Author: paris-bistro

“How can you govern a country where there are 246 varieties of cheese?” General de Gaulle once mused about France. To truly understand this country, one would need to explore its cheeses—soft or hard, with aromas ranging from mild to strong—each representing a unique terroir and history. In fact, France is said to have nearly a thousand types of cheese. Despite the dominance of large dairy corporations, uniformity has not yet taken over the world of French cheese. Thousands of farms and small dairies continue to produce raw milk cheeses from goats, cows, or sheep. These are sold by local…

French fries, frites in french, also called pommes frites, patates frites, are thin slices of potato cooked in oil. They accompany several dishes of the bistro, notably meat (rib-steak, steak, pave…), sausages, chicken… they are particularly appreciated by tourists and certain bistros also propose simply a plate of “frites”. The *New York Times* dated May 29, 2024, highlighted the absence of “French fries,” a symbol of French gastronomy, from the Paris 2024 Olympic Village restaurant menu. French fries are considered emblematic of French bistros, but to be labeled “homemade” on menus, they must be prepared using either raw potatoes or…

Once again, Harry’s Bar will not be fooled with its “straw vote”. While five days earlier Kamala Harris was leading her Republican opponent, the final count of the ballot box at the famous American bar reversed the trend and finally gave victory to Donald Trump with 568 votes against 534 votes for Kamala Harris. Learn more about the “straw vote”.

Calvados is the emblematic drink of deep and centuries-old Normandy. And Christian Drouin, head of the family distillery, knows it better than anyone. With its book, he offers a beautiful journey to discover this Norman jewel. Christian Drouin devotes particular attention to the various modes of consumption, from the traditional café-calva and trou Normand to classic and modern cocktails. More than 40 cocktail recipes sourced from the world’s best bartenders provide endless inspiration for mixing and experimentation, and nearly a dozen easy-to-prepare recipes for dishes featuring Calvados evoke the grand culinary tradition of Normandy. Find the book Read more in…

Since 1924, Harry’s Bar has organized a fake vote at each American presidential election, the “straw vote”. On October 31, the Kamala Harris/Tim Walz duo won at Harry’s Bar with 302 votes cast against 265 for the Donald Trump/J.D Vance ticket.Even a little drunk – and God knows the risk exists at Harry’s – the customers behave properly. Angelo, one of the bartenders assures us: no fights have been reported so far between the political opponents. And no one has called each other “scum”, unlike the debate across the Atlantic. According to a press release from Harry’s Bar, the “straw…

You can’t miss Le Petit Acacia it with its barrels on the sidewalk, its red benches, its checkered tablecloths and its many bottles on the counter. Very close to the Arc of Triumph, Le Petit Acacia is a genuine wine bistro of Paris. His Boss, Fred Boulanger, (see above), Awa,his fiance and its partner and their team, give such a warm ambiance in their place that you won’t forget it. Fred is the archetype of the Parisian bistro owner, a joker who never stops with always a joke to make. He has his fans in all the neighborhood. But it…

After years of work related to the construction of the new gigantic subway express station RER E, Porte Maillot and its Palais des Congrès, on the Royal Way of Paris ( the major east-west axis which go from Louvre to La Defense) has regained some of its serenity. And thus the Congrès Maillot, famous brasserie at the bottom of the Avenue de la Grande Armée, is also getting back to cruising speed with the return of its loyal customers… Between two planes, two trade fairs or two meetings in a skyscraper in the nearby Défense, this Congrès Maillot offers the…

Was it really necessary to see a Last Supper? The opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics did not fail to produce its grumps. Thus, we saw in a same breath the French bishops, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the French far-left leader, Elon Musk and many American ultra-conservatives convinced of an interpretation of the Last Supper bordering on blasphemy. While if we are to believe the artistic director of the ceremony Thomas Jolly, it was indeed Dionysus, the Greek name for the Roman Bacchus, that he wanted to stage with the singer Philippe Katerine, naked and blue. “The idea was rather to…

If you are in the east of Paris not far “Bois de Vincennes” and are looking for a Parisian neighborhood brasserie with regulars and a good atmosphere that serves good French cuisine, Au Métro is the place to go. This large brasserie in front of the Daumesnil metro station is managed by Gilles Breuil, a Burgundian surrounded by an ultra-efficient and warm team. Inside, the sound of the place sends the echo of a warm welcome and the presence of many loyal customers. The success of this brasserie is largely due to chef Thierry Colas who has worked for a…

Between Saint-Lazare station and the Champs Elysées, L’Abordage is a beautiful café with several advantages. In fine weather, its vast terrace allows you to enjoy the view of the monumental Saint-Augustin church and a wooded park without the hassle of traffic. Inside, L’Abordage has the charm of the real cafés that have made Paris famous. Ball lights, red benches, a pewter counter and advertisements taken from pre-war magazines, the decoration and furniture project you into the world of the 1930s. The atmosphere is that of a real Parisian bistro because this aptly named Abordage breathes life. You can have lunch…