We had many delicious meals during our trip to Paris & Reims for the International Wine Tourism Conference, but these are the five most memorable places I ate at in Paris. Click on the restaurant name for a link to each restaurant's website or Facebook page.
Le Ballon de Ternes
We ate here twice in the same day. It was near our hotel, and lunch was so good we decided we had to try dinner as well. We ordered a sampler of oysters, which were fresh, salty and clean tasting and served with a mignonette sauce. The oysters were a revelation. Coming from Louisiana, I never thought to order oysters in a city like Paris, but thanks to the advice of friend, we decided to try them, paired with several glasses of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne. Le Ballon de Ternes was one of our favorite places to eat in Paris - friendly service, reasonable prices, and delicious food.
Cafe L'Etincelle
We stopped in this little cafe in the Marais on the way to Place des Vosges. We ordered a bottle of Syrah from the Northern Rhone recommend by our server and cheese & charcuterie plate. Later in the week, I hit it again for a Paris cheeseburger, this time paired with a refreshing glass of rose.
Le Petit Canard
We had one of our most memorable meals in Paris here. This small, family-run restaurant serves the best duck confit I've ever had. The entire menu is duck prepared different ways, so if you don't like duck, you may want to go elsewhere. If you do go, make a reservation as the place is small. Here's is what Candice Rodgers of Bitter Glitter had to say:
"The BEST dinner I've ever had at Le Petit Canard. The owner himself served us, and allowed me to practice my French with ease of mind, talked duck hunting with me, and even told me of his duck trip to Lake Charles. A beautiful atmosphere with a small town feel and magnificent food. If you're ever in Paris, do not miss this gem!"
Le Garde Robe
We wanted a light dinner, so we stopped by Le Garde Robe for rose, cheese and freshly sliced charcuterie. An awesome little wine bar with a great selection of wines by the glass, friendly service, and great food! They do have a small lunch and dinner menu, but this place is primarily about the wine.
Auberge St. Roch
On our last Friday in Paris, we wanted a nice Paris meal, so we decided to try Auberg St. Roch. We had no reservation, but the extremely kind manager was able to seat us at a small table in the back. We were lucky, no less than 5 groups were turned away after we were seated. This non-pretentious restaurant had delicious, simple food at reasonable prices. If you want to go, make a reservation.
Photos by Candice Rodgers of Bitter Glitter and Myrna Arroyo of Roux Wine Tours.
