Paris Food
Food and drink will quite rightly feature highly on most people's agenda when planning a trip to Paris. France is renowned for its fine food, with many of the best chefs concentrated in the capital city. The seriousness with which the French take their food means that its still possible to sample lots of fresh, "local" produce, even when in the heart of Paris. For example, during the tail end of winter fresh oysters are transported in daily from the coast, selling cheaply on many street corners.
Eating is a sombre affair in France, unsurprisingly given that it is the seat of the burgeoning "slow food" movement. You'd be hard pressed to find a MacDonalds or similar in Paris, although with the wealth of cafes, bistros and restaurants one wonders why you'd be looking, and the few branches that are open tend to be clustered around the more obvious tourist destinations.
However, Parisians are moving with the times and the traditional leisurely three course lunch is slowly being replaced with a less extravagent two courses, particuarly in regards to prix fixe menus. Dinner remains a serious business, however, with three courses still de rigueur, not forgetting the obligatory wines, apertifs and other extras.
One of the best recommendations for finding affordable but tasty food in Paris is simply to explore the streets and look for a welcoming looking neighbourhood bistro. If you have your sights set on a particular restaurant it's best to book ahead, as all but the simplest of places tend to require same-day booking, while the fancier establishments may require more notice.
In terms of specific restaurants, Chartier comes highly recommended by many locals and seasoned visitors. Opened in 1896, Chartier set out to offer restaurant quality food to people that couldn't afford restaurant prices, an ethic it still hopes to match today. The snails at Chartier are a particular favourite with many regulars, making it an attractive option for those planning on sampling one of France's most idiosyncratic dishes.
For a simple lunch, you could do much worse than heading for L'Arbre a Cannelle in the second district. Offering simple but tasty fare, such as salads and tarts, it makes for a relaxing lunch on the go, in a suitably stylish environment complete with wood panelling and painted ceilings.
For dinner, consider heading to Le Grand Cafe Capucines in the ninth district, with the location making it a favourite among cinema or opera-goers. Prices are reasonable for the full three courses and the seafood comes highly recommended.
Those that prioritise their wine over their bread should check out Le Moulin a Vins in the 18th district. Described as a cheery wine bar, it boasts an impressive selection of wines, while visitors can ensure they keep their stomachs sensibly lined by sampling the varied selection of cheeses and charcuterie on offer. Main meals are also available, with traditional favourites such as coq au vin offered on a daily basis. Food is available until midnight and the bar stays open until two, making it an ideal choice for those planning to make a lazy night of it.
Only one thing mars Paris' claim to be a foody's haven and that is its attitude towards vegetarians. Non-meat eaters are not well catered for in most of the city's restaurants, while the few specialist vegetarian cafes tend to fall into the lentils and temperance school of thought. Waiters tend not to be overly helpful and it's a brave vegetarian who asks a French chef to adapt a meaty dish. However, a quick check of the menu before choosing the evening's restaurants should help to avoid too many problems.
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Eating and Drinking
