Food Lovers' France
Snails... horse meat... tongue... goose liver paté... stinky cheese.... Even people who like American fast food might enjoy Europe's top cuisine. Share your best treats in France.
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Great Cooking Class in Paris
We are over the moon about our Morning Market and Cooking Class with Cooknwithclass in Montmartre. Our chef Brian DeFehr was extremely knowledgeable, entertaining and superb as a teacher, and together we produced a luncheon we can still taste a week later. We learned an amazing amount in the market before we began cooking, perhaps the best part of the whole experience. Understanding the character of the food elements available in Paris helps us appreciate the French cuisine and understand better how to try to duplicate some of the tastes at home in the U.S. Consider a class with them an essential to a great Paris stay!
Molly Cashin
Washington, DC, 20008 USA 01/03/2012
Lots of Options - Cook 'n w Class Best at Hands On
Pino was a great teacher at Cook 'n with Class in Monmartre! It's easy enough to get there by metro and then walk about 2 short blocks. I took the French Desserts class (Buche de Noel, Chocolate Eclairs, Creme Brûlée, Madeleines, Chocolate Lava Cake). We made all of those desserts in only 4 hours! It was a great learning experience and I know that I (a non-cook) will definitely make them again! There were 5 of us in class in December and it was very collaborative and hands on, but informal and relaxed! I had taken the breadmaking class last April, which qualified me for a discount. They offer other discounts on their Web site as well. I got the Rick Steves' discount that's is his book, too. Everying was in English. I've taken classes at Le Cordon Bleu (in French and translated into English), which I've enjoyed as well, but this was a different and much more informal experience. Also, I've taken classes at L'atelier des Chefs (French only - so find someone in class who can translate as you cook or you'll be lost!). And I took a class at the Ritz (these are very hard to get into), which was also French and translated into English. I enjoy taking these cooking and baking classes and meeting people from around the world - a great experience!
Patty
Tinton Falls, NJ USA 01/02/2012
Cooking classes in Paris, France
While visiting Paris, France for the first time, I decided to take a few cooking classes. I had rented an apartment for my one month stay but had no idea how to find a good cooking class so I asked my landlord to recommend a few places. She only recommended one, Cook N with Class. After I had booked my four classes I was delighted to find the school listed in the back of my Rick Steve's travel book which made me feel even more confident in my choice. I was not disappointed in any way! All four classes were sublime. I took Molecular Gastronomy with Chef Alex Dreyer, Baking and Desserts with Chef Pino Ficaro and Market Place Cooking with Patrick Hebert. After returning home I purchased ingredients to make all the dishes I learned while in Paris, wowing my friends and family. I have also used the recipes to cook with my Home Economics students who are delighted to be cooking "real" French foods. I highly recommend Cook N with Class.
Judith L. Blankenship
Antioch, CA USA 11/21/2011
Cook'n with class
I wanted to take a pastry cooking class while in Paris. After two other classes fell through, I came across Cook'n With Class, they were easy to navigate and enroll. The class was fun and informational, and our instructor spoke English, which was very helpful. He was very patient and knowledgeable in the French pastry. The school was clean and well decorated! The pastry was very delicious!! Very nice experience over all!!
Lana Kinser
Normal, IL. USA 11/20/2011
cooking/food
While in Paris recently my wife and i took part in a one day cooking school with "Cookin with Class'.
we spent a whole day in the company of a top flight chef buying the ingredients from different shops,preparing and cooking the courses and eating and enjoying them.
as foodies we were in heaven,as were the other four people in the class.
so if you are going to be in Paris and like to cook/eat,and have a free day we are certain that you will enjoy this.
The classes are in english(the chef was canadian),small, 6 people is typical. abundant wine is served throughout.
www.cooknwithclass.com
ken
vancouver, bc canada 11/17/2011
Cooking classes
My husband and I just returned from an amazing October in Paris and Italy where we tried taking cooking lessons. In Paris, Chef Marie from "A World in a Pan" cooking met us, took us through a French market and shops, and then instructed us as we prepared and cooked a delicious meal. It was easy. It was fun. We would do it again, and highly recommend her cooking atelier. Bon Appetit!
Pam
Snohomish, WA USA 11/14/2011
Cook 'N With Class
I took the French Baking class at Cook 'n With Class in Paris with Chef Briony Laberthonniere in October and it was absolutely wonderful! It was one of the highlights of my trip. The class was well organized and informative. I would highly recommend it.
Karen M
Madison, WI USA 11/12/2011
Eating in Carcassonne
I would like to offer a positive experience to counter that of Paula and Kalvin from Texas. We ate at the Auberge des Lices on two successive days, the first for lunch and second for dinner. I had medieval suckling pig that was "melt in your mouth" delicious. My wife had duck and cassoulet also fantastic. Our waiters were very attentive to us and even apologized that they weren't as attentive as they should be because the restaurant was more crowded than expected. We also stayed next door to the Auberge des Lices for two nights and the owner arranged our third night at the Auberge. We had a large room overlooking the dining courtyard with a larger jacuzzi tub and air conditioning. It was all quite wonderful. We are disappointed that Paula and Kalvin did not have the some wonderful experience that we did. We were in Carcassonne Sept. 25-28.
John and Kathy
Janesville, WI USA 10/31/2011
La Roque-Gageac
We were biking in France from Sept. 13-29. We revisited the Dordogne region between Bergerac and Sarlat. Our experince the first time in 2009 was so wonderful we decided to return. We were not disappointed and our dining highlight the second trip was the same as the first--Hotel Le Belle Etoile. We have two lifetime memories of a wonderful hotel (spotlessly clean and reasonable)and two fabulous dining experiences. The food was the best we had in France. In addition, the staff were completely attentive to our needs especially Jerome and Benoit, our waiters. It was the best.
John and Kathy
Janesville, WI USA 10/31/2011
Loire Valley Cooking Class Near Tours
For visitors to the Loire valley who want to explore local French cuisine, but don't have time for a full series of culinary classes, here is a great one day course that is not only delicious, but also lots of fun.
We recently spent a week in the Loire valley. In addition to visiting the châteaux, we also signed up for a cooking class in the home of Béatrice Lecuirot. The day spent cooking with her was one of the highlights of our stay in France.
Béatrice offers several different menus to choose from and is quite agreeable to fine tuning them in advance according to one's wishes. She speaks wonderful English, but is very willing to let people practice using whatever level of French they have (For want-to-be francophones like myself, isn't that part of the fun of traveling to France?).
The classes are held at Béatrice's home in Saint Etienne de Chigny which is located on the Loire River 9 miles west of Tours, France. Our party of five arrived at 9:30 AM at her amazing "troglodyte" home to begin our morning of prepping. (A "troglodyte" house is one that is partially or completely built into a rock hillside). Her home proved to be an extraordinary venue for a cooking school. Béatrice warmly greeted us at the gate and after a tour of her home, she handed us aprons and recipes, and gave us an overview of what we would be preparing for lunch. Throughout the morning, Béatrice was very good at getting all of us to participate, assigning tasks and helping out with this fun hands-on class when needed.
After a trip to the kitchen garden to gather fresh veggies and a trip into the wine cellar deep in the hillside, we began work in the well-equiped, spacious, light-filled kitchen. We each had our items to prepare and the 3 hours of prepping went quickly with lots of good conversation...and local wine. Finally, the plates were assembled and we all sat at the table on the patio to enjoy what we had created.
We had chosen Béatrice's "Return from the Hunt" menu which featured venison. The venison was paired with a baked apple, a pear poached in red wine, and topped with "Sauce Grand Veneur" ("Huntsman's sauce", a classic sauce for large game). Also on our menu were "Gougères" (baked savory cheesy puffs), "Nuage de fois gras et lentilles" (lentils, fois gras, with a savory whipping cream), "Mini Gâteaux aux rillettes" (small, savory rolls filled with shredded pork), and for dessert, "Crémet de Touraine" ("Faisselle", a strained, soft curd cheese) drizzled with a strawberry coulis.
I can't think of a better way to experience French culture than by spending time cooking and dining in a unique and welcoming home. Thank you so much, Béatrice, for such a great time and a great meal!
http://www.cuisine-valdeloire.com/Accueil.html
La Reynière
Dean W.
Seattle, WA USA 10/21/2011
Eating in Carcassone
We were disappointed at Rick's suggested Auberge des Lices. We thought the restaurant decor was lacking in charm and the service was disinterested at best.
