was smelling the Camembert from different angles. No smell that I could detect. This was a mild one, but that creaminess, along with that Cherry Gastrique and baguette, a killer combination. A new must.

The Pâté Grand-mère and the Smoked Whitefish Salad are the old musts. My oldest said it was like breakfast at grandmas. I agreed but only because I didnt want to kill the moment. No grandma I know ever served me a whitefish salad like this. Another winner this time was a refreshing salad of winter citrus, fennel, pistachios.

The pasta course at Anton’s is why you need to bring friends. The Spinach-Ricotta Ravioli is one of the classics, though I skipped it this time to try others. The well balanced Fettuccine with Mutton Ragù is Rezdora-esque and our new favorite of the bunch. The Angel Hair Francese takes me to my happy place. Staten Island. Where I’m munching on baked clams at a random red sauce Italian. To me its the pasta version of baked clams rather than the intended Chicken. Not a bad thing. Bucatini Baczynsky, another classic from day one, was the weakest link this time, but its more of a testament to the others.

If there’s one more thing I learned from the Maialino and Marta days is trust the chickens. At Anton’s, the half bird is on the simple side, but just the right crisp and quite satisfying. You know its good when you keep reaching for it on a very full stomach and with plenty of high quality steak left. The expertly cooked Strip Steak Lorenz is another day one item. Pair it with the Spinach a la Noialles. Hmm, maybe its more European than I thought.

Another big plus at Anton’s is the well rounded wine list, including the offerings by the glass. Finish with the Apple Crisp a la Mode and/or Bourbon Pecan Pie, though I’m suspecting you cant go wrong with any of them. Anton’s has all the ingredients for a classic in the making. Go!

Anton’s
570 Hudson St (West Village)
Recommended Dishes: Camembert, Pate, Whitefish Salad, Ravioli, Fettuccine with Mutton Ragù, Angel Hair Francese, chicken, steak, spinach, Pecan Pie, Apple Crisp

 

Categories: New York City, West Village | Tags: , , , , | Leave a comment

The Staten Island Survival Guide – 2024 Update

Posted on February 1, 2024 by Ziggy
The Staten Island Survival Guide
Categories: New York City, Staten Island | Tags: , , , , | Leave a comment

Back to Hibernia {Anguilla}

Posted on January 20, 2024 by Ziggy

The triumphant post pandemic return to one of my favorite restaurants in the world.  This time for dinner.  Although we’ll be doing dinners only most likely at this point, you all need to experience this place for lunch.  It’s an experience, even if yo are not the biggest fan of this kind of food.  Though knowing many of my readers personally, chances of you not loving this menu is remote. Not too often we encounter a menu where we want to try every single dish.   

Its an ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ kinda menu, with some ingredient change but the menu stays the course overall.  We usually start and end the same way.  Foie Gras, smoked fish, with the brilliant rum raisin ice cream with aged rum for the finish.  This time we felt a little naughty and added some prunes with chocolate (looks like we had it before).  This is probably the only time we eat prunes other than.. you know….

Original and rest of the post

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Don Peppe – Legend Still Going Strong

Posted on January 9, 2024 by Ziggy

Every time I’m invited to an event at Don Peppe, I huff, and puff and bitch all the way there. Its too far, its too old, its past its prime, I think I have a rash and it could get nasty any minute. No shortage of excuses. I just dont like to travel too far for old school Italian. But every single time I go there, I’m not only reminded how good it is, but I’m also reminded that we dont really have anything like it.

Even with a party of 10 on a Saturday night, no reservations allowed (I dont think). And even with a very full house, and standing room only in the oversized waiting room, we got our table in no time. People travel here from all parts of the city, often well over an hour to get a chance to experience this legend. In fact, its one of the only reasons to get to the JFK area other than JFK. Well, except the casino or if you are on your way to long island as I once did with my daughters. Introducing them to Don Peppe was like taking them to a Goodfellas movie set.

New York Times

Don Peppe is family style at its core. Families, and large groups have been coming here since 1968. Its Carmine’s for locals if you will, though arguably much better food. At this isolated location, you better be good to make it all those years. The only issue, and its not a small one with a large group, is what to order, and how much of it. Your eyes are often bigger than your stomach. And as much as you want to be at the mercy of the trusted waiter, our shrinking stomachs may not always agree with his assessment.

I think more than half of the people come here strictly for the Vongole. Spaghetti with clam sauce is individually plated table side, and reliably addictive. When the waiter took the order and dictated the amount we need, my friend mistakenly told him that he doesnt believe every one of us wants it. The waiter corrected the silly goose with a show of hands. 

Earlier on, the baked clams and simple house salads were winners. The salad is individually plated as well. We also often like to order Shrimp Fra Diovolo as an app. Fresh, plump, and plenty of heat for old school Italian. Though its beyond time for us to try some of the other Shrimp dishes that I suspect are even better. The only app I would skip is the mozz-tomato-peppers combo.

