2. Romantic. Ravishing. Rejuvenating.
In between adventures, food trails and the joys of exploring all things
beautiful, I experienced a heart-stopping journey of romance at Paris,
the City of Lights. This was something I had always dreamt of and in
spite of a short transit, I was determined to absorb the essence of
culture in a sophisticated and beautiful city. Paris je t’aime! This was the
Oh la la moment I had been waiting for and it was time to display my
principles of ‘aime beaucoup’ which means, ‘Eat well, laugh often, love
abundantly’ and here was a chance to prove my ideals!
I think that every tourist loves to visit ‘Gay Paree’, a city with a 19th
century cityscape, cultural and oh so cosmopolitan. Historic and
everlasting, the environment of Paris brims over with romance, art,
design, luxurious fashion, entertainment, media, music and gourmet
food trails. Was I thrilled to be here or what!!?? Being a chef with
aspirations of sampling rare and exotic cuisines, I was about to
experience the second highest number of Michelin restaurants in the
City of Lights.
3. The Bon Appétit Experience
What can I say about my first-time
ever in Paris? Je suis enchanté! As I
walked through the boulevards
lined with monuments, bistros,
museums, galleries, maisons de
haute couture, enchanting wine
bars, boutiques and leveraged with
tech start-ups, I was amazed by the
romantic atmosphere of tree-lined
avenues and the camaraderie of the
French. Having heard so much
about the landmark icons of Paris, I
visited the famed Eiffel Tower, the
iconic Louvre and the Notre-Dame.
Flowing through Paris is the famous
Seine which is a 777-kilometre-long
river known for its inland waterway
traffic and which is the subject of
divine songs and poems.
4. With every fiber in me screaming for
the luxury of the popular and delicious
dishes of Paris, I threaded through the
cobbled street or ‘rue’ to find the
delectable offerings of one of Europe’s
much-talked about culinary centers.
Though my trip was short, I was
determined to make my Parisian
fantasy come true by delving in to at
least the tip of a culinary iceberg. The
chef and the gourmet in me arose to
meet this gastronomical journey with
moules frites which is steamed
mussels and French fries, Bordier
Butter with baguettes, falafel
sandwiches and galettes. Fulfilling the
taste buds with awesome encounters,
Paris offers a mouth-watering array of
deliciously crafted French favorites
such as sea snails, oysters, venison,
boar, seafood, lamb, veal, beef and
pork.
5. Satisfying the Senses at an Abode of Delicious Delights
My sweet sojourn took me to
a haven of delights with
Kouglof, Moroccan pastries,
pain au choclat, cream puffs,
puff pastry, Berthillon ice
cream, caramels, crepes and
other incredible concoctions.
Oh, I could go on forever in
this paradise for food lovers!
My taste buds were dancing
with delight with macaron
ice-cream sandwiches, gelato,
Crepe and Creme Brulee,
Pistachio, Giunduja with
chocolate and hazelnut,
‘dessert soups’ and Paris-
Brest with choux pastry and
praline flavored cream
especially from La Patisserie
des Rêves.
6. My time was filled to the brim as I popped into the renowned restaurants
and eateries of Paris to revive my sense of mangez bien and joie de vivre.
This was a complete paradise and repository of gourmet delicacies! I
managed to taste Jamon (Foie Gras and Roasted Pepper), Skewers with
Balsamic Reduction, the inspiring Chateaubriand, Jamon (ham) and
Artichoke Cream on Waffles, Roast Chicken and Macarons at Pierre Herme.
As echoes of ‘Sante’ filled the air at the mind-boggling wine bars, I regaled
the senses with the popular brands of wine and listened with awe to the
language, the French, the customs and culture. Filled with innumerable
boulangeries, Paris offers the world-famous cheese or fromage, bread,
croissants and other daily staples. But I could go on about the dishes that
the French cook up with their famed culinary intelligence which evolve over
some of the Jewish Ashkenazi dishes, escargots, tapas and cold cuts plates.
Paris eateries brim over with delectable dishes from all over world including
A Pho, a Vietnamese dish, Kimchi Ramen, veggie stew, noodle bowls, tacos
and a spectrum of culinary delights.
7. Just as I was entering into the Age of Enlightenment, it was time for me to
leave and I busied my wandering thoughts with gifts to pick up including a
painting of the Seine by a talented street artist. But surely, this was the
place to be and rejuvenate with the ravishing lifestyle in Paris.
Travel with
Binoy Nazareth
to Color Life
with the Culture
of Paris