On the other hand, we found La Marquiere the next night and loved it. The interior was very warm, homey and charming. The young couple running the dining room were very attentive and helpful -- we received a great wine suggestion. The food was delicious.
Kalvin & Paula
Texas USA 10/14/2011
Culinary Tours of Paris
Culinary Tours of Paris (www.culinarytoursofparis.com) are conducted by a transplanted American and, schedule permitting, his Parisian girl friend for up to eight guests. Our lunch tour included 5 guests and guides John-Paul Fortney and Julie. They guided us through streets of Montmartre to three restaurants - each worthy and interesting in its own right - for appetizers, a main course and desserts. Along the way we learned of Vincent Van Gogh and Saint Denis, to name a few. It is a walking tour and Montmartre can be challenging for those who have difficulties with hills and cobble stones. Bon Appetit!
Terry & Craig Barton
Webster Groves, MO USA 10/06/2011
A Lovely Cafe in Rue Cler
Our first trip to Paris and we took many of Ricks suggestions but found a wonderful little restaurant just across from our hotel. We stayed at the Hotel Champ de Mars in Rue Cler and accidentally stumbled into Le Sancerrois. Family owned, they just took over this place and made our trip so special. After walking 7-8 hours a day all we wanted was good food and a peaceful atmosphere and we got that and more here. Isabelle and Kadar (the chef) were wonderful, helpful and a joy to be around. We ate there all but 2 nights and felt like family at the end of our trip. We hope they are there when next we visit and that others will find this place to be as lovely as we did.
Lucy & Massy
Centereach, NY USA 10/02/2011
Eating in France
During our fifteen day holiday in France, filled with delicious eating experiences, two stood out for us. In Paris was Chez Gabrielle found on a side street off Rue Wagram near the Marriott Renaissance Hotel and the Arc de Triomphe. A small, family owned and operated establishment, the food was truly out standing and worth a visit. The second was recommended by you in your comments about Chartres - Le Pichet. The food made the trip much more memorable, and the friendliness of the owners was most welcome.
Ron and Sandra Langhals
Ottawa Hills, Ohio USA 10/01/2011
Cooking Workshop in Paris
I had the opportunity to participate in various cooking classes during my trip to Paris. Cooking with Class and Chef Alex were by far the best of them all. The atmosphere is both professional but also inviting. The instruction is precise and presented in a very fun way.
Without a doubt Cooking with Class will be on the top of my list in all my visits to Paris.
The only regret I have was not participating in more classes.
Marcus Fortunato
Marcus Fortunato
Las Vegas, NV USA 09/29/2011
Cooking School
Cook 'n with Class was fabulous. The class size is small and I learned a lot. I would definitely take another class there.
Kendall
TX USA 09/15/2011
Cook'n With Class
The best experience of my trip to Paris was my morning market class with Chef Alex Dreyer at Cook'N With Class. Alex was amazing, I met the best people in my class who are now my friends, and I can't say enough great things about this experience. The market trip was educational in itself, but the best part was preparing the food and learning about the different ways to apply our new cooking skills to other ingredients. I can't say enough about this - make time for it! It was a pure Parisian immersion and to have a fully English speaking staff was refreshing for non-French speaking tongues!
I also did the Wine & Cheese Class with Cook'N With Class and it too was fantastic! Lionel was a fabulous sommelier who answered all of our questions with a smile and more wine.
Carrie
St. Paul, MN USA 09/15/2011
cooking class
My wife and I recently completed a bread making course at Cooknwith Class in Montmartre, Paris, France.
The class was excellent. The instructor, Pino Ficara, was organized, articulate and an experienced and talented baker.
Under his guidance we prepared baguettes, focaccia, brioche and pizza all within the course of a four hour class.
This was the highlight of our two week trip to France.
anonymous
Seattle, WA USA 09/13/2011
Cook'n with Class
I attended the Cook'n with class dessert instruction. The class was a highlight of my vacation in Paris. I would strongly recommend this enjoyable introduction to French cooking with an amazingly funny and informative chef, Chef Alex.
Janet Whiteside
Winter Park, FL USA 09/06/2011
Santa Carna...authentic Argentinian beef in Paris
My wife & I had some of the best beef that we've ever tasted tonight at "Santa Carne" (24, rue des Tournelles, 75004 Paris, near Bastille Place). Every bite was amazingly tasty. The beef is authentic beef from Argentina. The restaurant was chic & the staff are friendly.
Al & Nicole F.
Elgin, IL USA 09/02/2011
Paris Cafe on Rue Daguerre
Just returned from visiting London and Paris, and one of the best meals we had was lunch at the Cafe Daguerre on Rue Daguerre in Paris. Completely unplanned, our 17- and 20-year old kids were hungry and pointed us to the cafe after visiting the Catacombs. Lunch was reasonably priced and delicious. My wife had lamb, I had duck, portions were more like dinner than lunch. Right on the corner of Rue Daguerre and Avenue Denfert Rochereau
Tim and Sue Falk
Seattle, WA USA 08/28/2011
Cook'n With Class
One of the most memorable and truly enjoyable activities I have experienced in Paris has been taking a cooking class with "Cook'n With Class" in Montmartre. From the shopping experience in the local shops to the final reward of an outstanding meal, the entire evening was both entertaining and educational, not to mention pure fun. Our guide and instructor extraordinaire, Constance, was a joy and a wealth of information. Her attention to our group's personal tastes and food restrictions was exceptional, teaching us to make a flourless soufflé because one participant had celiac disease. If you find you have the time and the opportunity to fit it in while visiting the City of Lights, I would strongly recommend that you experience "Cook'n With Class." Your taste buds will thank you!
RatherBeInParis
Pickering, ON Canada 08/26/2011
Cooking with Class
My husband and I participated in a "Cooking with Class" session which was most memorable. Your researchers should try it out as it is definitely recommendable. We joined 4 others to shop for and prepare our evening meal. Great fun as well as a fun local learning experience. We have photos if you would like us to share with you.
D. Dunn
Edmonton, AB Canada 08/21/2011
Market tour in Paris
Wanted to share this on for anyone thinking about a food tour in Paris . . .
I booked a market tour through Context Travel that was absolutely fantastic. If you're a food lover coming in from outside Paris, it was a great way to see and taste how a lot of Parisians eat.
Our guide, Paris by Mouth's Meg Zimbeck, met us at a park in the 12th and we walked over to the huge Beauveau market on Rue d'Aligre. We bought bread at an organic boulangerie (Le Pain au Naturel) and talked about the recent history of baguettes and trends in baking. From there we went to an absolutely fantastic fromager (Philippe Langlet) for a variety of cheeses, including a chevre from 6-day old milk that was like nothing we could get in the States. We walked through the farmer stalls and picked out fruit and indoors to check out the poultry and charcuterie shops. All the while, Zimbeck walked us through how the average Parisian approaches day to day shopping and what's on their palate.
We circled back to the park and spread out quite a picnic onto one of the concrete ping pong tables. Zimbeck did an excellent job of walking us through the different cheeses, noting where and how they were produced and provoking a good discussion about what we as a group did and didn't like. The salami and rillettes of both pork and chicken were just outstanding.
It made us think. It made us eat. I can't imagine a better way to tour Paris.
The tour: http://www.contexttravel.com/city/Paris/walking_tour_details/Paris_Market_Walk
Stephen Cavendish
Chicago, IL USA 08/19/2011
Wonderful meal
We stayed at the Grand Hotel Leveque on Rue Cler in Paris. Just a few blocks away, we enjoyed a memorable meal at L'Auberge du Champs de Mars located at 18, rue de l"Exposition. Phone 01 45 51 78 08. Exquisite meal including appetizer, main dish, and dessert for 32 euros. Make a reservation and the chef may surprise you with a starter and an extra sweet treat! The lamb was delicious, the chocolate tart divine!
Carol Jeanson
Nipomo, CA USA 08/08/2011
Cook'n with Class
Cook'n with Class was a wonderful experience on out recent trip to Paris. I was traveling with my adult children and this was an awesome family experience. Chef Pino was great and we all had fun. We spent 3 hours making our meal and then all dined together! Wxvajsell worth it!
Mary Moynagh
Shrewsbury, Ma USA 07/26/2011
The BEST Gelato - anywhere
Surprisingly, the best gelato on our 14-day Europe trip was NOT in Italy, but in Paris. Amorino Gelato on Rue Cler in Paris. Not only the best gelato of the trip, but our family of four agreed that it's the best gelato we've had anywhere in the world! Seriously. Thick, rich, super smooth, incredible. Local organic ingredients. We tried many flavors and they were all delicious, but the mango was to die for.
