Bonjour, mes amis! I hope it’s been a wonderful week. I am still working off a bit of jet lag, but it’s all for a good cause: a lovely week in Paris and Rome—mostly eating my way around the cities, like any visitor should.
I have been fortunate to have traveled to the City of Light quite a bit. I first went way back in high school, for a whirlwind class trip to Paris, Rome, and Madrid. Our first full night of the trip was my birthday, with a group dinner in a little French café with yellow walls and weathered wood tables.
Now you may be thinking, “Oh, how lovely to have your birthday in Paris!”
Certainly. But here’s the thing: It was the first time I ever spent my birthday without my family, and I was deeply homesick. I was also suffering from jet lag and serious lack of sleep from the overnight flight, which never helps.
Unbeknownst to me, my parents had sent a letter for me to read on my birthday, which my teacher presented along with a large apple tart (get the recipe) studded with birthday candles for dessert. I always have apple pie on my birthday instead of cake, so this was the French version.
Over a chorus of black-vested French servers and about 20 high school juniors belting out the happy birthday song in French (“joyeux anniversaire, joyeux anniversaire…”) I burst into sobs.
The apple tart was delicious—once I collected myself enough to try it. Buttery, golden-brown pastry flaked apart as I sank my fork through the tart, thin-sliced apples arranged in a spiral design and glossed with apricot jam. A thin layer of custard between the pastry and the apples added sweetness to balance the tart apples and gently-salted crust.
Nothing could ever be as wonderful as my mom’s homemade birthday apple pie, of course, but wow. This tart was gooood.
Every time I go to Paris since then, some things remain wonderfully the same, but there are always new spots to enjoy. As my special feature this week for paid subscribers: my definitive Paris food guide. This is where to find the best French food, not-French food (like my “shh…don’t tell anyone else about this” Italian restaurant), gourmet stores, wine bar, food tours, cheese shop, baguettes, croissants, fancy pastries…this is it. (My Rome guide will follow soon!)
I’ve been seeing the first signs of summer produce, and I still have France on my mind. So I’m excited to share these recipes with a little seasonal French flair, along with some other favorites and Memorial Day ideas to make right now. I hope you enjoy.
Have a wonderful week, everyone. Thanks for being a part of Unpeeled Journal. À bientôt!
—Lisa
This is my favorite summer vegetable recipe, straight from France. It’s a one-skillet recipe that’s nourishing, easy, and tastes like summer.
Bonjour, better lunch (or easy no-cook dinner). The combination of crusty baguette and flavorful fillings like ham and butter, tomato and goat cheese, or tuna and Niçoise salad fillings, makes a wonderful meal that tastes like it’s fresh from the boulangerie.
This traditional French salad is the most satisfying salad I’ve ever had: curly greens tossed with warm bacon vinaigrette and topped with a poached egg. Frisée is in season right now. Make this.
A fresh vinaigrette gets tossed with warm potatoes and tons of fresh herbs makes a standout side dish inspired by an Ina Garten classic. This is a summer cookout win, and great summer side dish.
Speaking of no-mayo cookout wins, this favorite slaw is crunchy from fresh cabbage and crisp apples, colorful, nourishing, and can be made in advance.
I know what you’re thinking: feta pasta with…yogurt sauce? Yes and yes. This easy recipe with a no-cook sauce whips up in no time and makes a creamy, satisfying dinner for warm weather without being heavy.
Isn’t this so beautifully seasonal? Butter crust, pastry cream, and fresh fruit are all you need to make this fresh centerpiece dessert that’s fun to make and impressive to bring to any gathering.
Challah bread, sweet vanilla custard, and a hot skillet combine for the French toast breakfast you deserve. (I know this is not actually “French from France,” but the name is good enough for me, and this is one of my favorite breakfast recipes.)
It’s no secret that Paris is an incredible city for food. So good, in fact, that it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Fear not! These are all of my trusted, tested favorites and recommendations for where to eat your way around Paris, and more.
Where to eat right now: Paris recommendations for a special occasion meal; award-winning baguettes and pastries; non-tourist restaurants; ice cream; and where to go when you need a break from French food and get great Italian, ramen, dumplings, donuts, and pizza.
How to eat in Paris like a local: what time to eat (and when to avoid), table manner basics, tipping, and more
Where to shop for the best kitchen souvenirs and gourmet gifts
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.