Paris Picks : Vegetarian Restos

Could veggie burgers with sweet potato fries become the new steak frites? In recent years, vegetarian restaurants have been sprouting up all over the French capital. While most farm to table restaurants offer vegetarian plates, seasonal vegetables decorating the plats du jour in ample measure, these eateries are havens for veggie lovers. Many even provide a hearty selection of vegan and gluten-free options. For more gluten-free options in Paris, head over to blog Baci di Dama.

Founded in 2007 by chef Christel Dhuit and later expanded in 2009, Soya Cantine Bio is a vegetarian haven just steps away from Canal Saint Martin in Paris’s 11th arrondissement. With lunch and dinner combining organic seasonal produce – couscous dishes and endless vegetable plates including homemade garam masala among the options, even vegans will be well fed. As for the sweet side, all pastries are gluten-free.

Soya // 20 Rue de la Pierre Levée, 75011 // Sunday 11:30-4pm, Tuesday 7-11pm, Wed-Friday 12-4pm, 7-11pm, Saturday 11:30-4pm, 7-11pm

Lula Cantine Bio & Veggie evolved of the love of healthy organic eating by Colombian born sisters Luciana and Natalia. Since 2014, they share their seasonal and creative vegetarian recipes, many inspired by their South American roots, with passion added to every plate. It’s difficult to choose between Fajitas and the chock-full of veggies Lula Bowl. Sunday Brunch is 100% vegan and gluten-free and full of decadent albeit healthy surprises.

Lula Cantine Bio & Veggie // 216 Rue Saint-Maur, 75010 // Sunday 11:30-4pm, Monday-Saturday 9-3pm

Passionate about healthy living and gourmet organic cuisine, Agathe opened the first Café PINSON in the North Marais in 2013. Designed by interior superstar Dorothée Meilichzon, it’s hard not to feel at home while sipping your matcha latte. Both a café and restaurant, Café PINSON serves a daily changing menu of 100% organic vegetarian food with plenty of options for vegans and juices galore. You can also find a selection of their goodies at Le Bon Marché.

Café PINSON // 6 Rue du Forez, 75003 // Monday-Friday 9am-10pm, Saturday 10am-10pm, Sunday 10am-6pm

The wild revolution began on Rue Charlot in 2015. Since then, Emma Sawko has continued to expand her health-food endeavor Wild and the Moon, opening outposts on Rue Amelot, in the 9th arrondissement and most recently at Place du Marché Saint-Honoré. The 100% organic, locally sourced menu complete with cold pressed juices is one of Paris’s hotspots for gluten-free and vegan food, from morning to night. Whether you’re in the mood for a turmeric latte or thai curry, these inviting addresses will serve you well.

Wild and the Moon // 19 Place du Marché Saint-Honoré, 75001 // 25 rue des Gravilliers, 75003 // 55 Rue Charlot, 75003 // 4 Rue du Helder, 75009 // 138 rue Amelot, 75011 // LAFAYETTE ANTICIPATIONS 9 rue du Plâtre, 75004

Named in tribute to their mother and fueled by a love of healthy and sustainable living, brothers David and Adrien opened Le Potager de Charlotte in 2015. Potager meaning vegetable garden, the menu combines organic farmers market produce to create epicurean plant-based cuisine. Their two addresses in the right bank serve seasonal specialties including chickpea and rice pancakes and coconut yogurt. Ask about their heavenly Sunday brunch!

Le Potager de Charlotte // 12 rue de la Tour d’Auvergne 75009 // 21 rue Rennequin 75017 // Wednesday-Saturday 7-10:30pm, Friday-Saturday 12-2:30pm, Sunday 11-3pm

Manifesto Market

My first visit to Prague many years ago recalled memories of strolling in the picturesque Old Town and crossing imposing Charles Bridge stretching along the Vltava river with a view of the 9th century Prague Castle in the distance. A few weeks ago I returned to Prague to discover a city that has recently taken on a new identity as a gastronomic and cultural capital, thanks in large part to the team behind Manifesto Market.

Located in the heart of the Florenci district, Manifesto Market has turned a former wasteland into the city’s first cashless pop-up market. The brainchild of Martin Barry, a landscape architect from New York who also helms non-profit reSITE, Manifesto has become exactly what Martin envisioned. Effectively, he created “a universe where people come together to share good food and culture and become inspired.” Meeting Martin and his vivacious Czech colleague Radka felt like reconnecting with old friends.