Glenn Olson
Beaverton, Oregon USA 07/26/2011
Cook'nWithClass in Paris
Cook'nwithclass was one of the hi-lights of my trip to Paris, an event not to be missed.
My group's trip, "Ladies in Paris," was given an opportunity to take a cooking class in Paris during our stay. Our meeting with Chef Constance and Chef Patrick was much more than a cooking class. We were taken on a shopping trip to purchase the food we would later cook. What an adventure to meet "the families of cheeses" at a local cheese shop. We left envious of all the wonderful taste experiences that are available to the Parisian, experiences that even the best of Whole Foods could not match! Then on to the fish monger's and the butcher shop and the open air produce stands. Our chefs gave us tips on how to buy the best of fresh fish and meat and produce and chatted with us about what was considered "fresh and local and slow" there. We shared that many of the menus of the restaurants we had eaten at also mentioned serving locally grown food, all of which added to our enjoyment of our stay, as eating in Paris is an art-form! The cooking itself was fun, informative and hands-on. We were taken through a traditional multi-course French meal, and given the instructions and recipes for some typically French cooking techniques and sauces and invited to search their Blog for more recipes. It was amazing how many new recipes we learned in such a few short hours. Returning to the hotel, we all were wishing we had more time in Paris to spend with Chef Patrick and Chef Constance! I have already tried some of the recipes here at home, and I am sure my fellow travelers have as well. My only advice is to wear walking shoes and bring an empty stomach!
To the Chefs, Merci il fut un temps merveilleux!
JoAnne Vernacchio for "Ladies in Paris"
JoAnne Vernacchio
South Weymouth, MA USA 07/24/2011
Greater Paris dining
My wife and I stayed in Rue Claire this spring. Le P'tit Troquet was all Steve said it was - great. Cafe La Roussillon was the worst we tried. We accidentally ran into a new restaurant in Versailles run by a wonderful young couple: Le Resto du Roy, near the palace at 1 avenue de Saint-Cloud. The food was delicious and the presentation artistic. It should be added to the next edition of the guidebook.
Dick
Rochester, MN USA 07/15/2011
late night dining in Paris
We had overdone our sightseeing in Paris and didn't stop for dinner until 10 pm. Even the cafes were closing! Near the Sorbonne, my son spotted an unassuming place with a sign saying "Pizzeria" that was still open. Much to our surprise, it was a lovely and welcoming Italian restaurant with an interesting menu and wonderful home-made desserts. The food was terrific, the staff and patrons were friendly and it was the most enjoyable dining experience of our trip. The place is Casa Valentino at 208 rue Saint-Jacques.
Anita
colorado springs, co USA 07/09/2011
Cook n with Class
I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in a cooking class at Cook n with Class in Paris on June 23, 2011. Our Chef instructor was Chef Constance Deledalle. This class started out at the markets. We shopped for the products we used for our class. Chef Constance was so knowledgeable, creative, and fun! The kitchens were clean and well organized. This was truly one of the best experiences for me in Paris!! I would recommend anyone to take a class from Cook n with Class! Bon Appetit!
Jenny Cash
Birmingham, AL USA 07/05/2011
Cookin with class
tired of museaums and churches.
Then go to Cookin with Class. Paris's bet attratction.
After 10 visits I should know
Neil
Murrumbateman, NSW Australia 07/05/2011
Cooking Class
Took a Baking Class with Cook'n with Class in France. Alex was great, and made it so simple.
Brenda
Girard, IL USA 07/01/2011
Casa Campana
Casa Campana near rue Cler: The food was wonderful and the service fun during dinner- but had a little trouble with the bill... the language barrier caused the waiter to mistakenly over-charge us by 66 euros. When we realized, instead of correcting it, he told us it wasn't his problem and it was our fault! We refused to leave and finally got most of our money back. An upsetting ending to a delicious dinner.
Stephanie
Nashville, TN USA 06/05/2011
Arles restaurant
In Arles recently, we tried to have dinner at the Rick recommended Au Bryn du Thym, but it was full (of Americans). We ended up just a few doors down at the wonderful La Paillotte Le Plaza (on rue du Docteur Fanton). Fabulous 3 course dinner, great service and presentation! Our family is still raving about their fish soup and taureau (bull's meat).
Leanne
Atlanta, GA USA 06/04/2011
Cook'n with Class
French bread!!! An absolute MUST DO for anyone who likes French bread. Cook'n With Class is an intense 4 hour class in making baguettes, French country bread and brioche. Located in Montmartre, the class is a hands on baking and tasting experience. The hightlight of this year's trip to Paris!!
Mary Lou Hartis
Charleston, SC USA 06/02/2011
Cooking class in paris
I just returned from a trip to Paris, the highlight of the trip was a cooking class with Alex at Cooking with Class. Not only was our dessert class informative, Alex (being from Texas) made our class so relaxing and fun. We made at least 6 desserts, one better than the next. I would HIGHLY recommend a class at this quaint school and request Alex for the instructor. It was a nice break to have an english speaking teacher who understood an American sence of humor!
Wendy Buzil
Westchester, Il USA 06/02/2011
Great food and Great Fun
From the walking tour of the market to the last crumb of a delicious desert this class was both informative and enjoyable. Charlotte's approach to cooking is to ensure that you understand the role of each ingredient, how they blend together and then the role that each plate has in the dinner. She understands and explains how the science and art of cooking come together. You follow a recipe but you also put a little of yourself in each dish to make it special. Charlotte doesnt teach how to cook...but how to create.
The brief walking tour is informative and fun. Richard's experience and love of the market comes through in his explanation and friendly approach. Finding the perfect baguette and why added a little adventure to the tour.
A good value and one that we will try again.
Ross
bonita Springs, FL USA 06/01/2011
Cookin with Class
While in Paris our family took the French Dessert & Pastry class and had a great time. I learned alot and had fun. Can't wait to try them at home. We had a group of 6 and the instructor was a lot of fun. Well worth the time and money. Class was about 3 hours. Located in the Montmarte area. www.cookinwithclass.com
Jennifer
Seattle, WA USA 05/25/2011
cookery classes in paris
It would be remiss of me, having had such a great Saturday evening at the Cook'n With Class Market course, not to record my thanks to the culinary team.
Rosie and I joined 4 others on Saturday at 5 T the Jules Joffrin metro station for a most memorable gastronomic experience.Why meet there?- nearest station to a really FANTASTIC street market
Alex, our chef, was patient , knowledgable and helpful in all parts of the evening's experience.
Loved the Market trip best, where I learned, at great length about cheese, vegetables, meat and fish. Also learned much in cooking skills and the final meal was worth waiting for. Continued success to them- get on board before it gets copied and cheapened.
cook 'n class
paris, USA 05/20/2011
Cook'n with Class - Macaron
I took this class during my April 2011 trip to Paris. Fun, friendly class. Great instructions for these very complicated French cookies. I will definitely take another class on my next trip.
Paulette Morgan
Vienna, VA USA 05/16/2011
Cooking class
Learned so much in a fabulous cooking class with Chef Brian at Cook'n with Class in Monmartre. Highly recommend the evening market class. Not cheap but well worth it. Came away with tons of new info about cheeses and would love to go back and take the wine and cheese class.
Janie Farler
Bartonville, Tx USA 05/15/2011
COOK'N WITH CLASS, Paris, France
5 Stars Indeed!!!! My French Desserts class with Pino Ficara on 9 May, 2011 was an enjoyable, entertaining, delicious and educational experience. Pino's skill in the kitchen was exemplary and his charming demeanor made the class all the more enjoyable. A small class size allowed everyone to participate as much or as little as they desired. Everyone was able to perfect techniques of folding, sifting, egg-separation, grating, peeling, slicing...and especially tasting! It was a fun, hands-on experience. I especially enjoyed the tips and shortcuts Pino shared. I especially appreciate Pino sharing his sources for specialty ingredients we can obtain back in the US. If you enjoy dessert, and playing in the kitchen....you'll enjoy and appreciate this class. It will be an enjoyable memory of a lovely afternoon in Paris!
Nancy Parsons
Dallas, TX USA 05/10/2011
Cook N' With Class
We had a cooking class with Alex at Cook N' With Class in Paris, France, and it was awesome. In addition to Alex being extremely knowledgeable about cooking, he also gave us a thorough history of French cooking. We did the "Evening Market" class, and shopping for our food, preparing, and finally, eating our food, was the highlight of our trip to Paris! Magnifique!
