Paris (Paris)

cheeseburger in paradise

May 17th, 2013

chef morgan camion 2

cheeseburger in paradise

In the twenty plus years I have come and gone to France, I have never eaten a hamburger in France. Until now. I heard about Le Camion qui Fume (the truck who smokes) several times and for several reasons.  Le Camion qui Fume made history because it was the first “food truck” in Paris. This adventure was pioneered by Kristin Frederick, a fellow American who coincidentally is also from California. Based upon my experiences in France, let’s just say that I cannot even imagine the French paperwork (nor the taxes….sigh) involved in the undertaking; however, it did not deter Frederick who brought her concept of “French-i-fied” American food — burgers and fries on the go — to the City of Light. And, of course, this Californian included a “double-double” (double boeuf, double fromage) on the menu. Read the rest of this entry »

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It is just the way I see things; baby spring vegetable and Puy lentil salad

March 10th, 2012

 

It is just the way I see things; baby spring vegetable
and Puy lentil salad

Spring is my favorite season. Budding bulbs and blossoming trees bring a sense of renewal and the promise of a fresh start. Returning to my apartment from my baguette run, I was filled with anticipation. Partly, because I could not wait to slather apricot jam on this airy piece of crispy goodness I clutched in my hand, but also because the morning air was filled with the smell of narcissus, daffodils, and hyacinths. The corner florist had opened their doors. Spring has sprung and the evidence was artfully presented in round baskets for shoppers to take home and bring a little bit of spring indoors (even if the radiators were still turned on). I stopped and as I looked at the displays this week’s simple pleasure was born: baby spring vegetable and Puy lentil salad. Read the rest of this entry »

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venez avec moi dans le 6ème

July 31st, 2011

venez avec moi dans le 6ème

venez avec moi dans le 6ème
vous êtes ici
(you are here)

an overview and the tourist points

The sixth arrondissement is located in central Paris on the rive gauche (the left bank). The area is popular with tourists because it is not only full of boutique hotels and quaint bistros but centrally located to many things that tourists come to Paris to see.   Read the rest of this entry »

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a fish, a bag and all that Paris glitter: crispy, shiny loup de mer with Umbrian lentils

July 21st, 2011

sequin fish handbag from Paris by Chef Morgan

a fish, a bag and all that Paris glitter:
crispy, shiny loup de mer with Umbrian lentils

Los Angeles children are very en vogue. For the last few months teens, tweens and even the little ones younger have clamored for “a feather” in their hair and for shirts with sequined patches and logos. At the same time on the old continent, Paris nightlife is all about burlesque and la tendance in fashion is feathers and sequins. It is Moulin Rouge with the sleekness of the 21st century. With the exception of a fashion model’s diet, there is often a connection between fashion and food. In Paris I found a fish handbag  made of sequins, representing the fish’s scales. As I look at the purse I see no reason why that Parisian fashion glitter and glamour cannot be on our dinner plates as well. It can. So inspired by this sequin fish purse, shiny loup de mer on a bed of Umbrian lentils is this week’s simple pleasure. 

 

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venez avec moi dans le 7ème

July 20th, 2011

vous êtes ici
(you are here):
an overview 

The seventh arrondissement is located in central Paris on the rive gauche (the left bank which is the left side of the Seine). It is often referred to as the “Invalides” arrondissement which makes sense because place des Invalides and l’ Hôtel des Invalides with the Musée de l’Armée (further explained below) is at the center of this arrondissement. Read the rest of this entry »

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oeufs en chocolat

April 15th, 2011

oeufs en chocolat, Pâques, and petit déjeuner chez Patrick Roger

(chocolate eggs, Easter, and breakfast at Patrick Roger’s)

Audrey Hepburn made Tiffany & Co. known as a breakfast spot.  It was not because the jewelry store serves breakfast but because in the 1961 movie, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Hepburn’s whimsical character ate her breakfast in front of the store famous for its diamonds as well as its blue bags.  New York may have Tiffany’s but Paris has Patrick Roger.

