Favorite choices for food and drink our first day in Paris?

GrammaSara · Joined: 10 May 2005 Posts: 2

We have been married 39 yrs. and will be visiting Paris for the first time. Will be staying two weeks the end of November, 2005.
Wondering what kinds of selections others would put at the top of their lists of food and drink not to be missed.
Thanks,
Sara

Dawna · Joined: 04 May 2005 Posts: 125 Location: Vancouver

It's been ten years since I was in Paris (whimper!), but I always adored the lunch at the charming Cafe Quasimodo, on rue de la Cite (I think - just up from Notre Dame). Their blanquette de veau is fantastic (served over noodles, not rice), and the escargot were also delicious.

I wish I were there right now!

simona · Joined: 11 Mar 2005 Posts: 696 Location: israel

Hello,
I don't know where you are going to stay in Paris. But maybe, after recovering from your jet-leg, your first food destiny should be a market, the nearest market from your hotel, just to taste, smell, feel, see first hand what is the origin of the famous french food: the fresh ingredients, the great variety of product. Then, just sit in the nearest cafe, and drink your first coffee and croissant beurre . What could possibly be more parisian than that. The tour Eiffel can wait for another hour or so.
Bon voyage,

No more war, more croissants beurre and tartines

richardab · Joined: 14 May 2005 Posts: 4 Location: Secaucus, NJ

I think your first dinner in Paris should be a good one. I have two ideas on my blog from when i was in Paris.

The first is L'Endroit, a cozy wine bistro near the Bastille.

http://richardab.typepad.com/iheartparis/2004/11/lendroit.html

The second is Le Caveau de l'Isle, 36 rue Saint Louis en I'Isle (lovely location)

http://richardab.typepad.com/iheartparis/2004/11/le_caveau_de_li.html

Whether you go on your first day or any day thereafter, i think you will like both of these.

My websight "i heart paris" has a bunch of other restaurant ideas, just click on the link PARIS-EAT on the left column.

http://richardab.typepad.com/iheartparis
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Lady Amalthea · Joined: 18 Dec 2004 Posts: 136 Location: New York City

For French "country-style" cooking, provided you like meat, I would suggest Chez Henri. It's a bistro in St-Germain-des-Pres with the best potatoes Gratin in the world. 16 Rue Princesse, Metro Mabillon.

I would also recommend Les dessous de la robe, a wine bar with truly excellent food on Rue Bertin Poiree, near Chatelet-Les Halles. I have a review of it on my blog:
http://noshesthoughtsreves.blogspot.com/2005/04/les-dessous-de-la-robe.html.

But most of all, wander the streets, stop into boulangeries for an afternoon snack and savor all the new smells and tastes you'll encounter. Enjoy.
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Don't forget the cannolis!

melinda · Joined: 01 Oct 2004 Posts: 256 Location: Richmond, VA, usa

cheese, cheese, cheese........the type u can't get in the us (i don't know where ur comin from) but the camemberts, pont l'eveques & others in the "stinky" category that aren't pasturized r soooo much better than anything that we can get ....so grab a baguette and pick up a pastry for dessert & voila....your first meal.....don't forget to pack ur swiss army knife and maybe some plastic spoons for various yogurts....and mousses u can buy in markets (i love the chestnut ...also something we can't get here)
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Make me half the person my dog thinks I am.

MileHigh · Joined: 09 May 2005 Posts: 14 Location: Broomfield, CO USA

I would have to second melinda's suggestion - cheese, bread & wine!!

A friend and I rented an apartment for a week and the first thing we did was go out and find the market, wine shop and bakery - first things first!!

simona · Joined: 11 Mar 2005 Posts: 696 Location: israel

Hi GranmmaSara, after reading all our suggestions for your first meal in Paris, including mine ( market+ local cafe), I suddenly realized that it is what we like to eat :you did not tell us what you would like to eat ,what you dreamed when choosing Paris for your 39th anniversary trip. Do you like fancy food, would you like popular food, fancy restaurants, just bistros? Are you meat lovers, sea food lovers, vegetarians? Maybe so, some of us could make really helpful suggestions. Anyhow, I'm sure you'll love Paris. everybody does.
GrandmmaSimona ( I have three of them , how many do you have?)

No more war, more people enjoying Paris, good food and a good life!

GrammaSara · Joined: 10 May 2005 Posts: 2

Thank you for all the responses.
We like all kinds of food and are looking forward to trying many new things, but are not planning to go to any extravagantly expensive restaurants.
I was just curious about what others consider as their favorite foods to enjoy in Paris.
We have 6 grandchildren, and another on the way.

wnissen · Joined: 17 Mar 2005 Posts: 13 Location: Livermore, CA

A quintessentially French food to enjoy is a hot, fresh crepe. Usually there is at least one stand near the Eiffel Tower, and I can think of few things better than a warm crêpe au sucre (crepe with granulated sugar), or with confiture (jam) or, if you're feeling especially decadent, nutella and banana. Thus fortified, you'll be up for the long lines of the tower...

Walt