Tricia and Sarah Skorpinski
Leesport, PA USA 05/01/2011
Dining
For those travelling in Paris and in the Rue Cler area try these restaurants not found in Rick's book.
Both are on Rue de Montessuy...
Fermin le Barbier, wonderful little cafe, 20-ish seats, casual, with a nice bottle of wine, we spent 110 euros. Also, a little pricier but worth it, Au Bon Accuiel just down the street, fantastic! English spoken at both, very tourist friendly, authentic french cuisine at both. Bon appetit!
JW
Iowa City, USA 04/19/2011
wonderful cooking class at marguerite elegant cooking
I had a great time with Rebecca when we came to Paris! The class was excellent! I hope to take another one of Marguerite's classes in the future.
Susan
Orlando, FL USA 04/18/2011
Pizza, Chartres, and lust!
France can offer some of the best pizzas in the world. I lived near Chartres for 1 year and there was a restaurant/bar titled LE LATINO which had the best pizza I'd ever eaten in my whole life. You could get about 6 fresh, delicious toppings from veggies to seafood, to spicy sausage. It truly was THE BEST. To get there exit the train station to your right and turn left at the first road and walk 5 minutes. You WON'T regret it.
Alexander
Quad Cities, IL USA 04/10/2011
La Varangue - GREAT food!
Thank you Rick Steves' Guide Book! We had a wonderful meal at this little gem hidden away on a side street by the Eiffel Tower. On our visit, which was earlier in the evening than most Parisians eat, we were all Americans and it gave us a feeling of commraderie. We cannot say enough about Philippe! Master of all! He greets and seats you, brings you the menu, takes your order, cooks and serves you and does the "bussing" and dish washing also. All the while chatting with the patrons as he cooks. It was the best meal that we had in Paris. We only wish we'd gone there our first night; we would have gone every single night we were there! La Varangue - 27 rue Augereau, Paris
Lyz DeMarco
Hollywood, FL USA 03/29/2011
Cook'n with Class cooking in Paris
I went to a bread making class with Pino at Cook'n with class on 23rd March. I have attended many cooking classes in different countries, with different cooking styles from entrees to mains and pastries to desserts. The way Pino presented this class was perfect. He had the right format, having prepared dough for us to cook the night before, but also showed us how to prepare the same doughs for ourselves (to keep for the next class to cook). We made 4 different breads and Pino gave us advice on variations to these as well. We ended the lesson with our own made pizzas and a glass (or two) of wine! Pino was brilliant in technique, advice, patience and humour. Mixed in with this lesson was advice on where to eat and food shop both in France and at our next port of call-Florence. My only regret was that I found these classes too late and could only attend 1. It was well worth the money - definitely NOT overpriced as some say and we were all able to be involved in the prep and cooking of the breads, unlike some other schools where 8 people share cracking an egg! Brilliant class Pino and thanks for the experience and recipes and I'll see you on my next trip to Paris.
Denise
Sydney, NSW AUSTRALIA 03/28/2011
"cook'n with class " - paris france
"well worth the money"
signed my wife, daughter and myself up in the "morning class with market visit" after reading various reviews. what a wonderful experience - well worth the money. met chef brian defehr promptly at 9:15 am and walked a few short blocks to the local markets. visited a cheese shop, produce shop, local butcher and a shop that specializes in seafood. spent an average of 20 minutes in each learning how a chef chooses the food he prepares. very detailed and very educational. we then decided on the meal of our choice - squash soup with truffels, duck breasts, braised shallots, sauteed apples, and poached pears in with chocolate. we then went back to the main kitchen ( first class) and cooked our meal. the chef - brian defehr - could not have been more enthusiastic and professional. this was a very "hands on" experience. by the time the class ended around 2:30 pm, we had cooked and enjoyed a wonderful three course meal. wine and snacks were included throughout the class and the class provided an assistant to both set and clean up. this was a wonderful experince and I would easily sign up for another class on our next visit to paris.
Date of visit: March 2011
charlotte, nc USA 03/27/2011
walking tours, gourmet, food
Joined Marguerite's Epicurean Walking Tour in Paris which covered a typical french marché (market), a boulangerie, fromagerie, and a chocolatier. Great tour that reinforces the reason why French cuisine is at the level it is in. Only the best products, carefully controlled by the government, and people who totally love and know their food. Definitely recommended for people who are new to Paris... and for tourists who just love food in general!
:) See: www.elegantcooking.com.
Carmela Borgers
Paris, France 03/22/2011
A World in a Pan
A few years ago while on sabbatical I took a cooking class at A World in a Pan in Paris. Had a fantastic time. Just 5 of us, a small Parisian kitchen, a great teacher and good food. I am hoping to go back for another class sometime. In fact, if I get back to Europe this fall I may make a trip to Paris just so I can enjoy Laura's hospitality.
John Sauer
Owatonna, MN USA 03/22/2011
food
Rue Cler neighborhood...the Ulysse crepes saved us! Fresh, affordable, delicious way to start or end the day. They are a great 'to go' treat...or if you have more time pamper yourself with a sit down meal. Everything we tried there was full of flavor, homestyle greek cooking.
Laurie
Seattle, WA USA 03/21/2011
Great cooking class in Paris
Just came back from Paris where I had a great time at Marguerite Cooking school. The class started with a wonderful market visit that I highly recommend. www.elegantcooking.com
Instructor Rebekah was fun and knowledgeable.
Jonette
Santa Barbara, CA USA 02/28/2011
Paris Wine Tasting at O Chateau
O Chateau (in the 2nd) is a great wine bar where we took a fabulous wine tasting class, "Tour de France of Wine" with Olivier. It was a great way to learn about French wine (great to do early in your trip to make ordering wine easier the rest of the time). Olivier is incredibly knowledgeable, but very down to earth and funny in leading the class. The group we tasted with was very fun - in fact, we spent a few hours after class in the wine bar with some of them, trying more wine. Check out the website for class options, www.o-chateau.com; there's a Rick Steves' discount code to save €10 if you book online: RS2011. We highly recommend it!
PlannerGrl
Washington, DC USA 02/27/2011
Food in the Latin Quarter
Spent a wonderful week on the Rue Mouffetard, highly recommend -- Le Volcan, Les Fetes Gallants and L'Epicurie -- all small, very reasonably priced. Don't miss the markets on Sunday or Friday!
Cindy
Peoria, IL USA 01/26/2011
cooking class
One of the best presents I ever got was a cooking class at Cook'n with class in Paris. The chef Eric is delightful and knowledgeable, easy-going, not stiff or stuffy in any way. The food was incredible and remarkably uncomplicated. I highly recommend this adventure!
melissa Goggin
beverly, ma USA 01/08/2011
COOKING CLASS IN PARIS
In Paris, I recommend cooking classes with Laura at A World In A Pan http://www.aworldinapan.com/
This was my second time around and it was just as fun as when I went to Paris last year. Laura adapts the menu to the seasons and our tastes (my husband can't eat shellfish) because we chose the ingredients during the farmers' market tour.
We learnt some easy and delicious dishes (like clafouti aux poires) and had it on a BEAUTIFULLY set table in her spectacular dining room with a balcony.
Sylvia
Cambridge, MA USA 01/06/2011
Fabulous cooking class and market tour
Eye On Paris, http://www.eyepreferparistours.com/cooking-class/ offers a great way to explore Parisian culture and food. My girlfriends (with varying cooking levels) and I toured the local market with Richard and cooked with Charlotte in her beautiful kitchen. We are recreating the menu for our own holiday celebrations! Such fun! Highly recommended!
Susan
McCall, ID USA 12/16/2010
Cooking class at CooknWithClass in Paris
Cooking class at CooknwithClass. This was truly a great experience. Wonderful people, great techniques, great facilities. Everyone spoke english, had lived in the US so knew resources here, We would highly recommend it - it was the highlight of our trip to Paris.
Allan
York, ME USA 12/15/2010
Cook N with Class- Paris
What a wonderful, educational and delicious way to spend an evening in Paris! As luck would have it, snow and cold kept all the other participants away and I had the unique experience of having chef Brian as my personal chef and teacher. He took me on a tour of the market shops where we purchased seasonal fresh ingredients for the menu of my choice. I learned about products everywhere we went. His passion for cooking and his creativity were evident in every shop. After a great learning experience, we returned to prepare and eat a meal worthy of the finest restaurant. Great cooking tips and techniques were part of the experience. Do it if you can!
