5 X PARIS IN NEW YORK
A few days ago I unconsciously bluffed my way into a VIP monthly sample sale without an invitation. Next to three va va voom Oscar de la Renta gowns, I was also gifted with making a new American girlfriend. In the change room we exchanged not only our fashion opinions, but also our life stories. She, like me, just got engaged and like me, she has been living in New York for a year and a half. And so the chatter about white picket fences quickly turned to why everything in New York that’s hip is almost always French. Don’t ask me why, but that is just how it is.
We both agreed on the light obsession that New York has with Paris. All that is French is good. And all that is good is French. But, there is a definite abuse of this model in New York. To highlight this are the high number of fake French grocery stores which resemble Disneyland more than Paris itself. However there are also many parallels with the French such as these five examples. Super French, super good and super cool.
LE BARATIN
In New York they call places “true gems” and Le Baratin is a true gem for sure. Everything is French. From wobbly tables to the gentleman behind the bar. The food is delicious, and the steak tartare is a must. The atmosphere here is fantastic. Everything even sounds French and on a quiet night, as a non Frenchy, you almost feel like a foreigner. But in this case that’s not a bad thing.
LA BONNE SOUP
Founded in 1973 and still owned by the same owner. That is quite exceptional, especially in New York. What is also special is their famous onion soup. So if you don’t have first date lined up and have a little hankering for this ultimate French dish, go to La bonne soup.
BALTHAZAR BAKERY
Everyone knows Balthazars the restaurant. Right? This has been a household name for years. Perhaps a little less known but just as worthy as its big brother is the sister bakery just around the corner. Balthazar Bakery; recommended for a croissant, coffee and cake for the sneaky sweet tooth.
BUVETTE
Buvette can be found in the West Village and it’s completely comparable to sitting in cosy little bar in Saint Germain. The portions are tres petit and are served on French porcelain and it is a truly Parisian experience. They also have a mini terrace. Here you usually have to wait for a bit, but it’s worth it. Oh, and the carrot with pistachio cake, must not be missed.
VENEOME MACARON
If I have to participate in one, unashamedly French obsession here, it is the macaron. Chewy and soft. Sweetly melting on the tongue. Again and again I find myself feasting those beautiful cakes. And from personal experience, believe me, Vendome Macaron have the best macaron by far. Heavenly. No other words.
