So far I've discussed cons and violence, but really Paris is more all about one thing - food.
Going to Paris for the first time reminded me of the first time I went to New York - I (almost) felt like a total bumpkin who'd never eaten anything good in his entire life - ie. the food is a revelation.
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But what's the best part about eating in Paris? Getting invited to dinner.
Ophelie's mom had myself, Ophelie and our friend Laure-Helene over for a "proper" French dinner. It was like La Grande Bouffe all over again - there was champagne, there was wine, there was a multitude of kinds of foie gras, there was salad, there was break, there was duck, there was goose, there was croquettes, there was a massive cheese plate.. and there was dessert. Like Brillat-Savarin once said "dessert without cheese is like a pretty girl with only one eye." So true. All served by Ophelie's funny, cute, culturally aware mom.
Now for dessert.. we had ice cream.. and macaroons. Perfect macaroons from an elegant pastry shop. But first let me tell you about the ice cream - because this is ice cream, so good, so unlike I've ever tasted.
Ok. If you happen to be in Paris the ice cream was by Berthillon which I'm told is regarded as to be the best in the city.
The ice cream was a decadent rich caramel - it comes in a small tupperwear type container.. but the container's split half and half - the uppermost layer is creamy delicious ultra-rich caramel and underneath .. underneath is the tastiest most purely wonderful apple sorbet I've ever had. So when you serve yourself some it's a caramel apple treat - ice cream/sorbet together.
I know this sounds good. But it isn't. It's mindfuckingblowingfantastic. Let me explain. If you went into this ice cream store, having previously had the ice cream and the guy at the counter was like - "Today the owner has decided if your balls aren't shaven that you cannot have our ice cream today." You'd grab a strop and razor and bloody buckle down because you couldn't resist the sweet ice cream temptation.
Berthillon - ice cream so good you'd shave your balls for it.
Ever think of a career in advertising?
Also, as for restaurants in Montreal. I am looking for 3-4 places to take friends who will be in town for 2 weeks. So far I have Aux Vivres for lunch one day, and Noir for the simple fact that I haven't been there and have heard it is interesting.
Really though, I am looking for a small cross-section of places that would be worth going to. Dives, Bistros, High-end restaurants, whatever works.
How much was your flight to Paris, if I may ask? I'm starting to figure out an approximate budget.
and you reminded me why i must go to paris for my 30th birthday.