Clarette
Springfield, VA USA 12/11/2010
Eating in Paris-Rue Cler Neighborhood
Spent 2 1/2 weeks in Paris. Ate at Tribeca--loved the steak, chicken, frites, and salads. Creperie Ulysee--friendly, nice tasting. Constant--excellent, get there early. La Varangue--so good we ate here twice. Philippe is a master at snails and bisque with a personality to match. Our son loved taking a picture. La Casa Campana--delicious, also ate here twice, under new management but still good, if the owner reads this--change your music to fit a romantic/softer mood. Il Pupi on Rue Malar had excellent pizza--great to take back to our apartment. Leader Price grocery-good for our apartment needs. Amorino--delicious. Bakery at top of Rue Cler/ St. Dominic was perfect for our daily visits--very friendly. Rue Cler has it all and then some.
Wish-we-lived-here
Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX USA 12/09/2010
Paris on Your Plate - Paris cheese and wine
One of the highlights of our trip was the wine and cheese tasting we did at Paris on Your Plate. Great cheeses, excellent wines. Learned a lot, laughed a lot, in the relaxed and warm ambiance of a Paris apartment.
Mari
NJ USA 12/07/2010
Eating in Paris
Rue Cler did not disappoint! Cafe du Marche was a wonderful place for lunch and the shops provided terrific food to have in our hotel room for snacks and a lovely breakfast! The little bakery outside the Porte d'Orleans metro stop makes a wonderful quiche and the croissants are marvelous! Go in a little after 7am and the aromas are positively heavenly! La Durree was packed the day we went in, but we stopped at their shop in the airport and got macarons to munch while we waited to fly out.
Susan
Indianapolis, IN USA 12/07/2010
Cooking & Market class
I just returned from Paris Nov. 4th. and one of the highlights of my 2 week trip was Laura's cooking class through A World in a Pan. We went to a local market to shop and Laura's commitment to sustainable farming and natural/organic foods was important to me. We learned about the seasonal foods and shopping in markets. With food in hand, we returned to her beautiful Paris apartment to prep, cook and sit down to a delicious lunch complete with wine and a beautifully set table. Great food, good company, wonderful immersion into French life.
SLO
West Linn, OR USA 11/26/2010
Les Caves Madeleine in Beaune
The boeuf bourguignon at Les Caves Madeleine, in Beaune, France, was the best meal I had in a 3 week vacation in Germany, Switzerland and France, including Paris
Les Wahlstrom
Bellevue, WA USA 11/23/2010
rue Cler - Tribeca cafe is terrible
Avoid Tribeca cafe on rue Cler!
The food is marginal at best and the evening manager has been rude and insulting to us.
Debra
Paris, France 11/13/2010
Tasty Thai in Paris
OMG - Best Thai Food we've ever had, anywhere, ever. If you like Thai food, this one can't be be missed. A hole in the wall place near the Eifffel Tower with super friendly attentive staff and outstanding food.
Praya-Thai 34 Ave Rapp, Paris
Victor
Edmonds, WA USA 11/07/2010
La Passage - Aix en Provence
On a return stay in Aix, we decided to make La Passage our last night's celebration dinner. Sadly, it has become the Cheesecake Factory of Aix with corporate flyers on the tables and such overworked staff that we waited 30 minutes just for "l'addition".
Steve
Seattle, WA USA 10/26/2010
Marguerite's and other French foods!
Had the best time at my French cooking lesson with Marguerite's Elegant Home Cooking! We started with a market visit, then to Marguerite's home for our lesson. Sylvie was our instructor and she is just such a delightful person! The food was delicious, but the best part was sharing the meal with Sylvie and Akie the other student and my new friend from Tokoyo!
Our first night in Paris, we ate at Le Ciel de Paris, on the 56th floor of the Montparnasse building, with an amazing view of the Eiffel Tower! The food was outstanding! A little pricey compared to other restaurants we went to, but well worth it. Get the filet with truffle sauce[INVALID]the best meal we had during our 12 day trip to Italy/Paris. Also, there is a little restaurant called Le Depart Saint Michel, across the bridge from Notre Dame, where we stopped to warm up since it was so freezing cold out! We got delicious French coffees (with cognac) and a chocolate crepe-yum!!
Stacy
Cape Coral, FL USA 10/26/2010
Paris gourmet
We had a fantastic time with Sylvie (Marguerite's Elegant Cooking)during the most amazing market tour last month. A must do!
Wendy
Miami, FL USA 10/25/2010
Great cooking class
Great cooking class....My daughter and I recently returned from Paris. A highlight was the market class at Cook'n with Class. Chef Pino gave us a taste of French cooking and culture. A self-described "cheese nerd", he took us to several markets to [INVALID] fresh ingredients to take back to the small school kitchen to make and enjoy a wonderful meal. It was a small group from diverse backgrounds - made for great conversations. I highly recommend taking one of their classes!
Marge
New Berlin, WI USA 10/25/2010
la Corso, Villefrance (France)
For the first time in 10 days of eating in Provence, at la Corso, Villefrance, was I made to feel like a second-class person because we do not speak French. Very uncomfortable, bad service, etc. Food good!
Nolan North
Baltimore, MD USA 10/21/2010
Dining in Paris - Santa Carne
Best meal in Paris was at Santa Carne, a Argentinian inspired steak house. 24 Rue des Tournelles, 75004, not far from Place des Vosges and The Bastille.
www.santacarne.com
Sandy
Seattle, WA USA 10/13/2010
La Varangue, Paris
We were also very disappointed with this restaurant. Agree with Mary that Cafe Constant is a much better choice.
Clare
San Mateo, CA USA 10/10/2010
Cookin With Class-Great Experience!
Wonderful class on Croissants. Delicious and well done! We Loved it and spent the entire day in Montmartre!
Wendy Mullen
San Juan Bautista, CA USA 10/08/2010
La Varangue Restaurant, Paris
DO NOT bother with La Varangue in Paris' 7th. While the guide book describes it in quaint terms, the wine was cheap, beef stew chewy, rice undercooked, presentation poor and there was little saving over the wonderful Cafe Constant 1/2 block away. Still regretting the dinner there.
Mary
Bloomington, MN USA 10/08/2010
Poached eggs in Paris...who knew??
We just spent a great day with the Cookin' With Class cooking school in Paris, and it's without a doubt the best way to spend a day in Paris. We learned how to make chocolate suffle, seared scallops, and the greatest poached eggs ever! Out chef/instructor, Constance, was fabulous and we made great friends with our classmates. Anyone who is curious about the intricacies of French cooking needs to go here!
Nancie
Calgary, AB Canada 10/07/2010
Petite Brasserie PTT in Rue Cler
Returned from Paris, 10/4 and want to let readers know the standards at Petite Brasserie PTT on Rue Cler noted in Rick's Paris Book have declined. Rubbery, frozen pomme frites; a basket of uneaten bread lifted from a recently vacated table then plunked down on ours; waiters slicing bread then handling money without thought to hygiene; then finally, the fresh-appearing open dish of sauce served with our plate of oysters whisked away to another table without a detour to the kitchen. Ugh!
Sarah Bates
Fallbrook, CA USA 10/06/2010
Numero 75 Avignon
We had lunch at Numero 75, July, 2010 and unfortunately cannot recommend it. The starter of a gazpacho with a curry cream came with an amount of soup that would best be described as an amuse bouche. The soup itself was delicious, but regrettably, for 9 euros, it was a thimble-sized portion The cream, on the other hand came in a huge mound. Then several gentlemen started smoking cigars. Although we sat outside in the lovely garden, we were directly adjacent to the large clouds of cigar smoke, making eating (if one does not like the smell of cigar smoke while eating) a really unpleasant experience. While trying to take bites during moments when the wind changed direction, it was odd that no waitstaff checked in to ask if there was a problem with the food (little of it was being consumed). After a good 1/2 hour, the server came over to ask if we were done, and I explained that eating downwind from the cigars was unappetizing, and that it was disappointing that the restaurant did not attempt to deter it. The server left saying nothing, and then the host came a minute later, and explained that there was "no law against smoking outside in France, and that if I wanted to avoid smoke, I should eat indoors at restaurants where there is a law against smoking." No effort was made to relocate us, or in a friendly way comment on the fact that things like this can sometimes be inconvenient. His attitude was almost comically dismissive and matter-of-fact. The food consumed, on the whole was perfectly fine, the garden very pretty, but the attitude of the management was not great. (It was also not a question of language, as we spoke in French.) In sum, not recommended.
