This post is about more than a few of my favorite things, it's about a lot of my favorite things. Not a day has gone by here in Paris that I have not fallen in love with a certain place or a certain something. Read about some of my favorites:
1) Buddha Bar
This place is CRAZY cool. They have a huge two-story golden buddha statue, red velvet couches, warm lighting, and a drink menu not suited to a college students budget. After looking through the menu (which we had to do by way of iphone flashlight because of the "mood" lighting) we decided that a place serving twelve-hundred euro bottles of champagne was not quite in our price range. However, the ambiance was too good to pass up. We ordered the cheapest thing there was and took in the awesome atmosphere.
2) Le Refuge des Fondues
Again, a crazzzy cool place. They have meat and cheese fondue, they let their customers write all over their walls, and they serve wine in baby bottles. The restaurant is a tiny one room hole in the wall, but that all adds to its undeniable charm and attractiveness. Definitely one of the most hilarious and memorable dining experiences I've ever had.
3) Centre Pompidou
The Centre Pompidou museum is one of Paris' largest and, in my opinion, best museums. It is known for what it looks like on the outside, exposed beams and architecture that is not in any way "parisian," and for being the largest museum of modern art in Europe. Going through just the permanent collection will take you 4 hours at the least, not to mention the many temporary exhibits that they have at any given time. Worth every second though, let me tell you.
4) Le Pop-In
This bar is one of the most charismatic and unique places I've been since I've been here. From the front and main area of the place, it looks just like any run-of-the-mill bar. But, when you walk up its narrow staircase into the lounge, and then back down another even narrower staircase lined with exposed rock and brick, you enter a nearly pitch-black cave-like cellar. Sounds creepy, but this dark cement basement is equipped with a small stage and a spotlight and is home to open mic night every Sunday. We went and caught a couple performances from local Parisian artists, and it was truly one of the neatest experiences of my life.
5) Mme Shawn
Madame Shawn seems to own a monopoly on Paris' Thai food front, but it's authentic decor and phenomenal food would never lead you to guess that it's a chain. When I first went to Mme Shawn I thought I had found a one-of-its-kind thai restaurant because everything was so charming and so unique. I later found out there are 5 locations throughout Paris, but that would not stop me from going back. The shrimp pad thai was amazing, but even better was the coconut soup that I had to start. Definitely a favorite meal I've had so far.
6) Pierre Hermé
Don't let anyone fool you, Ladurée is not the only macaroon shop in Paris. In fact, I think it might have been out done by none other than Pierre Hermé. At PH they have the crowd pleasing flavors such as pistachio and carmel, but they also have flavors entirely unique and their own. Im talking olive oil and vanilla with real pieces of olive in the macaroon. It sounds a little gross, but it may have been the best macaroon I've ever eaten.
7) Le Comptoire Général
Le Comptoire Général is a tough place to explain, but all I can say is that you've probably never been anywhere like it. Walking down Quai de Jemmapes by the canal in the 10th arrondissement, you would never know it's there. It doesn't have a store front or even a door really, rather you walk through a gate and down a little alley to where it's located. It's a restaurant, museum, store, bar, lounge, school, gathering hall all mixed up into one. It is a place dedicated to ghetto culture, especially that of Africa, and when you're there, you're in awe of everything around you. They've creatively recreated each area like something from another place and time. There is also an abundance of natural light and lots of greenery and foliage canopying each room so you forget that you're in the city of Paris. The hibiscus juice is made in-house and is on point, definitely worth a try.
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