The zesty, buttery “Francese” like chicken was spot on. Same with the perfectly flaky, delicious Sole. But the one main that people often go nuts about here is the Veal Don Peppe. Breaded veal cutlets covered with tomatoes, peppers and onions. Its a crowd pleaser even on crowded stomachs. 

And just when the food coma starts to kick in, we still rarely miss dessert here. From the Tiramisu, Tartufo, and Sorbetto, its hard to go wrong here. While the prices have increased over the years, the fine house red is still fairly affordable. Not the most touristy location, but you wont find a more fitting “welcome to NYC” when arriving to JFK. Go!     

      

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Top 10 Things We Ate in Paris

Posted on December 31, 2023 by Ziggy

Final Paris post. It wasnt a flawless eating trip by any stretch. In between all that brilliance we had a few hiccups (I’m looking at you Eunoé), but we were quite happy with the final result. The food scene in Paris is a lot more interesting than 10-20 years ago, when old school Bistros were just Bistros, and proper Asian and other ethnic food was almost nonexistent. All this means with some careful researching you can create quite the varied food itinerary. Although personally I was mainly focused on food that’s not part of my diet back at home.

Escargot at L’Aubergeade

I’ve already written about this hidden gem in the 12th. Very popular with locals. In fact we were one of few that were not given hugs by the owner (reflected in my Yelp review!) who was running around as if there were two of him. Well, until we realized there were in fact two, twins. I could have picked pretty much any dish from this meal, but the addictive Escargot stood out for us. Just the right amount of butter and garlic, just like we like them.

“Tomato” at Granite

Tom Meyer’s Granite is a welcomed retreat from the mad scramble Louvre nearby. A 10+ dish feast for all senses. I dont take detailed notes anywhere, but if I did here, it would read like a novel. There were too many hits to mention, but the Tomato dish was the most memorable one. Of course it was not just a tomato, but a “welcome to a Michelin star in Paris tomato”. A flavor symphony with each morsel.

Sweetbread at Parcelles

A local gem that became a tourist darling once the NYT and other publications took note. Its one of the hottest tables in Paris these days. While all dishes were great especially one particular Calf’s head carpaccio, the Sweetbread is the reason to come. Whether you like sweetbread is almost irrelevant. With that mashed potato, dark veal jus and capers, its a spoonful of pure bliss. They only make about 10-15 of them, so some call to reserve it for dinner. 

Jambon Beurre at Le Petite Vendome

A sandwich legend among the Guccis and the Louis in the area. Sandwiches available at the bar or takeout, and they are simply sensational. We shared a classic, and one with quality black pepper and goat cheese. Just my kind of old school at a price of less than half of some of the other notables. Nice atmosphere, music, and fun, happy waiters even when they get super busy. Best to arrive right after lunchtime if you can, when the pesky tourists disperse.

Argentinian Entrecôte at Blanca  

The fact that we had this a day after our visit to the famed Paul Bert is everything you need to know. Superb quality meat cooked to med-rare perfection. I hesitated to put anything on it because it was so flavor packed but after trying it I happily poured the homemade vinegary chimichurri and black pepper. Its a tiny place so reserve ahead. Music on Wednesdays as of this writing. 

Whiting at Perception

The best and fun way to take advantage of the Paris Michelin culture is try to find the places that are on the cusp of stardom. Perception in the 9th is one of many Asian inspired contemporary neo Bistros, led by a talented Korean chef. While I could have easily picked the stuffed cabbage (ratatouille moment for Mrs Z), or BBQ pork cooked three ways, the beautiful, delicate whiting was unlike anything I ever had.

Cassoulet at La Forge (5th)

When I was younger, and had a head full of dazzling hair, my favorite French dish was the Cassoulet. When I saw it on menus I would stop reading the rest of it. That’s why I was setting myself up for disappointment at La Forge, even though its one of their specialties. Its so often not the same as you remember. Needless to say it was as glorious as I was hoping and then some. Although the duck confit at this Southwestern old-timer was equally as good. One of our favorite meals.

Profiteroles at Grande Brasserie

While I’ve eaten my fair share of Profiteroles during my young life, I never imagined that it would make this list. Between the size, and the flavors of this monster, its just about the best Profiteroles we ever had. Not surprising considering Grande Brasserie is one of the more reliable traditional Brasseries in the center. And the attractive, well lit room is a major bonus for us young boomers. 

Cheese at Paroles de Fromagers

The plan, to eat a great amount of cheese while in Paris was a big fail. All the popular stores were brimming with tourists, and the rest of the time my stomach was brimming with other food. But I saved room for the cheese and wine class at Paroles de Fromagers where it was not only educational, but some of the tastiest Cheese I ever had. Époisses, Saint-Nectaire, Roquefort Carles just to name a few. 

Pastries at Cyril Lignac

Even though they didnt quite look like this when we ate them at the airport. The Equinox, Citron, and Kouign-Amann, all outstanding in that order. I dont usually get excited by looks, but these were the most hypnotic pastries I’v ever seen, with the flavors to match. And they open at 7 am (at least the one on Paul Bert). I mean nothing opens this early in Paris

Bon Appétit 

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