Nicole
NYC, NY USA 09/29/2010
Cooking classes
We were fortunate to get into a market day cooking class at Cook 'n With Class. Chef Brian met us at the Metro and wisked us off to the market to decide what we felt like for dinner. Two hours later voila! I am amazed at all I learned. This was the highlight of our first trip to Paris, and we will definately be back.
Gail
Pittsburgh, Pa USA 09/28/2010
Paris food
Just got back from Paris. Thought I would list where we had dinner in case it would help anyone make choices (all in the 5th). Pescatore-good, neighborhood first night Italian, Le Petit Pontoise-superb!, AnahuaCalli-excellent Mexican, no Americans, Itineraries-skip it repeat skip it, Le Petit Prince de Paris-good, neighborhood dining, Sorza-good casual modern Italian on Ile St Louis.
Robert
NY, NY USA 09/26/2010
Lille for a Change
Lille in the very north of France seems to be ignored except by British tourists. It's a charming place and a great introduction to France before moving on to Paris. We've just enjoyed two excellent meals here, both in easy walking distance of the excellent B&B where we are staying. The first specializes in fish: Chez Max, le Bon Restaurant and the other offers traditional cuisine and regional specialties: Auberge du Temps Jadis. Both are on Rue Solferino.
Allyson
Bend, Oregon USA 09/24/2010
Paris Eating: Rue Cler Neighborhood
Rick's guidebook in hand, we spent a week in Paris (Sept 2010), living in the Rue Cler neighborhood. We highly recommend dinners at La Varrangue! Philippe is personable, cares greatly about his guests, and is a great conversationalist. The restaurant is cozy and full of Americans with Rick Steves' Paris guides who freely discuss how delicious the meals are that they're eating. We ate there twice, and never heard a complaint[INVALID]only praise. Philippe's chocolate cake desert is awesome (in every sense of that word). We could have eaten at La Varrangue every night, but felt we needed to experience a few more places. We also ate at Cafe Constant, and while the food is terrific you won't find the same convivial atmosphere. Dinner does not start until 19:00 but be sure to get there around 18:30 and wait, otherwise you won't sit until close to 20:00 (and expect to be ignored while you wait...this is Paris). But the great food is worth waiting for. We enjoyed the Petit Cler, although the food wasn't as impressive. Service was excellent, and eating on the Rue Cler was a pleasure. Cafe du Marche was much more hectic and noisy, and the quality of your server is up to chance. Luckily for us our original (unfriendly) waitress was replaced by another. During lunch we were away from the Rue Cler, so we put together a picnic every morning: grapes & fruit at Top Halles, La Fromagerie for cheese, and a baguette from the bakery on Ave De La Motte-Picquet (where we also purchased pastries for breakfast). It was a memorable experience to pick your own location for lunch: Tuileries Garden, in front of the Musee d'Orsay, the steps of Versailles, a park behind Notre Dame, and in the garden of the Rodin Museum! We were always happy with our lunch, and we saved a lot of money.
Dan & Beth
Washington, DC USA 09/12/2010
Another Thumbs up for Marguerite
I agree completely with the comment about Marguerite's cooking classes. It was the highlight of my trip to Paris. Loved visiting the market by her house and learning from her. There were 8 of us, 2 at each of the cooking stations in the kitchen used for the classes. We made a cream of chestnut soup and duck breast with gingerbread sauce - yum! Then we all ate together in her dining room - it was a perfect experience. Well worth the cost.
Janice
Farmington Hills, Michig USA 09/11/2010
Paris cooking class: Marguerite's Elegant cooking
Another cooking school not to be missed is Marguerite Elegant Cooking. I took two classes over the years (the school has been established 7 years ago I think) and it is always the most enjoyable experience. Classes start with a very detailled market visit and as my last trip was during a summer month I was delighted to have lunch in the sunny and quiet patio. To be noticed: the school is organized in such a way that everyone cooks at the same time on the 4 double workstations. Really nice, really hands-on.
Martha
Baltimore, USA 08/30/2010
Restaurant Numero 75 in Avignon
Every course was a special experience. It was a bit pricey but definitely worth the money. Rick's 2010 guide recommended it, as did our tour guide for the afternoon, chef/wine expert Mike Rijken of www.winesafari.net.
Steve Boyle
San Francisco, CA USA 08/28/2010
Paris cooking classes: a unique french experience.
I was in Paris two two years ago, and still enjoy reminiscing about two cooking classes that I participated in. One week I did a class with A World in a Pan, and the next week with Cooking with Class. Both were super! Both included a market visit to purchase the ingredients for our meal, communal cooking, and of course sharing a fabulous meal. So worth the time and money! It is living Paris, not just being a tourist. I still get a delightful newletter from A World in a Pan. Don't hesitate, book a class with either of these cooking classes as soon as you know your dates.
Susanne Goebel
Saint Louis, MO USA 08/16/2010
Paris Rue Cler Restaurant
I love using Rick Steves' books for travelling in Europe. On his advice, I went to the Creperie Ulysee en Gaule on the Rue Cler and although the food was good, the service was not as friendly as Rick Steves seems to think. Next time, I would go to Tribeca, a hop skip and jump away.
Amy
Heidelberg, USA 08/13/2010
Cook'N With Class, Paris
I attended two classes last week at this fabulous cooking school! The teachers were wonderful and so were the other students. I learned lots of new skills. We ate the french cuisine which we had prepared ourselves, and enjoyed each others company immensely. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone who loves France and it's food! Bon appetite Michelle x
Michelle
Bexhill on Sea, Sussex UK 08/01/2010
Tipping at restaurants
The section on Tipping Tips from Europeans is misleading about tipping in France. It has advice from a tour guide that says "If you're unsatisfied with the service, don't leave anything extra. If it's been OK, leave 10%, if delighted 15%."
Service is always included in the bill in France, always. If you're happy with the service, you can leave a euro or two extra, but it is not expected. The main page on tipping in Europe gets this right, but this advice from the tour guide is wrong. I don't know why this inconsistent advice is given.
Lee
Dallas, TX USA 07/29/2010
Eating in Beaune and Arles
I recently completed 3 weeks in France, Germany, and Switzerland. In France I had many memorable meals in corner cafes, etc. but two stand out:
The first was in Beaune at the recommended Les Caves Madeleine. The communal table was great (a German, a Canadian couple, a Japanese couple, and me) and after a while everyone, including the owners, included me in the conversation with my limited French. And, that's not to mention the Burgundian specialities on the menu and the best ice cream I had on the trip (try the citron).
The other outstanding meal was at a tapas bar in Arles. I loved Arles for it's look and feel. But the food overall was less than optimal. But this place, La Bodeguita Restaurant Tapas, filled with locals and couple of blocks from Place du Forum may have been the best food on my entire trip. Try the chorizo cooked with tomatoes and cidre (from Normandy of course) and don't miss the sangria. Tres bonne for sure.
Brent G.
Atlanta, GA USA 07/27/2010
Restaurant in Sarlat France
Ate a delicious meal in Sarlat, France at La Petite Borie....highly recommend it for good food and reasonable prices and excellent service.
Martha Jansen
Yorba Linda, CA USA 07/27/2010
near the Pompidou museum
Huge servings of deliciously spiced food available at Chouchou near the Pompidou museum (63 rue Rambuteau). One entree could easily serve two people, but I didn't know that until after the dishes arrived. I ordered a chicken, honey, and raisin tahini dish that came with almond and cinnamon coucous (13 euros). My husband had lamb and sausage with an enormous bowl of zucchini, radish, and carrot soup (16 euros). If you need a change of pace from butter and eggs, this is the place. Best part - there is live jazz every night. A violin cello and a keyboard provided a lovely ambiance this evening.
Rebecca
Austin , Tx USA 07/27/2010
Dining in Brittany
My wife, son and I just returned from 2 weeks in France last night and I wanted to give you kudos for your find of La Marmite de L'Abbaye in Lehon as well as the 30 minute river walk from Dinan. The food was outstanding...and it was the first meal after a week in France that our 14 year old completely devoured. In addition hostess/owner Merisse Borgnic was a delight. She floated from table to table all night kidding, joking and making sure that everyone, whether they spoke French or not, was laughing and enjoying themselves. Even though we had the walk back to Dinan (you can also drive or take a short cab from Dinan) we regretted asking for "l'addition" and bringing such an enjoyable evening to an end - an absolutely unforgettable memory. The wooden, small-vessel river locks along the river peaked my curiousity and I learned from a website about river tours of France that Lehon, with its 9th century abbey, has also been designated as one of the 30 most beautiful villages in France. If you're going to Brittany don't miss the walled city of Dinan, but dinner at "the Marmite" in nearby Lehon should be a must. Thank you Steve.
