Paris: 3 Must Eat Sweets

1. Macarons

There seems to be a macaron war in Paris, between Pierre Herme and Laduree. Both can be found on Champ Elysees. You cant miss Laduree's dainty pastel green shop, but Pierre Herme is inside a building called Avenue Montaigne. The cost per macaron is around 2.10€. Which is better? Well it really depends on your personal taste. I find that macarons from Pierre Herme has a more rustic appearance, and its filling portion is much more than Lauduree's which can sometimes overpower the crunch/chewy texture of the biscuit. Taste wise, both is great. Laduree also has a branch in CDG airport, in case you're looking for sweet treats to buy on the way home. 

2. Ice cream

The best ice cream I've ever eaten. EVER. A must go is Berthillon. All the reviews are true, Berthillon's ice cream is simply exquisite! Creamy, velvety, intense flavour, perfect for a summer's day but I'd eat it even in winter. At 4€ for a 2 scopps cone, it costs around the same back home for Haagen-Daz or Baskin Robbins. There are several Berthillon outlets in Paris, but the one I went to was near Notre Dame, you can find the address here. Another great ice cream discovery is in Montmarte, a shop called Tutti Sensi. It was by a struck of luck that we discovered this place, mainly because we were hungry and decided to give this random shop a go. But it was devine! We had mint chocolate chip that was so amazing that it drew me to a conclusion that all ice creams in Paris may just be the best.

 3. Pastry & Crepes

Fancy a eclair? Strolling past the streets of Madeleine we stumbled upon Maison Du Chocolat, in awe of their pretty pretty chocolates, macarons and pastries. YUM. We couldnt't resist, so we tried their eclairs. A whopping 5€ for a single eclair, ouch. But no bite was left unsavoured. Street snacks at Paris' finest goes to crepes. This stall does not have a particular name or address, but it's located along the green park road to champ elysees. The stall looks like this. I highly recommend getting fromage (cheese) and nutella. A crepe can costs around 2€-5€, depending on the filling you choose.

Authentic French Cuisine: Le Fumoir Paris

Situated right behind the Louvre is Le Fumoir, recommended by some locals as the place for authentic french cuisine. This is the first time I ever experienced real authentic french cuisine. If you asked me to critique solely on this category, I'm afraid it would not be the slightest bit fair. But I will tell you what every other person's sane taste buds will tell you.

French food is interesting. 

I suppose if you were earning in euros, dollar for dollar it wouldn't be expensive. An choice of entree and main or main and dessert was 34€, whereas a full set of entree main and dessert was 38€. 

Asparagus, panfried duck liver with buttery sauce

Cold soup of green vegetables with smoked goat cheese

The white asparagus I rather enjoyed. It was blanched tender enough but also had a char taste from the grill. As for the the duck livers, if you've never had them before it is really worth the try. Normally, any kind of liver would have that bitter and briny texture to it. But the way they've cooked these duck livers gave it a savory buttery barbecue like taste when it first hits your tongue. Then of course, when you start to chew, that briny texture comes back but not enough to stop me from finishing the plate. As for the soup, it tastes exactly as described. Suppose you'd have to mix the goat cheese in to give it a little bit more salt. 

Beef, potato cream, glazed onions and smoked bone marrow

Baby rack of lamb, with roast mashed carrots and chards

Smoked salmon with baby potatoes and butter. Poached cod with crab meat, broccoli, beans and lemon tarragon

The beef had a rich meat taste but it was not the most tender chunk of meat. The lamb was presented in the most dainty manner, lovely flavored sauce around the side accompanied the perfectly cooked lamb. I love anything smoked, therefore, I loved the salmon. This one had a slight sweet effect on my tongue, almost as if it was honey glazed. As for the cod, perfectly cooked, perfectly fresh. Of all the courses, I have to say the best was the lamb and the salmon. What I find great about all the mains is how the sides accompanied the meat perfectly. It's not over the top with mash and coleslaw but just small sides, cooked perfectly, partnered best.

Stewed apples and rhubarb with cardamom ice cream

Meringue with cream and cherries

Strawberries with yogurt mousse and a topping of sugar and mint

Dessert, the best closing! The apple crumble was more on the sour rhubarb side than the sweet, but the cardamom ice cream balanced it out. The meringue with cherry cream is probably my favourite dessert. Every bite was smooth and light, sweet but tangy and velvety. Delish. I suppose if you like cheese, then the yogurt mouse would do your fancy. The overall taste for the yogurt mousse was still on the sour side. 

The sum it all up. French food is a great experience, a must try. The things that I've tasted really tickled my taste buds, and I could tell a lot of great techniques goes into preparing french food. I would recommend this place to those who have yet to try french food, and want a gist of all its courses, especially dessert!

Le Fumoir

6 Rue De L'amiral Coligny

75001 Paris

Tel: 0142920024

Paris: Easy Get Around

Compared to a lot of other cities in the world, Paris' public transportation system is really convenient, affordable and easy to understand. The first thing you should know is that there are two types of trains in Paris, the Metro and the RER. The metro is a subway system that covers central Paris, whereas the RER (Réseau Express Régional) is a commuter train system that covers much of the greater metropolitan area of Paris, such as the two Paris airports (Charles de Gaulle (CDG) & Paris Orly (ORY)), Disneyland Paris and Chaeteau Versailles. Paris fare zones apply to the RER train system, unlike the metro where each single journey always costs 1,70€. 

Ticket Mobilis Carnet (13,70€) Source: lodestar-cristie.blogspot.com

If you're only sticking around in Paris, but travelling to several locations within Paris, I recommend getting a book of 10 tickets (carnet) that are sold at 13,70€ (1,37€ per ticket, saving 20%). These tickets are not restricted to time, so you can use it for anytime on any day until your tickets run out. This was what I opt for but there are many other alternatives such at the Ticket Mobilis (Paris Day tickets), Carte Paris Visite (Multi-Day Paris Metro Tickets), and Pass Navigo Découverte (Paris Metro Week Pass Card). Information for all of these passes can be found from Paris By Train. 

If you're ever lost, Paris metro signs are all over the place. But don't be afraid to ask the locals. Où est la station de métro la plus proche? (Where is the nearest metro?) Contrary to what people have said about the french, I found my experience with the french rather pleasant. More than once they have tried to help me read maps and give me directions. With all this information, you'll be around the streets of Paris with no lack of confidence.