The problem with going to Paris is you think, “Oh, I am totally going to to lose weight. The French are SO skinny and I will walk EVERYWHERE.” But what you forget is how delicious the French pastries are and how truly impossible it is to say no. Every morning here, I wake up and tell myself I’m cutting out sugar. Sometimes it works, mostly it doesn’t. So, I decided I would chalk it up to doing some blog research on some of my favorite chocolate and pastries here in Paris.
3 Chocolates You Have to Try in Paris
This list will continue to grow (I’ve only been here two weeks), but in case you decide to come to Paris to visit me (hey Mom), now you have a starting point.
Macarons from Pierre Hermé
I had the passionfruit chocolate, it is moist, dense, imaginative and delicious. But quite frankly, any kind of ganache filled macaron is going to be the best day you ever had. And in case you aren’t getting to Paris any time soon, check out his cookbook and let me know what you think: Pierre Hermé Pastries.
Photo Credit: Betsy Weber (Creative Commons)
Angelina’s hot chocolate
I felt like a cliché when Joe and I strolled over to Luxembourg gardens to pop into Angelina. However, it’s cliché for a reason. Hands down it is the best hot chocolate I have had in my life. Maybe you live next door to a fancy chocolate place and they serve you sipping chocolate every day so this is old hat to you. But Gainesville isn’t quite the booming culinary metropolis that is Paris. This chocolate was silky, warm, cozy and decadent. Optimally, it should be drank by a fireplace with a dog, a blanket and a good book. If you don’t have that, strolling through some of the most beautiful gardens in Paris is a close second.
Photo Credit: JanetandPhil (Creative Commons)
Photo Credit: johnbailey63 (Creative Commons)
Chocolate Eclairs from La Pâtisserie de Rêves
And the tastiest bit I’ve had (thus far – remember I’ve got another month folks) is the chocolate eclair from La Pâtisserie de Rêves, which means the bakery of your dreams. And it is indeed what I’ve only dreamt. Yummy, yummy, and bliss are the best words to describe it.
My apologies, I don’t have a very good picture because a) there aren’t many on flickr b) I only had my iPhone when we went c) I ate it before I remembered to take a picture. (It’s the chocolate covered one on the right). But it was divine and if you are ever in Paris this is a must.
Photo Credit: Paris by Mouth (Creative Commons)
Now I want your suggestions. What hedonistic epicurean sweet am I missing? You can live vicariously through me. I promise to find (if possible) and tell you all about it (rough life I know).
You don't need a culinary degree to make sophisticated food. I want to improve your food education. Sometimes I travel and wear new clothes, and I'll tell you about that, too.
I HATE you for being in Paris and talking about little puffs of chocolate perfection when I’m sitting in dreary Gainesville. However, I LOVE that you’re writing. Keep it up. 🙂 I’m hooked.
Ahh, thanks friend!:) xo
I really like how you write Talia! Keep going! 🙂
I still have to try La patisserie des rêves, your post is a good reminder…
I saw this blog post recently, it’s in french but it can be helpful with Google translate 🙂 : http://www.deedeeparis.com/blog/10-adresses-pour-boire-un-chocolat-chaud
Thanks Sandra! If you’re out this way and feel like popping over there let me know, I’ll join you. I can always go for another eclair!:) And I’ll have to try out those other hot chocolates!:)
Ok, I’ll let you know 🙂
also, did you know you can actually buy Angelina chocolate powder if you want to have it when you get back home ? (if the customs is ok with that!)
That is exactly what I want to do! I am going to check it out!
I definitely need some of that infamous hot chocolate when I come visit!! 🙂
oh yes, it will change your life friend! I can’t wait!!!
Oh my lands. YUM. One of mine and Phil’s favourite places in Belfast is CoCouture. Decadent, rich, gourmet chocolate is the best thing in the world. And their hot chocolate sounds similar to your tasty experience! I know it wouldn’t make it on the plane otherwise I’d ask you to bring some home 😉 Enjoy it for us! hugs!
Oh I bet it is the same! Im going to try and find out how to make it and then we can drink it FOREVER!
The girls and I still remember the hot chocolate we had in Paris over 14 years ago….to die for. Also, Pain au chocolat! yum……I am loving your blog! Have fun!!
Oh I bet! And thanks Aunt Cindy!:) xo
I’m J! Bring me some!
Right? If only it would keep! MAYBE YOU SHOULD COME HERE:)
haha I totally think that about France / Europe… the whole “I’ll walk everywhere and be so skinny.” Thanks for the head’s up.
P.S. I WANT CHOCOLATE. NOW.
right?
2 words for ya…. STOP IT!
oh frieda:)
I totally agree with you about Angelina’s! My favorite place in Paris by far. Not only did I die and go to heaven with their sipping chocolate & Mont-Blanc, but their Caprese Salad was phenomenal with little dollops of fresh pesto (that was years ago, so not sure if they still serve it!). Have a sip for us Grieve’s over here! 🙂
Will do! I’ll have to investigate the salad, sounds amazing and since it’s a salad it would totally cancel out the chocolate!:)