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Foodies Alert! MUST Eat Food in Paris

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Foodies Alert! MUST Eat Food in Paris

The French take their food seriously. Some of the food are so popular that they have become the signature of French cuisines or even national dishes. A typical French meal consists of a hors d'oeuvre (entree), a plat principal (main course), a fromage (cheese) or dessert. Therefore, it is not uncommon for a meal to last anything up to two hours. 

Hors d'oeuvres – The Entree

1 Basil Salmon Terrine

A terrine is made with grounded meat emulsified with fats shaped into a loaf. In this case, the choice of meat is salmon and basils are added. Usually eated chilled, the perfect combination of salmon, fats with a hint of basil makes it a great entree for dinner parties or other special occasions.

[PARIS-DESSERTS https://www.bonappetour.com/mesny/learn-how-to-make-macaroons]​
 

2. Bisque

Bisques are creamy, thick and flavour soups. Some of the most popular bisques of the French origin are made with lobster, crayfish, shrimps or other kinds of seafood. Vegetable bisques such as tomato or pumpkin are also popular choices. This dish will not disappoint you as it warms your stomach with its rich creaminess and opens up your appetite for the main course.

3. French Onion Soup

This dish is as popular as the Eiffel Tower. The flavour beef stock is balanced perfectly with the lightly brown caramelized onions. Gratineed with coutons or cheese, this soup is the epitome of French comfort food. Try it at Ann's home restaurant!

4. Foie Gras

Foie Gras is the signature of French luxury cuisines. It is rich, buttery, delicate and has a unique flavour. It is even listed under the French law as the protected cultural and gastronomical heritage of France. Often served whole or in a mousse, parfait or pate form, it is a delicacy that few could afford but many would want to try.

Plat Principals – The main course

1. Pot-au-feu

Pot-au-feu is essentially a one pot beef stew. It is the most celebrated family dish in France. This one pot stew consists of beef, which is the main ingredient, and vegetables such as potatoes, celery, carrots and onion. Not only does it tastes good, it also gives you a taste of french family cuisine.

2. Duck a l'orange

If you are lucky enough to be invited by a French family for dinner, you are very likely to get this dish. This duck in orange sauce is typical of french family cuisines. The flavour of the roasted duck is enhance by the tangy citrousy orangy sauce that make it so very refreshing.

3. Bouillabaisse

Bouillabaisse is a fish stew that originates from Marseille. This is different from other fish stews from it's ingredients. It uses a variety of Provencal herbs and spices in the soup and the fish used are from the local Mediterranean sea. Also, when served, the fish and soup are served separately. This is often eaten with slices of bread.

Fromage – Cheese

1. Brie De Meaux

It originates from the Brie region. It is very versatile and has a soft, creamy texture.

2. Roquefort

 

It is one of the most well known blue cheese in the world. It is white in colour and has a crumbly texture with distinctive green mold. When you take a bite of it, it will first have a slightly mild sensation and then sweet then becomes salty and smoky. 

Dessert

1. Creme Brulee

When you are in Paris, this is the one dessert that you cannot miss. Popular throughout the world, the balance between the rich soft custard and hard caramel is a perfect way to end your meal.

2. Macaroons

What's a Paris trip without some macaroons. I think this picture is pretty self explanatory. Who can resist these cute little colourful pastries? It is heaven in a bite. Try your hands at making these tiny pieces of heaven in Paris, and showcase what you've learnt to your friends back home. 

Are you tempted by all the classic French cuisines? Check out our Bonappetour hosts in Paris, they have all the right skills and ingredients to whip up your favourite French dish.

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Festivals to attend in Paris

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Festivals to attend in Paris

Summer time is when cities around the world are most lively and Paris is no exception. A host of festivals take place in Paris, celebrating all forms of art, be it music, film or dance. The city's green spaces, banks of the Seine river and even historical sites and churches are transformed into centres of festivities. 

