Imagine this: one man, one city, two days, and four meals. This is my father, John Markwell, at 81, taking his first trip to Paris. He’s been missing out on all the deliciousness for years! So, one recent Monday morning, armed with his overnight bag, walking stick, and passport, he embarked on this Parisian food adventure with his two daughters.
My mission? To guide him through the best food Paris has to offer. I’ve enlisted the help of a culinary dream team: Rosie Millard, Stevie Parle, and Trish Deseine. They’ve all been generous with their food recommendations, ensuring a feast for the senses. Two days might seem like a blink in a city like Paris, but it’s enough to give Dad a taste of what makes this city so special.
A Parisian Lunch That Never Was
We arrived at Gare du Nord around midday, and our first stop was supposed to be Bofinger, a classic French brasserie known for its delicious food. But fate had other plans – our train was delayed! I had to cancel our lunch reservation, a real bummer as I was looking forward to the Alsatian-inspired dishes.
But no worries, we regrouped and decided to give Dad his first taste of Parisian café culture at Angelina, a place that’s as chic as it gets. It was bustling with fashionistas and fur-clad ladies, and the atmosphere was electrifying. We enjoyed omelets, fries, a foie-gras salad, and crisp Sancerre, sharing stories and laughter.
A Taste of Parisian Chic
We were so caught up in the moment at Angelina that we almost missed their famous hot chocolate and pastries! We managed to squeeze in a cup of the rich, creamy “l’Africain” hot chocolate and sampled a delicious lemon tart and an almond pecan praline bun. Angelina is not your everyday café, but it certainly offers a taste of Parisian extravagance.
After our meal, we strolled through the Tuileries Gardens, taking in the sights and sounds of Paris. We were booked for dinner at Le Grand Colbert, but Dad was keen to see the city from the top of the Pompidou Centre. We decided to make a detour and enjoyed the breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower and Sacré Coeur from the Georges terrace.
Dinner at Le Grand Colbert
Dinner at Le Grand Colbert was a lively affair. We were seated in the “tourist” section, which allowed us to speak English without worrying about our pronunciation. Dad even managed to get his steak au poivre cooked to perfection, just the way he likes it. While it wasn’t the culinary masterpiece I had hoped for, it was still a fun and enjoyable experience.
A Parisian Culinary Gem: La Fontaine de Mars
The next day, we set off on a boat tour of Paris. But all I could think about was La Fontaine de Mars, a restaurant recommended by Stevie Parle as one of the best “old-school” Parisian spots. I had already salivated over their menu online, and I couldn’t wait to experience it firsthand.
La Fontaine de Mars was exactly what we had hoped for. The restaurant buzzed with Parisian energy, the red-and-white checkered tablecloths and napkins added a touch of charm, and the smell of charcuterie filled the air. We had to try their specialties: eggs baked in red wine with shallot and bacon sauce, and duck confit with sautéed potatoes. Dad loved the eggs, and I couldn’t resist trying the daily special, cannelloni of crab with lobster bisque. It was divine!
A Parisian Culinary Farewell
Before heading back to Gare du Nord, we stopped for tea at Café Varenne, a delightful spot on the chic Rive Gauche. As we sat there watching the Parisian mamas on their school run, the waiter brought over a chocolate tart. We groaned – we were already bursting at the seams from our Parisian food adventures!
Even though we had to say goodbye to Paris, we left with memories of delicious food, charming cafes, and breathtaking views. This two-day food adventure was a perfect introduction to the culinary delights of Paris, and I can’t wait to return with Dad for another round of Parisian feasting.
