I’ve never had a cookie that masqueraded as a cake, satisfying two cravings at once, until I recreated this recipe. Imagine compact layers of chocolate cake, with a soft sheen from the generous amount of butter in the batter, sandwiching a smooth, velvety layer of bittersweet chocolate and hazelnut. These cookies are delicate and should…
Paris
Classic luxury chez Allard in Paris
In Search of the Cozy French Bistro I stepped off a winding side street in Saint-Germain-des-Prés through an etched glass door held open by the friendly uniformed doorman. As I took in the dining room’s red velvet banquette seating, dark wood paneling, copper lamps, and many old world illustrations on the papered walls, I had…
In Search of a New Pain au Chocolat — Four Seasons Paris George V
Behold the new pain au chocolat — still in beta testing, according to my informant waiter this morning at the Four Seasons Paris George V’s La Galerie — a bright and cheerful dining lounge in the heart of the sumptuous hotel. This pain au chocolat has a slightly crunchy, caramelized exterior reminiscent of my favorite…
Café Lomi — The Complexities of Latte Art in the 18th Arrondissement
Latte art is not as easy as it looks. Until my class at L’École Lomi, I had expected a slow swish of the hand, coupled with a concentrated gaze could result in an artfully curated coffee beverage. Having been presented a unicorn cappuccino at Fondation Café the day before (see below), I thought — How…
Weekend Brunch at Claus in Paris
It was difficult to decide between Claus Paris — the restaurant — and its streamlined sibling, L’Épicerie du Petit-Déjeuner, across the street. Both were bright and cheerful, painted in eggshell white, with a colorful array of healthy and indulgent treats. Only the restaurant, however, offers a sit down brunch on the weekend. I opted for…
Paris is My Hometown
“America is my country and Paris is my hometown” – Gertrude Stein And so my story takes a turn, and I am now living in Paris, my dream ever since I first visited at 18 years old and sunk my teeth into the pillowy, fresh, delicate layers of a Charlotte Russe at Gérard Mulot. As…