When you’re wandering around Paris, remember to look up—you’ll often catch a charming architectural detail, a striking play of light between buildings, or an unexpected perspective. (Do keep an eye on the pavement, too: some Parisian dog owners neglect their duties.)
Sometimes the best view is sideways, as at the foot of the Sacré-Coeur, where a steep little slope on the right reveals a delightful trompe-l’oeil of a “sinking” building on rue Lamarck.
Good Eats
• We enjoyed a charming dinner at Yard, a compact restaurant tucked into a lovely micro-neighborhood in the 11th arrondissement. They serve market-driven dishes and natural wines in a relaxed, friendly setting. The highlight was a starter of trout with thin grilled zucchini and almond cream—the sauce was irresistible, and the crusty bread made the perfect companion.
• In Belleville I can’t resist a fabulous banh mi from Saigon Sandwich. Maxence and I have loved their Vietnamese sandwiches for years; they were even my first meal after both of my boys were born, delivered by Maxence to the maternité. My pick is the chicken (poulet spécial) with extra chiles.
• I was pleased to find the Compagnie générale de biscuiterie, a new cookie shop opened by pastry chef Gilles Marchal (formerly of La Maison du Chocolat) in my neighborhood. It’s a workshop-boutique where the team produces puff pastry treats and butter cookies. I recommend the paper-thin arlettes and the chocolate chip sablés.
• Montmartre’s food scene keeps growing: Melbourne coffee shop Hardware Société has opened a Paris outpost here. The bright, airy space features a lovely view and a wall of butterflies that charms visitors. Their menu emphasizes all-day brunch, such as poached eggs with grilled mushrooms, ricotta, mâche and watercress on thick walnut toast. On weekends, arrive early or late to avoid the queues.
Find my top Paris spots on my map of favorites, and follow me on Instagram to see more food photos and Paris recommendations throughout the month.
Latest Reads
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Food Blogger Pro Enrollment
I’ve previously written about Food Blogger Pro, a membership site offering practical resources for food bloggers. I still find my membership valuable—there’s a new food styling course I’m excited about. The current enrollment window closes on June 2, so if you’re curious it’s a good moment to try it. You can sign up for a single month, and the program offers a 60-day money-back guarantee.
5 Cool Links
- My friend and fellow food writer Caroline Mignot runs a YouTube channel featuring behind-the-scenes videos with top food artisans. I especially liked her pieces on massaging butter and her interview with pastry chef Johanna Roques of Jojo & Co. Even without understanding French, the visuals are delightful.
- An amusing look at the etiquette and politics of using the grocery belt divider at the supermarket.
- A concise guide to edible seaweeds that clarifies how to use them in cooking.
- A thoughtful piece on whether children should use sharp knives and hot stoves, related to my “Parents Who Cook” series.
- An exploration of the gap between what “foodie culture” celebrates and what people actually cook at home—no judgment here; I celebrate all kinds of home cooking. What are your thoughts?
Follow me on Twitter and like the C&Z page on Facebook for more links and updates throughout the month.
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