I was never a big fan of milk chocolate. It was always too sweet, too bland, and never gave me that same chocolate rush of pleasure that a nice chunk of dark, bittersweet chocolate did. When I wrote my chocolate book, I heard from more than a few people, sheepishly, that they preferred milk chocolate. So I wanted to find out why a chocolate-lover would…
I pass this café often when strolling up the rue de Chemin Vert, in the 11th arrondissement. Someday I’ll stop in at the bar for a café express since I’ve always loved the lettering out front. My local La Poste, a streamlined Art Deco masterpiece built in 1935, meant to suggest the speed and futuristic-optimism of the industrial revolution. Some would argue La Poste is…
In this month’s Hemispheres Magazine, the magazine of United Airlines, you’ll find my article about exploring the chocolate shops of Paris. I talk about many of my favorite places, why I like them…and what I recommend you get while you’re there! Although the article is only available on United Airlines flights in October (so book your flight to Paris today!) you’ll find a special ‘Cyber…
“This isn’t your house? Paris is your house! A dog dèjection left on a sidewalk is a 183€ fine. 30,000 garbage cans are at your disposal in Paris” (If you think it’s icky looking at this on your computer, this sidewalk billboard faces the tables at an outdoor restaurant and cafè. Imagine looking at that while enjoying dinner!)
While strolling the Mercato Centrale in Florence a while back, I was introduced to this curious gelatina, a little pot of Beer and Chocolate Jelly. When I told the shopkeeper I was a chocolatier, he gave me the jar as a gift (that’s why I love Italy…) and told me to let him know how I liked it. I conferred with my pal Judy and…
Since we’re on the subject of beignets, I spotted these enticing looking pastries at one of my favorite out-of-the-way boulangeries in Paris. It must be a global trend. Boulangerie au 140 140, rue de Belleville Paris Tel: 01 46 36 92 47 Métro: Jourdain
We made it to Amateur Gourmet Survivor: Round II! The fierce competition already managed to raise so far $2750 thanks to many of your generous donations. This time, for Round II, it’s all about beignets, those favorite deep-fried pastries from New Orleans. Melissa, my dedicated Survivor contestant, made two separate batches: due to a successful whining campaign by yours truly, in addition to caramelized-apple beignets,…
The best bread in Paris isn’t made in any Parisian boulangerie, it’s made chez Christoph, the home of an affable German fellow who stunned me at a party a few months back when I savored more than my share of his excellent, hearty, homemade multi-grain bread. He told me that each Saturday, he bakes just two loaves of multi-grain bread to last him through the…
A couple weeks ago, someone sent me a thoughtful gift from the US. A few days later, I get a bill from the delivery company; 42 euros for taxes (the gift was valued at 80 euros, making the tax about 55%.) So I head to the office of the delivery company, where they show me the official rules for gifts sent and received in France:…
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