Binoy Nazareth Goes On a Rendezvous in Paris Romantic. Ravishing. Rejuvenating. In between adventures, food trails and the joys of exploring all things beautiful, I experienced a heart-stopping journey of romance at Paris, the City of Lights. This was something I had always dreamt of and in spite of a short transit, I was determined to absorb the essence of culture in a sophisticated and beautiful city. Paris je t’aime! This was the Oh la la moment I had been waiting for and it was time to display my principles of ‘aime beaucoup’ which means, ‘Eat well, laugh often, love abundantly’ and here was a chance to prove my ideals! I think that every tourist loves to visit ‘Gay Paree’, a city with a 19th century cityscape, cultural and oh so cosmopolitan. Historic and everlasting, the environment of Paris brims over with romance, art, design, luxurious fashion, entertainment, media, music and gourmet food trails. Was I thrilled to be here or what!!?? Being a chef with aspirations of sampling rare and exotic cuisines, I was about to experience the second highest number of Michelin restaurants in the City of Lights. The Bon Appétit Experience What can I say about my first-time ever in Paris? Je suis enchanté! As I walked through the boulevards lined with monuments, bistros, museums, galleries, maisons de haute couture, enchanting wine bars, boutiques and leveraged with tech start-ups, I was amazed by the romantic atmosphere of tree-lined avenues and the camaraderie of the French. Having heard so much about the landmark icons of Paris, I visited the famed Eiffel Tower, the iconic Louvre and the Notre-Dame. Flowing through Paris is the famous Seine which is a 777kilometre-long river known for its inland waterway traffic and which is the subject of divine songs and poems. With every fiber in me screaming for the luxury of the popular and delicious dishes of Paris, I threaded through the cobbled street or ‘rue’ to find the delectable offerings of one of Europe’s much-talked about culinary centers. Though my trip was short, I was determined to make my Parisian fantasy come true by delving in to at least the tip of a culinary iceberg. The chef and the gourmet in me arose to meet this gastronomical journey with moules frites which is steamed mussels and French fries, Bordier Butter with baguettes, falafel sandwiches and galettes. Fulfilling the taste buds with awesome encounters, Paris offers a mouth-watering array of deliciously crafted French favorites such as sea snails, oysters, venison, boar, seafood, lamb, veal, beef and pork. Satisfying the Senses at an Abode of Delicious Delights My sweet sojourn took me to a haven of delights with Kouglof, Moroccan pastries, pain au choclat, cream puffs, puff pastry, Berthillon ice cream, caramels, crepes and other incredible concoctions. Oh, I could go on forever in this paradise for food lovers! My taste buds were dancing with delight with macaron ice-cream sandwiches, gelato, Crepe and Creme Brulee, Pistachio, Giunduja with chocolate and hazelnut, ‘dessert soups’ and Paris-Brest with choux pastry and praline flavored cream especially from La Patisserie des Rêves. My time was filled to the brim as I popped into the renowned restaurants and eateries of Paris to revive my sense of mangez bien and joie de vivre. This was a complete paradise and repository of gourmet delicacies! I managed to taste Jamon (Foie Gras and Roasted Pepper), Skewers with Balsamic Reduction, the inspiring Chateaubriand, Jamon (ham) and Artichoke Cream on Waffles, Roast Chicken and Macarons at Pierre Herme.
As echoes of ‘Sante’ filled the air at the mind-boggling wine bars, I regaled the senses with the popular brands of wine and listened with awe to the language, the French, the customs and culture. Filled with innumerable boulangeries, Paris offers the world-famous cheese or fromage, bread, croissants and other daily staples. But I could go on about the dishes that the French cook up with their famed culinary intelligence which evolve over some of the Jewish Ashkenazi dishes, escargots, tapas and cold cuts plates. Paris eateries brim over with delectable dishes from all over world including A Pho, a Vietnamese dish, Kimchi Ramen, veggie stew, noodle bowls, tacos and a spectrum of culinary delights. Just as I was entering into the Age of Enlightenment, it was time for me to leave and I busied my wandering thoughts with gifts to pick up including a painting of the Seine by a talented street artist. But surely, this was the place to be and rejuvenate with the ravishing lifestyle in Paris. Travel with Binoy Nazareth to Color Life with the Culture of Paris