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Papadoom Kitchen – Paris, France

I know my experience at Papadoom Kitchen is going to be unlike anyone else’s, except for the few other tables dining with us that night.  It’s not because of the food, but rather because I happened to be in Paris when France won the semi-finals to go to The World Cup.  Not only that, but Papadoom Kitchen is situated on Rue Montmartre, the epicenter of pubs if you ask me and on Wednesday, July 11th, every pub/bar turned their big screen tv’s toward the street so everyone could enjoy a view and the locals went WILD!!! I mean lighting flares and jumping on top of buses wild.  It was a little distracting to our meal but entertaining to say the least and fun to be a part of.

Ok – now onto the food and restaurant – stunning, unique, satisfying, perfect!  I love Indian food and just don’t eat it enough.  We had a hard time narrowing down our decisions but went with our gut and LOVED every dish we ordered.

The decor was equally as impressive.  I took advantage of the fact that 99% of Parisians were in the streets watching the game and explored the restaurant myself.  Beautiful!

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Veg’ Channa Massala and Palak

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Garlic Naan

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Gambas Adarak

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Chicken Byriani

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Tandoori Ghobi

Ralph’s – Paris, France

Imagine The Ivy transplanted to Paris and then add beautiful Parisian waiters – yes please!  I was first recommended Ralph’s by an acquaintance that lived in Paris for years.  And then I read mixed reviews online, some thought it to be overrated while others couldn’t give it enough praise.  I already had a reservation for lunch and thought best to make my own opinion.  It was lovely!  Everything about it.  Set in a beautiful outdoor courtyard in the middle of the Ralph Lauren store, it’s comfortable and so relaxing.  The food did not disappoint either.  We couldn’t resist the cute little lobster rolls for a starter (a special that day) and then I couldn’t resist the lobster salad.  Stunning!

I have a hard time recommending lunch spots in Paris to friends simply because I find it fun to just stumble upon cute little bistros while out and about.  This would be an exception though if you’re looking for a nice civilized break in the day.  Reservations recommended.  Enjoy!

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Frenchie – Paris, France

What a charming restaurant!  I’ve wanted to go here for a while now and wasn’t able to last year because our party was larger than six (their limit).  Now I understand why…with just eight tables and two counter seats, there’s not a lot of room to spare.  And rightly so, it’s a beautiful dinner meant to be appreciated whereas with a larger group, sometimes the conversation and laughs take over the spotlight.

At Frenchie (the nickname Chef Gregory Marchand was coined while working for Jamie Oliver at one of his London establishments years ago), you are presented a five course seasonal tasting menu along with an amuse bouche and two desserts (eat light during the day).  From start to finish the meal was outstanding!  So many pleasant surprises and originality.  Honestly, the strawberry gazpacho that was our amuse bouche is still on my mind.  Stunning yet delicate flavors with just the right acidity.  YES!  Overall it was definitely worth the hype.  And don’t forget to make a reservation well in advance, you’ll need it!

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Costes – Paris, France

Our first day in Paris we were hot off the plane and needed some lunch pronto!  Our hotel recommended the terrace at Hotel Costes as it was just a block from where we were staying.  What a great find!  Super chic and trendy, I would love to sit here all day and just people watch while drinking my French rosé.

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Lapérouse – Paris, France

Do a little research on this place and you’ll quickly realize that it has some major history.  Established in 1766 how could it not?!  What we thought were vandalized mirrors in our room turned out in fact to be scratches from the diamonds that the “cocottes” (fashionable prostitutes) would make in order to authenticate the diamonds they got as payment and make sure they weren’t just glass.  All the history aside, the food was great! I’m still thinking about my salad with fresh truffles shaved on top.  I could honestly eat it everyday.

All in all this is a memorable and fun restaurant whether you’re a party of 2 or 12.  Check out their Instagram to see all the notable models and famous people that have dined there.

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Lettuce salad and black truffles – fresh leafs of lettuce, truffle shavings, pecorino cheese and garlic crouton

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The Victor Hugo lobster – salted butter roasted and avocado

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The Lapérouse soufflé – for 124 years, made from praline, served with caramel sauce

Divellec – Paris, France

I’m not exaggerating when I say this was one of the best meals of my entire life.  Truth.  One of the ladies in my group said had we gone there the first night of our trip she would have requested we go back the last night.  Everything made this meal perfect – from the decor to the incredible staff, the night really couldn’t have been any better.  I truly feel that Divellec is Paris’ best kept secret.  They earned their first Michelin star after only being open for 4 months and I think soon enough this place will be the talk of the town.

I have never felt so glutinous but I couldn’t help myself.  Started with the caviar, next the sashimi and then followed it all up with the classic sole meunière.  The sole might sound boring to some but let me tell you, boring it was not.  I rolled each bite of fish in the butter it was sitting in and moaned out loud the whole dinner.  This really could have been my last meal on earth and I would have been perfectly satisfied.  Although I felt like I needed to be rolled out of the restaurant…we ordered desert.  Who can pass up a beautiful chocolate soufflé?!  Not me apparently.  Go here and enjoy yourself!

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