I’ve been to Paris over a dozen times and it’s the usual visit to the landmarks – Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, but I was particularly excited this time where I would be experiencing Paris like a local. My amazing friend Olivia is a work colleague of mine but we always hang out in and outside of work and what better way to see Paris than with her!
When we arrived at midnight – I thought we were gonna hit the sack; but I was so wrong! It was only just the start and we stayed up until 5am with her friends. After a late wake up call at 2pm, we strolled into Cafe de l’Homme in Trocadéro for lunch where we had an amazing outdoor view of the Eiffel Tower. We both ordered the “tartare de bœuf au couteau préparé par nos soins, sucrine ou frites maison” which is a homemade beef tartar hand cut with homemade french fries (24€) – I have to say this was probably the best beef tartare I have had to date – Olivia claims that the French does the best tartares – from what I have tasted, I think she is right!
Our foodie journey didn’t stop here; we stopped by at Angelina – a well known French Patisserie restaurant located in Rue de Vaugirard where you will find yourself in a 15 minute long queue! Honestly, it wasn’t worth it! In my opinion, this place is over hyped and their desserts weren’t anything special. I wrote a dedicated post here – let’s put it this way, I was bitterly disappointed and not worth paying €7 for an eclair.
Wherever I go; I am bound to see a Chinese couple getting their “wedding” photos taken. The reason why I put inverted commas is because I see the same thing at every destination. I am quite tired of it and 9 times out of 10, they are already married and they just love getting their wedding shoots done! I really don’t get it. For my entertainment, I take selfies with every wedding couple I see around the world!
We dined at Olivia’s favourite local restaurant Cafe Louis Philippe which was delightfully Parisian. The menu was written all in French so you know the food is as French as it gets – I really hate tourist traps!
I’ve never been a fan of Assiette de charcuterie (assorted charcuterie) but I was convinced that the French do it better and that I will be converted. I tried Saucisson for the first time where it’s best eaten with gherkin and I have to say; it’s pretty life changing and won’t see charcuterie the same way again. After wining and dining; we headed out for another night of music, dancing and more drinking until the break of dawn! The French really know how to party hard and an experience I really can’t compare with London – it’s a very different vibe. I am glad I had the opportunity to experience Paris the Parisian way – I sure won’t forget this trip.
The post Oh Mon Dieu! What It’s Like to be a Proper Parisian for a Weekend! appeared first on Red Velvet London.