By no means I consider myself an expert on Paris, but I thought I’d put together a list of addresses that were a part of my carefully curated Parisian experience.
In terms of eating out, most places I’d ever recommend have to respect the ingredients and, ideally, be mindful of the seasons. Although there are many places like that in Paris, here I listed a few addresses that offer menus of small shareable plates and don’t necessarily require reservations, a format that works well for someone who wanders around Paris with a camera and no particular plans.
In terms of shopping, my intention was to find few pieces that capture the essence of Paris in both obvious and unique ways, and which would keep for years as souvenirs and simultaneously something I use in daily life.
In terms of museums (art, really), if that’s your thing, you’ll probably check what’s happening at a particular moment and where, so my only suggestion is one permanent collection that might fall a bit under the radar.
Here we go.
Food
Clamato. A seafood-centric restaurant. Wines are natural. Menu changes daily. Reservations not accepted. To get in smoothly for dinner, arrive by 7pm or after 9pm.
Clown Bar
They say veal brain is the thing to order, but my choices were all vegetarian. If you sit at the bar, the barman might compliment you with a glass of natural wine he finds exciting. Service is a bit slow but it’s fine if you’re not in a rush.
La Buvette
Natural wines and small plates. Works well for a decadent lunch.
Holybelly 5
Intimate and sophisticated take on breakfast pleasantly unpopular among tourists lining up at Holybelly 19 (which is also excellent if you arrive before 10.30am on a weekday or are able to tolerate a one+ hour waiting line).
Things
Flolove Paris. The blouses are the answer to the question on how to be (un petit peu) more French.
Maison Chateau Rouge. A made-in-Paris label mixing African prints with contemporary cuts. I have to mention that I got a 50 euro personal discount on that dress for any or all of the following reasons 1) I looked stunning in it 2) I came from an exotic country of Belarus 3) the designer Youssouf Fofana was too kind.
Merci. The concept store I find slightly overrated, but linen placement mats and napkins are irresistible for someone who values an elegant meal at home.
Art
Musée de l'Orangerie. If you are looking to escape the crowds at Musée d'Orsay and have a more meditative experience in the company of Monet and all your favorite post-impressionist.
Homage to Monet by Alex Katz because appropriation is my favourite art technique.