Paul Ellison
Berkley, MI USA 07/24/2010
Book Recomendation: Clotilde's Edible Adventures
I wanted to give a book recommendation for Paris.
Clotilde's Edible Adventures in Paris
http://www.amazon.com/Clotildes-Edible-Adventures-Clotilde-Dusoulier/dp/0767926137
Really very good guide to the food for foodies scene in Paris. Things in all 27 arrondisements, and some actual destination things to go to outside of the 7 core areas. Lot of extras on Parisian dining scene, food shopping, and so on. Really very complete.
Max
Chicago, IL USA 07/20/2010
Food and Dining France
I read wine merchant Kermit Lynch's newsletter, that "the majority of French restos today don;t cook...They buy frozen 'sous vide' and heat your orders in hot water or a microwave" and as a result, the quality of dining has diminished to the level of airline fare. I wonder what Rick's and others experiences have been of late.
margaret
Sequim, WA USA 07/14/2010
Restaurant with great value
The best food and service we enjoyed on a recent trip through Provence was in Avignon, at the "Galerie Restaurant (Art Buffets)", 19, rue des 3 faucons. Excellent value. I would highly recommend it.
Jonathan Goldberg
Los Angeles, CA USA 07/10/2010
Food & Lodging in Dordogne, France
Oysters in perigeux, mussels in Bergerac, foie and truffles - Dordogne has it all. We stayed in a friend's Chambres d'hotes in St. Front de Pradoux an hour east of Bordeaux in the winter and can't wait to go back in warmer weather to kayak on the Isle River and bike on the trails. The food at the chateau was some of the best I ever had, check out the website:www.lathuiliere.net if you want to get out of the crowds of the city!
Deb Orgera
Leeds, MA USA 07/02/2010
Paris Rue Cler Restaurants
Cafe du Marche and Tribeca were very frequent destinations. Tribeca has a better menu (although still super cheap) Super fresh veg gives Tribeca the edge in my world. The Riz au lait and creme brulee were awesome. Saw bunches of folks with the guide books, so this cafe has been discovered by the PBS crowd. Also just down the block is Amorini - the smoothest, tastiest gelato you'll ever have.
Laurie
Breckenridge, CO USA 06/29/2010
Cooking school in Paris
I just came back from Paris where we joined a market visit and cooking class at Marguerite's Elegant Home Cooking. We really enjoyed it- Food and company were great and it gave us a glimpse of French life! This is a must do in Paris.
Susan
Austin, Texas USA 06/16/2010
Paris cooking class
My teenage daughter loves to cook so we took A World in a Pan's market class. It was the highlight of our trip! Marie-Helene was a delightful hostess and the lunch we prepared was one of the best meals of our trip. This is a wonderful way to "do" Paris!
Kelley
Dallas, TX USA 06/15/2010
Le Solferino sux
Beware Le Solferino in Paris (corner of Rue Solferino and don't recall the cross street). Badbadbad! We were hungry after a rainy day in the museums and ducked into this sidewalk cafe which seemed decent enough. They tried to pass off a piece of tough beef as gigot (leg of lamb). Sent it back, but the chef insisted that it was gigot and it was tough because it was sliced this way instead of that. Oh, please! The rest of the meal was utterly uninspired. I've had better salads at Wendy's. Should've consulted our RS France guide...
Marilynn
Willits, Calif USA 06/14/2010
Chamonix
L'Impossible, featured in Rick Steve's France 2010, was recently bought by an Italian couple who are devoted to fine cuisine AND healthy eating. Donatella is a warm and friendly hostess and her husband is a superb chef. The menu offers a tempting variety of healthy foods wonderfully prepared. If I sound like a paid pitchman for this restaurant, it's because it deserves your patronage. Even if you are not a "health" food devotee, you'll enjoy the food and the ambience.
Marilynn
Willits, Calif USA 06/14/2010
Rue Daguerre (gastronomique) Paris
Check out this short street off General Leclerc in the 14th a. Excellent Cafe Daguerre on corner, Monoprix grocery on corner, award winning boulangerie very nearby and the street itself has excellent produce, cheese, patisserie and various take out shops.
Charles Faulkner
Arrington, TN USA 06/04/2010
Great new restaurant in Beaune
La Table de Guigone is a great new restaurant in Beaune especially well located for anyone staying at Hotel La Ville Fleurie or at a hotel near the train station. Best food we had in two weeks in Burgundy.
Chris Christensen
Bainbridge Island, WA USA 06/03/2010
Wine Bar
Great Wine Bar
Head over to Le Baron Rouge (1 rue Théophile Roussel 75012 Paris Metro Ledru Rollin). It's a great wine bar which really comes alive on Sunday as the market starts to wind down. Inside the bar you'll see stacks of barrels of wine. Here you can buy your wine in bulk by the litre. In days gone by this was how most Parisians bought their wine but now days its a rarity. However, Le Baron Rouge is one of the few places you can still do that.
You can of course just buy your wine by the glass and at reasonable prices. In addition they sell cheese, charcouterie and sometimes oysters on a Sunday to nibble on while drinking your wine. The bar gets full and people spill out onto the streets and rest their glasses and plates on car rooftops and even dustbins whatever is available. Whenever I have friends visiting me in Paris I always take them here. Very chaotic but very Parisian.
W. Darling
Cincinnati, OH USA 06/01/2010
Italian Food in Paris
Italian Food in Paris: Gusto Italia on 11 Rue Amelie near Rue Cler is great. Sometimes line out the door, they have about 12 tables. We stayed at Hotel Amelie a few doors down.
W.Darling
Cincinnati, OH USA 06/01/2010
Paris Restaurant Feedback
Our best meal was at 58 Tour Eiffel. We made lift and restaurant reservations online.
Metamorphosis, moored on the Seine in front of Notre Dame, was good, but it got so hot we could not stay for the magic show.
We had an excellent meal at La P'tit Troquet.
La Varrangue was mediocre. My beef was fair, my wife's coq au vin was good. Good atmosphere with Phillipe and lots of Americans to talk to.
La Casa Campagne was not helpful in the slightest when we tried to make reservations. No English spoken a'tall, no tolerance of poor French. I guess they have enough business.
Best surprise was La Citrouille on rue Gregroire. Had my 67th birthday there and was was sung to in French. Vive la France! Good food, very reasonable prices, friendly waiters and boss man. BTW, we did not encounter a single rude waiter in Paris, times have changed. Give "the pumpkin" a try.
Charles Faulkner
Arrington, TN USA 05/31/2010
Paris wine and cheese tasting
One of the most memorable experiences my family had in Paris last month was a cheese and wine tasting by Paris on Your Plate (www.ParisOnYourPlate.com). It was delicious (twelve! cheeses), we learned a lot and the hostess was charming. We all had a terrific time. Highly recommend it.
Nicole
New Orleans, LA USA 05/17/2010
The Best, Cheap!! way to eat in Paris
I've been studying in Paris for a few months now, and I can tell you the simplest, best way to eat in Paris is quite easy. Go to a grocery store (monoprix, franprix, etc) buy your choice of cheese (huge selection, try something new!). Then, check out the huge wine section, you can find whole bottles for less than 2euro. Finally, either buy a baguette in the grocery store, or stop at any boulangerie (bakery) and buy a baguette or two there. Put all of these in a bag, and go find a park in Paris and have a picnic! Cheap, great sights, quintessential French! Voila!
Rachel
NY USA 05/16/2010
cooking with Laura and Anthony
I'm just back from a weekend of cooking in Anjou with Laura from A world in a Pan. We had a fabulous time - not the least of which was Anthony's beautiful B & B Le Verger.
Barbara Kelley
Rueil Malmaison, France 05/11/2010
Recommended cooking classes in Paris
Hi Rick. I love your books! Just used your Paris book and then your Amsterdam book for 3 wonderful weeks. Wanted to share this experience of taking cooking classes in Paris:
www.cooknwithclass.com
Absolutely wonderful and I highly recommend. My two friends and I took the Morning Market class, the Baking class,and the Pastry class. An intimate, personalized, knowledge, and food filled experience. Chefs and support staff and wonderful.
