Paris Refresher
Ever since my little brother moved to study in Paris a year and some months ago, I've found more reasons to visit this picturesque city. Some things we like to do are essentials like a browse around the Galeries Lafayette, walks along the back alleys of Champs Elysees, or brunch at the lovely L'Avenue along Avenue Montaigne. This time around, we explored some new spots.
Here are some findings:
To eat: KOHYANG
I know, I know. It's Paris. So why in the hell am I eating Korean food?
I guess this one's for the ones who just need a little kick between all the parisian cheese and bread.
Forgive me, it's the Korean in me. I just need something spicy every so often, even if we're in Paris.
And this place just does a really good job at it. Make sure to get the Deodeok Gui with duck. Deodeok also known as the poor man's ginseng, is used often in Korean cuisine and has amazing immune defense activities.
This dish is unique to Kohyang; it was my first time trying the dish and it was delicious. Definitely spicy!
To see: GEORGE'S
More than the actual food, the ambiance of this place is what's really phenomenal. Located on the top floor of Centre Georges Pompidou, you're able to take in a 360 view of the whole city from the restaurant and that's rare for Paris since there aren't too many tall buildings. We caught the sunset during dinner so that was a nice addition to our evening.
To eat: MISS KO
Miss Ko can be found in the back alley of Champs-Elysees on Avenue George V. It's this asian fusion joint, popping with delicious sushi, yummy cocktails, bun bo and fun things like a bibimbap burgers and ramen burgers. If you're looking for something kind of festive and don't mind loud colors, music, and asian letters all around you, this is your spot.
To hydrate: USED BOOK CAFE, MERCI
The Used Book Cafe located inside Merci is the perfect spot for your shopping break. After enough walking around the Marais district, we conveniently landed at this cafe, only to find it to be an extension of a larger concept store. It's a great place to unwind, hydrate with their pretty mint leaf water or ginger lemonade and maybe share a light cake before tackling the rest of Merci!
To indulge: UN DIMANCHE A PARIS
And what is Paris without proper dessert. Un Dimanche a Paris. This place has chocolate, pastries and macaron flavors ranging from orange blossom to caramel to strawberry shortcake. How French. How appropriate.
To shop: CHAMPS-ELYSEES
Step one: walk this street. Step two: get lost. Step three: find yourself at LE66 Concept Store
That is, if you're looking for something more fashion forward. The selection has a similar feel to Colette
If you're into that kind of stuff.
To shop: MERCI
I spoke about unwinding at the Used Book Cafe inside Merci. But be sure to actually browse Merci. It's a fun shopping experience and just a lovely space to walk around in. There were a lot more local designer labels here as well so that made it all the more fun and exciting.
To shop: L'ECLAIREUR
Walking into L'eclaireur was like walking into an art museum. It resonates with Dover Street Market a bit in the way that the garments are presented. Something to note about this shop, their menswear game is strong. Strong in the sense that the garments are all very unique and different; with fresh designer labels amidst a lot of the avant-garde pieces carefully displayed on props.
(photo courtesy of L'eclaireur)
To shop: LE BON MARCHE
I just love this place. Go to their shoe salon, you'll understand why. They recently renovated the place since the last time I visited so all the shoes are now in one space. It's truly a shoe lover's paradise. The Rose Bakery Tea Room is conveniently located on the same floor so upon completion of shoe browsing, I always love dropping by for some light cake and tea.
To shop: GALERIES LAFAYETTE
And then of course, the legendary Galeries Lafayette is never a bad idea which houses a good balance of both local and international brands. They've recently revamped their food hall as well which is worth checking out. It includes a variety of things to be tried.
So that was Paris this time around -- a lot of daytime activities including eating, shopping, and just wandering about. I must say, the more I visit this city, the more it grows on me, even though Paris has never been on the top of my list to be completely honest.
And that's the end of a Paris refresher from yours truly, SHORTSCAPE.
