Foodie Heaven: First Edition

Our Mission

We are fortunate enough to live in one of the best foodie cities in the world.  We also happen to love a great dining experience and appreciate being able to indulge in the specialties that this part of the world has to offer.  It is because of this that we thought our blog (in addition to being a means to keep in touch with our loved ones, of course) could serve as a reference for people like us that are planning a trip to Paris.  That is, if said people manage to stumble upon it, I guess.


Kyle, Julie and I have had a running list of places that we've wanted to test out since we moved here.  The plan is to set out on a new chow down challenge each weekend until we've hit everything on our list.  It's official - 2012 is the year of food adventures.  


We went a bit overboard this past weekend and ate out Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.  (Usually we only eat out once a week and basically live on egg whites and homemade veggie soup the rest of the time.  I mean, we want to experience the world, not develop health and weight problems :))  Anywho, I can tell you it was worth it!


First Up


Friday night we decided on a little restaurant that is right across the street from our apartment called Au Petit Sud Ouest.  It is ranked in the Top 10 on the list of best restaurants in Paris on Trip Advisor.  What a GEM!  How have we waited so long to venture across the road??


It specializes in the cuisine of Southwest France, which is mainly duck and rustic variations of ways to prepare duck.  I was a bit apprehensive at first because I like to occasionally have a taste of duck if someone else orders it, but having a whole meal for myself... I don't know?  Let me tell you, it was amazing!!

Au Petit Sud Ouest

How great is this?  Little toasters on each table to have fresh toasted bread with foie gras, etc.

I had magret de canard (seared duck breast), Julie had the classic confit de canard and Kyle had a cassoulet. They were all phenomenal.  They served Kyle's in the copper pot it was cooked in - LOVE that.

They actually had a decent beer for Kyle (rare in France).  With a sassy label and all.

After dinner digestifs

To top it all off, the couple that owns it are the sweetest little pair!  The lady gave me a little hug and thanked us repeatedly for our kindness.  What country am I in??  The prices were more than reasonable, as well.  The Top 10 ranking is well deserved.


Saturday Soiree


The three of us along with Julie's roommate Jillian and coworker Rick dined at La Tete dans Les Olives (this translates to The Head in the Olives).  We first heard of this place on the 100th episode of Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations in Paris.  Here is a clip, if you're interested (this place makes an appearance just after the 2 min mark).

La Tete is actually a little tiny shop, the size of an average American walk-in closet, that sells Sicilian specialties like olive oil, olives, sun dried tomatoes, etc.  The products are so good that major chefs in Paris purchase from La Tete for use in their restaurants.


There is ONE table in the middle of the shop that seats five people.  They serve one table at lunch and then one at dinner.  You can imagine it's tricky to get a reservation, right?  Right.  There is a six month waiting list to book a table.  Julie reserved for June, but asked if they would let her know if there was a cancellation between now and then.  Lucky for us, there was!  


We were fortunate enough to be invited along for this one of a kind experience.  

La Tete dans Les Olives

Such a cool place on such an unassuming little street in the 10th arrondissement. 

Just us and the hosts.  She stands right in front of you and prepares each course as we all sit, sip wine and marvel at this awesome find.

This is the entire place.  Seriously, Kyle has his back smushed against the front door to fit this in.

The flavors are all very simple, but because of the freshness and quality the food doesn't need much.

Chez Lucie


Sunday we had a really fun dinner with Chantal and Remy at a French Caribbean/Creole restaurant behind our apartment, Chez Lucie.  This wasn't our first visit there, but we wanted them to give it a whirl.  The food is full of spice (so is the owner!) and it's a change of pace from the traditional French fare.  At the end of the meal the owner always serves you shot after shot of homemade rum.  Yikes!  I can barely handle one.  

Other Stuff Going On


Yes, we do more than just eat!  But, it's a big part of the winter lifestyle here.  During Spring, Summer and Autumn all you want to do is be outside and walk around because it's so gorgeous.  Right now, it's a different story.  The low yesterday was 17 degrees and today it is 16!!!  Yep, that's Fahrenheit, not Celsius.  In Celsius that's like -9.  Brrrrrrr.  This forces us to get creative indoors - this normally involves eating. 

Winter Paris night

From our apartment window

Again from our apartment.  It's so deceptive - looks nice and warms, but it's 25 degrees

Open mic night at The Highlander Scottish Pub.  My what a nice expression you have, Julie.

Our friend Alexa performed and gave us all chills!

Remy, who is French, wore a kilt because it is a Scottish bar :)  Excellent.

Doesn't this water mark from my glass look like a duck??  I know, I know - this is killer blog material.

The final Tower sparkle each night is the best.  They turn off the regular lights and just let the twinkly ones go.

Bisous!
Maygan