The moment I entered Manifesto Market, the vibrant energy was palpable. A sense of belonging was felt throughout the inviting space, built almost overnight from 27 containers. Music filled the light spring air as families and groups of friends gathered to feast on cuisine from all corners of the globe. I couldn’t wait to taste the over twenty food stands, from gourmet Italian dishes to Mexican, Vietnamese and Japanese street food, not to mention American BBQ and Israeli specialties including my favorite, hummus!

With the goal of trying every cuisine, I dined to my heart’s content over the few days I spent in Prague, impressed by the quality and selection in food and drink, and all at street food prices. By night I sipped on expertly concocted cocktails from one of the three bars and couldn’t leave without trying the local beer brews. Even my sweet tooth was satiated with mini pancakes, a decadent take on Dutch poffertjes, and rolled ice-cream, available even in non-dairy vegan varieties. Manifesto Market is undoubtedly a gastronomic paradise! What’s more, the market is cashless making it all that much more efficient.

Focused on culture, Manifesto Market boasts a book store with a notable selection of reading material for both adults and kids. Among the food stalls there’s also a boutique featuring sustainable design, and a florist. The weekend line-up includes feature films and live music or a superstar DJ.

Today marks one year since the opening of Prague’s Manifesto Florenci, and only a few weeks until the second outpost, Manifesto Smichov opens on July 19th. Even more reason to visit this cultural mecca. Me? I’ll be back!

Gourmet Street Food in Paris

Leave it to culinary genius Thierry Marx to create street food, the gourmet and organic version that is. I had the good fortune of meeting this two-Michelin star chef a few years ago during a day discovering his Parisian life, and became an instant fan. Welcome to his latest venture opened just weeks ago, Marxito, a collaboration between Marx and Marseilles designer Ora Ito.

What exactly is Marxito? According to Marx, it’s “two softly puffed buckwheat buns filled with products mainly from plant origin, coming from organic agriculture”. Naturally, I had to try for myself.

These sweet and savory delicacies are all made to order, fusing Brittany (Marx’s hometown) with Japan. Out of the four sandwich options, I chose pink salmon pickle (smoked salmon, avocado, Japanese radish, romaine lettuce, miso sauce and basil), with a side of quinoa salad and Japanese tea. Heavenly!

Not to mention the matcha crepe that followed. Hard to resist, considering Marx’s reputation for desserts.

What takes the cake at Marxito is not only favoring small, local producers but the staff, hired from Thierry Marx’s school, Cuisine Mode d’Emploi(s), which helps the unemployed gain new skills in the culinary world.

Marxito // 1bis Rue Jean Mermoz, 75008 // +33 (0)1 47 20 92 02 // Monday-Friday 8-5:30

Dining with Madame Eiffel

With so many haute cuisine options in Paris, it’s hard to decide where to dine. Yet very few of these addresses will include a gourmet date with Madame Eiffel. It’s at Maison Blanche from atop the Theatre des Champs Elysees on avenue Montaigne that you can enjoy an intimate encounter with this Parisian icon, over a decadent dinner where you dine like a star! This elegant address has been wooing its clientele for over 28 years.

Both from the inside dining room of Maison Blanche‘s Montaigne terrace to the more confidential outdoor George V terrace, the panoramic views of Paris are captivating. At once you’ll feel a part of the city from high above its characteristic rooftops.

Since March 2015 Executive Chef Fabrice Giraud has been concocting creative dishes at this elite restaurant, influenced by Mediterranean flavors and world travels. In his words, “Human contact and historical places have always influenced my choice. Maison Blanche is a magical and unique place which attracted me.” Prepare for the feast of your life! Chef Giraud has just created his new seasonal tasting menu including a savory monk fish plate with zucchini cream. The rest I will leave for you to discover.

I recommend booking for dinner and staying until Madame Eiffel illuminates the city with her radiant light. Come sunset, there is plenty of toasting to be made at Maison Blanche, with some of the best champagne and wine on offer. Here you can truly experience the French joie de vivre.

Prepare to capture memorable moments with Madame Eiffel, certain to charm you with her elegance and grace.

PARIS PICKS : Sunday Brunch

With Sunday brunch slowly but surely becoming a weekend ritual in Paris, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite spots. Little makes me happier than brunching with friends, or a long leisurely brunch with my Italian and The New York Times. If only there could be a spot that serves brunch daily… Oh wait, there is!