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venez avec moi Chez Drouant

November 2nd, 2010


There are over 40,000 restaurants in Paris.  Yet, with all of these choices, do you want to know where the chefs dine?   Chefs dine at Drouant, one of Chef Antoine Westermann’s newest restaurants settled in a quiet section of the 2ème arrondissement.  So, venez avec moi Chez Drouant (come with me to Drouant) and find out why.

LM

Drouant: where chefs dine

joking around with Chef Michel Richard at Drouant

Parisian chefs.  International chefs.  Drouant is where they go.  I know because I was there and I saw them gathering and dining.  I shared time with some of them.   Why Drouant?  What is it about this restaurant that chefs migrate to and the Goncourt Academy calls its own?  It is simple.  Owner, Michelin-starred Chef Antoine Westermann and Director Chef Antony Clémot have combined the quality and elegance you would expect from a restaurant of this caliber with the devotion and love you could only expect from your own grandmother (your culinary-trained, Michelin-starred grandmother).

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marchés et tous les bons trucs (markets and all that stuff)

November 2nd, 2010

les marchés de Paris

As early as the 5th century, market life has been a part of Parisian culture.  Originally, all markets were “covered”, meaning they were stationary and had a roof.   However, early in the 20th century many of the covered markets closed and in their place arose open-air markets which could be disassembled at the end of the day.   Today the majority of markets are open-air.

Most markets (open-air and covered) carry organic as well as non-organic products.  There are three markets dedicated solely to organic products in the 6ème, 8ème, and 17ème  arrondissements.  In addition to fresh produce, you can find meat, poultry, seafood, and diary products at the markets.  Most have prepared (hot and cold) items available as for sale, including pâtés, sausages, paëlla, roast chickens, pastas, salads, and more complicated dishes such as tajines and boeuf bourguignon.  The markets vary in size.  Larger markets will carry everything from exotic spices to household items, kitchenware, and clothing.

The markets are named for the street or place upon which they are located. While the days and times vary, you can find a market in every arrondissement.   Covered markets are open every day except Monday and close early on Sundays.  They also   close for lunch.  The open-air markets are set up for about 5 to 6 hours.  Many of the markets (open-air and closed) stay open until 7 or 8 p.m.

Below is a list of the Paris markets (minus two) with their locations, days and times.  This list will be continually updated.  However,  if you are planning a trip to Paris, it is best to verify times and days with France Guide (us.franceguide.com) the official site of the French Government Tourist Office before you go as some of the markets’ locations have changed due to tram construction.  When in Paris you can also get a list of the markets from the mayor’s office.

Bonne courses !

LM

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in love…with Paris (video)

October 23rd, 2010

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mes restaurants préférés à Paris

June 23rd, 2010

paris chef lisa morgan

mes restaurants préférés  à Paris
(my favorite restaurants in Paris)

People say that you cannot have a bad meal in Paris. Not true. Paris is like every city in that there always a few restaurants that do not use first-rate products, the service is less than kind, or less time and attention was given to your meal then you had hoped. However, given the fact that the majority of the product in France is superb, there is a high concentration of quality, talented chefs, and that good food is a fundamental part of the French culture, the odds are largely in your favor of a wonderful experience. 

There are 40,000 resturants in Paris. These are the ones I am fond of  organized by arrondissement.  They range from “hâute cuisine” to tiny bistros (I even include a few oyster bars and where to find a falafel or gelatto) and serve yourself hang-outs. I have begun to classify the restaurants by price by the following break-down per person:

€  (40 euros or less)
€€  (between 40-100 euros)
€€€  (between 100-200 euros)
€€€€  (more than 200 euros)

I encourage you to contact the restaurant or look at their website for prices, times, and menu specials. I continually add the restaurant links to make it easier. Remember that many places are closed in on Sunday and/or Monday. Many restaurants are also closed in August (some now are closed for part of  July as well) for Grandes Vacances. 

bon appétit !

LM

 

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