French Californian: food

Okay, let's face it - when I use the word Sunny, what I actually mean is that a handful of sun rays peeked through the clouds intermittently during the day. What I DON'T mean is the bright, powerful, stark sunshine of California - That kind of sunshine, my friends, I probably won't be seeing anytime soon. But for now, a few warming rays bring a much-needed feeling of warm happiness. This Saturday, I went on a little wander through the 5th Arrondissement with my friend Ellen. She introduced me to a really great Crêperie on well-known Rue Mouffetard that has made its appearances on many a travel itinerary, but which I had never heard of. In fact, I had never even walked this famous foodie road until now! I was pleasantly surprised with how charming it was - on a slight incline, full of delicious scents of roasting meat, felafel, and sweet crêpes, miscellaneous shops, an American diner... shall I go on?

The Crêperie, called Au P'tit Grec, offers GINOURMOUS sweet and savoury french-style pancakes at really modest prices. Not only was the Egg, Cheese, and Ham crêpe super filling and yummy, but even the typical Nutella crêpe we had for dessert was exceptionally good - I have a theory it's the butter they use on the grill when heating. If you decide to go, be advised that there will probably be a substantial queue for both take-away and sit-down, and that the interior seating is extremely limited. But don't let that stop you! More info at the bottom of the post.

The temperature was really so lovely, and strolling down Rue Mouffetard, Nutella crêpe in-hand, was bliss. And of course, flower shops only add to the ambiance.

After a little brainstorming, Ellen and I made our way over to Jardin des Plantes, which was only just beginning to sprout flowers here and there. Not only is it a botanical garden during warm weather, they also had an Orchid exhibition in a massive greenhouse, a Natural History museum, and a small Zoo. We satisfied ourselves by merely walking around, as we both had no desire to stand in line and pay for entrance tickets ("help me, I'm poor" - Kristen Wiig in Bridesmaids).

We finished our Journey in the 5th with some hot, sweet mint tea at the Grande Mosquée de Paris. We chose to sit in the front courtyard, with white walls, blue tile work, soft, diffused lighting, and a chorus of songbirds. The tea was a nice treat, sweetened to my taste. I saw a few people enjoying sweet-smelling hookah. We had a look-see around the interior, and it certainly didn't disappoint - different rooms with painted walls, red curtains, gold accents, the works. I highly, highly recommend stopping in if you're in the area.

It was so lovely to experience a little slice of Paris I had never tasted before. Just when you think you've seen it all, that there's nothing left to explore or ignite that sense of adventure and discovery - a friend takes you somewhere new. It's really made me want to branch out more, see places in Paris I've never thought to see.

Places Mentioned:
Au P'Tit Grec Crêperie - 62 Rue Mouffetard, 75005
Jardin des Plantes - 57 Rue Cuvier, 75005
2bis Place du Puits de l'Ermite, 75005
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Did you know that there's a small vineyard in Paris? It's in the most charming quartier of Paris (in my opinion), Montmartre.

Every October, the grapes are harvested, and while they're at it, they throw a big party for an entire weekend. I decided to check it out on a whim, and found it to be so worth the crowds and the hike up the hill! Tons of food stands are set up around Sacré Coeur selling artesianal cheese, dozens of types of sausage, all varieties of regional wines, and even some ethnic food. My friends and I bought a HUGE bottle of homemade Sangria for 5 euro, which we split among ourselves, and I enjoyed a sausage in a baguette topped with grilled onions and peppers. We found a nice little spot on the steps in front of the basilica, ate our delicious meal, and then watched the firework show! I think it's so great that drinking a few glasses of wine "in the streets" is perfectly acceptable here, it makes having a great time with friends that much easier.

It has been raining every single day for about two weeks now, but fortunately, the rain stopped just long enough for us to enjoy the night without having to battle it out with a sea of umbrellas.