Newly opened Holybelly 5, neighboring Holybelly 19 in the 10th, owned and run by a lovely expat couple, serves up a brunch menu every day from 9am to 5pm. My dish of choice is their Savoury Stack, pancakes with fried eggs, bacon, homemade bourbon butter and maple syrup. Sweet and savory perfection! Brunch on a Wednesday? Why not! Also to note, their coffee is some of the best in Paris, my Italian will agree.

Holybelly 5 // 5 Rue Lucien Sampaix, 75010 // Daily 9-5 (last orders at 4) // No reservations

Another brand new eatery serving a daily brunch menu is Café Méricourt, sister to Café Oberkampf. Also owned by a charming expat couple. A breakfast roll and green eggs and feta are two breakfast (or lunch) options, as is the green bowl with quinoa, spinach and avocado, a fast favorite! The decor is bright and welcoming, and with its overnight success reservations are recommended. Here too you’ll enjoy a good cup of joe.

Café Méricourt // 22 rue de la Folie Méricourt, 75011 // Wednesday-Sunday 10-6

If you like eggs, then you love Eggs & Co located in the heart of Saint-Germain. Where better to try eggs benedict, for breakfast or lunch, 6 days a week. This charming refurbished barn house will make you feel like you’re dining in the countryside. A brunch menu is offered at 22€.

Eggs & Co // 11 Rue Bernard Palissy, 75006 // +33 (0)1 45 44 02 52 // Tue-Mon 10-5, Sat-Sun 10-6

Admittedly, I haven’t yet eaten at Les Bonnes Sœurs, as the lines are usually too long, but I know it’s one of the best French brunch spots in town. Le brunch at 24€ or 28€ includes freshly squeezed juice, coffee, tea (or hot chocolate), an egg dish, dessert, and don’t forget that basket of bread and croissants. No need for dinner!

Les Bonnes Sœurs // 8 rue du pas de la Mule, 75003 // +33 (0)1 42 74 55 80 // Mon-Fri 12-3, 7-11, Sat 12-4:30, 7-11, Sun 11-4:30, 7-11

If you want to splurge on Sunday brunch and make a day of it, head to Le Chalet des Iles in Bois de Boulogne. Reachable only by boat in a bucolic setting, they offer an unlimited gourmet buffet brunch at 55€. You can read more about my unforgettable experience here. Reservations are recommended.

Le Chalet des Iles // 14 Chemin de Ceinture du Lac Inférieur, 75016 // +33 (0)1 42 88 04 69 // Daily 12-3, 7:30-10:30

 

Gluten-Free Paris

In the last few years, Paris has gone on a health kick, adding dozens of natural grocery stores and bio cafes to its wellness roster. It’s easier than ever to find a freshly pressed juice or vegan burger. But what about those restricted to a gluten-free diet? This is where one of my friends & fellow expats comes in. I first met Chiara before moving to Paris, when we were both working in advertising. Last year our paths reconnected, and since then this soulful Italian has taught me much about the art of gluten-free eating. Chiara is the expert, after all.

To help others with similar dietary restrictions discover the ever expanding gluten-free side of Paris, Chiara started a blog, Baci di Dama Living Gluten Free. Here she writes about the best sans gluten restaurants, bakeries and cafes in the City of Lights, anything and everything gluten-free. Her photos alone will make you salivate. She even sells pasta and other gluten-free products on her site, and is perfecting her very own bread. (Italians do love their bread!) You can also find an array of recipes on her website, and prepare your own gluten-free feast. There’s no reason not to indulge in the French (or Italian) way of life! Chiara even shares the stories of those behind the gluten-free worlds of Paris, Rome, London, Berlin, Madrid, Brussels and beyond.

Did I mention that she offers custom Gluten-Free Tours? She also collaborates with Airbnb and has designed the above bag in one of my workshops. (Photos by Nicole Flack.) On a recent morning, I asked Chiara to take me along on her food tour, curious to know if these desserts she raves about really do compare with traditional gluten-filled patisseries.  We started the day at an eatery I didn’t know but quickly grew to love, Lula in the 10th. I’ve never tasted something as delicous (and healthy) as their acai bowl. (I’ve since been back several times for their fresh juices and salads.) From there we stopped by an Italian epicerie to look into their gluten-free selection, and then it was time for lunch. And dessert.

Chiara chose the newly opened Sitron in the fashionable 2nd. Not only is this a charming lunch spot where we feasted on delicious wraps, but the skilled pâtissier creates some of the most exquisite cakes I’ve ever seen, and tasted. I opted for the caramel concoction and loved every gluten-free bite! With or without gluten, life in Paris is certainly a sweet one. Where to next, Chiara? Follow her adventures via Instagram and Facebook.

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