For the upcoming holidays, there is always lively discussion on the right food and food pairings to celebrate the occasion. The French never press the topic but they always seem to depict an expertise in mastering the art of simple gastronomy. From a cheese soufflé to the more complicated coq a vin, a Sunday supper in Paris is one of my favorite gems.
Being in Paris on a dark and windy January visit, it is always a pleasure to be invited into the Parisian home for a Sunday supper. The cheese soufflé and simple salad of my hostess was the perfect end to a day of exploring new neighborhoods, finding the hidden gems we love so much. The meal was paired with a crisp wine and finished off with the traditional Galette du Roi from the bakery downstairs across the street, as we celebrated just being together. I will never forget finding the fève in my slice of cake, a small porcelain macaron, which declared me “King for the Day!”
Another wonderful memory I have of French cooking was the semester we had our exchange students here from Paris. We explored sweet as well as savory crepes, Coq a Vin, and a staple in my household, the very American French Toast. The two lovely girls showed their appreciation for their visit with a sweet treat before they were to depart by making us a Tarte Tatin, or the French version of apple pie!
One of my favorite places in New York City to celebrate with friends is the Flatiron district’s Le Coq Rico. The brite blue of the restaurant’s entryway always cheers me, and I know the food will be delicious. Chef Antoine Westermann has been the orchestrator of delectable chicken recipes for decades in Paris and in 2016 he brought his expertise to the US. Sharing a roast chicken, with root vegetables and a salad, then celebrating with Ile Flottante for dessert is one of the first things I schedule when I am visiting my second favorite city!
Can I talk about French food and not mention cheese? Strolling the area of Saint Germain on a wine and cheese walking tour is a wonderful thing to do for an afternoon in Paris. There are over 1600 varieties of French cheese and attempting to taste them all is a goal many find never-ending but still consistently satisfying. By the way, bringing home a baguette, a thick slice of cheese, and a bottle of wine is my version of fast food when I am in Paris.
However you choose to celebrate, be sure to try a new recipe from France, follow a Parisian foodie blog, or go to a French restaurant. Your tastebuds will thank you!
Some of my favorite foodie accounts to follow:
What are your favorites? Tell me below in the comments!