Christine
Spokane, WA USA 05/07/2010
Eye Prefer Paris Market Tour and Cooking Class
Our best day in Paris - meeting Richard Naham for a guided tour through the Raspail Market to select freshest ingredients for our cooking class at the private townhouse of chef, Charlotte Puckette. We enjoyed a hands-on cooking class creating our 4-course lunch of asparagus tart, roasted duck breast, chocolate fondant, and cheese accompanied by selected wines. Both Richard and Charlotte are delightful,funny, and ready to share insider tips. Ideal for 3 - 6 people. The 4.5 hr. tour and class cost is 185 euros per person and is accessed through Richard's Eye Prefer Paris website.
Stephanie Nagle
Windsor, Ont Canada 04/26/2010
Cooking with Class
We just got back from Paris. We took the evening cooking class from Cooking with Class. I took the class and my husband joined as a guest to eat. We both loved the food. I especially loved the fact that the class was small. Everyone was able to participate cooking this fabulous meal. I would definitely recommend the cooking class. It was well worth the money.
Sandra Murphy
Cumming , GA USA 04/25/2010
Cooking/market experience
We enjoyed our experience with exploring a small street market and cooking up the results in a class with Laura at A World in a Pan. The 4 hour class included preparing a 3 course meal with an appetizer of 2 types of radishes and a taste of rabbit terrine. Our meal was Mushroom Ragout, Stuffed free-range chicken breasts with purple potatoes, and apple/walnut clafoutis. Small class, enthusiastic teacher, wonderful meal. www.aworldinapan.com
Jim Greene
Las Cruces, NM USA 04/19/2010
Marguerite elegant cooking
Had fun at that cooking class. Loved the market. Fun thing to do!
Wonderful time… I loved it.
Sue
Seattle, WA USA 04/06/2010
Cookin' With Class
I just returned from my trip to Paris and I keep telling everyone "I fell in love." Most of all, I fell in love with French food with much thanks to this experience. One of the true highlights of this trip (our honeymoon) was our time at Cookin' With Class. Chef Bernadette was the perfect balance of kindness, humor, patience, and incredible culinary skill. The atmosphere was perfect for an intimate and hands on experience. We enjoyed the evening cooking class and created a three course meal in addition to a huge cheese plate and endless wine. I would recommend Cookin' With Class to every foodie visiting Paris. Enjoy!
Jessica
Chicago, IL USA 04/05/2010
Want to truly feel like you're a Part of Paris? Then cook with Cook'n with Class!! :)
Cook'n with Class is fabulous!
My aunt treated me for my birthday this last March and I had a marvelous time! We began the day by meeting our Head Chef, Pino, at the nearest metro station, and then shopping for about an hour through the local markets--and let me tell you: Pino knows what he's talking about. And not only did we get a great educational tour of French cheeses, meats, fish, breads, fruits, and vegetables on the way, his friendly demeanor and good rapport with the local shop owners got us the best picks of the day before heading to class to break out the classy cookin. :) Getting to learn new tricks and recipes was so much fun and, leaving the best for last, the ~food was ~incredible!! If you really want to experience Paris, this is the way to do it. Don't leave the city without taking this class!
EM
Denver, CO USA 03/29/2010
Beyrouth Nights in Nice
My family found the best Lebanese restaurant we have ever eaten at in Nice. At 12 Rue de la Buffa, this restaurant/cafe/traiteur serves a budget-friendly variety of foods, all of which are delicious (we all got different items, none of which were disappointing), and all of which will add some contrast to a week of all French cuisine. For dessert, try the mahalabiye and/or the atayef.
They are open from 9:30 am to midnight all seven days of the week. The owners do not speak English, but don't let that stop you!
Tel: +33493883235
Jessica
Los Gatos, CA USA 03/15/2010
Good and cheap eats
My partner will be rehearsing and performing in Paris for two weeks in September, so my brother, sister-in law, and I are going along for a vacation. I mention this only because it's the reason I just bought Rick Steves's latest "France" and "Paris" guide books. While browsing through it, I was surprised not to see any mention of two fantastic eateries we discovered during our 2005 trip. "Le Bigot" in Amboise is a patisserie on Rue Nationale right near the chateau Amboise which has the absolute best sorbet we've ever eaten. (It's probably better known for its pastries and chocolates.) http://www.bigot-amboise.com/
And in Arles, the best place for a take-out lunch we found was "Huiles d'Olive" just off the Place du Forum at 44 Rue des Arenes. Its main business is selling olive oil, but (at least when we were there) the owner's wife (from Vancouver, BC, Canada) made delicious fresh (and I mean FRESH) sandwiches to take away or eat at the table or two on the sidewalk outside. To illustrate the freshness, she used basil picked at that minute off a plant in the little kitchen! Absolutely delicious. The proprietress also enjoyed speaking English with a couple of Americans. http://www.fadoli.com/
Andrew Webb
Wildwood Crest, NJ USA 02/23/2010
CooknwithClass
Wow! I can definitely recommend this school for any cooking classes. They have a variety of workshops to choose from. I especially liked the market class as the chef took you to the local markets and talked all about the food in each store. The food we cooked was easier than I thought and I am very keen to try them again. I also took the pastry class and we made some traditional French desserts such as creme brulee. Come on an empty stomach!!
Their website is www.cooknwithclass.com
Karen
LA, USA 02/19/2010
Marguerite Cooking class
If you look for a cooking class in Paris we had fun at MArguerite's Elegant Home cooking class. Loved the market. Fun thing to do!
Susan
USA 02/12/2010
Cooking With Class
Hi The Baking Class with Cooking with Class with Pino
was great. I look forward to my next class.
Joni Andreini Meyers
Houghton, Mi USA 02/09/2010
Two Restaurant Finds in Paris
I spent last week in Paris and I have come up with 2 restaurant recommendations.
The first one is Bouillon Racine on rue Racine, a stone's throw from the Cluny Museum. It's a grand and beautifully adorned restaurant, in the Art Nouveau style. In fact, they claim the place is listed as a historical monument. I ordered the pork shank cooked in beer and served on a very tasty bed of sauerkraut. The tender meat was covered in a coat of fat and it was more than delicious. The duck confit was prepared traditionally and also was delicious. The asparagus soup as an app tasted as if the asparagus was just picked that morning. The terrine of ox cheek had a rich but not overwhelming taste.
The waiter recommended the creme brulee for dessert. Now I have had creme brulee before, but this was outstanding. I hate to use cliches, but it melted in my mouth.
We washed it down with a couple of beers each and the bill came to about 45 euros each. I thought it was an excellent value for the money. The website is: www.bouillon-racine.com/en/home/index.html
My other find was Le Bistrot d'Henri on rue Princesse near St. Sulpice (no website). It couldn't be more different from Bouillon Racine. It is a tiny bistrot with seating for about 20 or so. It's family owned and we met the two brothers, their mother, one of the wives, and the daughter with her binky in place. There were five of us so we got the chance to sample each other's food. The salads and terrines for apps were very good quality. I had the penne with foie gras, two people had the in-season scallops, somebody had a hearty liver dish, the generous serving of boudin noir had a strong but not overwhelming taste.
And oh, those potatoes. Get an extra side of potatoes.
I had to run out to catch my plane back to the U.S. (and I owe my dining companions some money) before dessert, but I suspect the bill came to about 30-35 euros each (including a carafe of the house wine on the table).
Both places have excellent food. Bouillon Racine has a much more impressive dining room and is more comfortable, but I would give Le Bistrot d'Henri a slight edge on the food.
Steve
www.travelingprofessor.com
Steve
Garden City, NY USA 01/19/2010
Wine Bars in Paris
I think some of the best food in Paris can be found at the city's casual wine bars, where simple small plates compliment the interesting wine selections. They're often cheaper--and a lot more fun--than traditional resaurants. You can read about my favorite wine bar here: http://hipparis.com/2009/11/10/le-verre-vole-my-favorite-boozy-wine-bar-for-lunch-in-paris/
Tory
New York, NY USA 01/12/2010
Cooking with Class in Paris
Several of my friends spent the day with Cooking With Class. What a treat! I especially enjoyed going to the markets and learning about all the foods. I cook every meal at home so the cooking aspect wasn't new, but trying new flavors, learning new tricks and understanding the markets better was amazing. HIGHLY recommended
Cathy Fleck
Midland, TX USA 01/09/2010
Closed restaurants
Sadly, I learned that two of my favorite Parisian restaurants, Le Vieux Bistro across from Notre Dame and La Parcheminerie in the Latin Quarter have closed.
Ron Hanks
Nederland, Tx USA 01/07/2010