While most festivals in Paris take place in summer, there are festivals held throughout the year even during the colder months. Depending on which time of the year you are headed for the French capital, here are some festivals that to consider attending. 

1. Bastille Day Celebrations

July 14th marks the beginning of the French Revolution with the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, an act which proved to be one of France's first steps towards democracy. Celebrations begin on the night of 13th July with a grand music and dance party held at Place de la Bastille. The following morning, celebrations begin with a military parade at Champs Elysees in the morning and culminates with a fireworks show which many watch from Champ de Mars. Families also enjoy a feast on Bastille Day at home and some would head out for a picnic at green spaces near the Eiffel Tower. 

2. Open Air Cinema Festival

As evening approaches, temperatures cool and there is no better way to end the day than with a film screening at Parc de la Villette. Film lovers will be in for a treat with a series of both French and international films feature on the programme every summer. A mix of well-known and lesser-known films are screened at this month-long annual festival, which has a different theme each year. Hire deckchairs or picnic mats on site to make yourself comfortable as you enjoy a free film screening at this park. If you fancy, bring along some food and wine indulge in prior to the screening. 

3. Paris Jazz Festival

The Paris Jazz Festival brings performances to the Parc Floral de Vinciennes every weekend in June and July. Featuring talented local and international musicians, as well as up-and-coming and well-known acts, this festival is as much an opportunity for jazz musicians to showcase their talents as it is for the audience to enjoy jazz tunes as they bask in the sunshine and appreciate the sights of nature. Picnics on the lawns of the park are also a common sight so if you fancy having some nibbles to accompany the performances, do remember to bring your food and mat along!

4. Le Salon du Chocolat

Chocaholics will not want to miss annual chocolate festival in Paris! Held in the later part of October, this festival is indeed solely focused on chocolate and attended by manufacturers of this delightful treat from all over the world. Given the opportunity to sample a great variety of chocolate by manufacturers from many different countries, it is little wonder why this festival is hugely popular with the chocolate-loving public. Whether you fancy chocolate drinks, confectionery, pastries or simply plain chocolate, there is plenty to indulge in at this cocoa festival. 

5. Carnaval de Paris

This annual festival in Paris occurs after the Feast of Fools and takes place either in February or March. In earlier times, this festival lasted several weeks but is now a day-long event. Nevertheless, Carnaval de Paris has much to offer with its two main events, namely the walk of masks and the processions. Beginning at Gambette metro station and ending at Hotel de Ville, this street carnival is watched by over 6,000 people who gather at different points of the route for the best views. It is completely free to watch and enjoy the parade so do not miss this opportunity! 

Not so much of a crowd person? Have you own private celebration with local Parisian hosts, where they will treat you to hand made local French delicacies, all in the comfort of their beautiful homes. 

Image Credits: 1|2|3|4|5|6

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Coffee, Cake and a Chat : Invitation to Parisians

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Coffee, Cake and a Chat : Invitation to Parisians

Here at BonAppetour we were deeply saddened to hear the news about Friday's terrorist attacks in Paris. We have many hosts and team members working in and around the affected area who were (thankfully) not hurt, so these events really hit home. Our sympathies lay with the friends and families of the victims, the world is thinking of you. 

We understand that at a time like this people need to grieve and talk about the what has happened. Bernadette, one of our hosts, is reaching out to the families of the victims. She has told us, in her own words: 

"I would like in some small way to do something for the families of the victims and would like to welcome them chez moi for tea/coffee and cupcakes/cookies, of course this will be at no charge.  My apartment is located on Blvd Richard Lenoir – a 10 minute walk from the Bataclan site. If you are in this area don't hesitate to contact BonAppetour's Paris Community Manager here: [email protected] to make arrangements."

We would like to open this invitation up to the families of those directly affected by the attacks in Paris, who just need a chat and to find themselves amongst friends.

Join us today between 18:30 – 20:30, email abby@bonappetour for the exact address. Future dates are to be confirmed.

 

Fluctuat nec mergitur

 

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