Hello (or Bonjour!) and welcome to this month’s Parisian-themed slice. I’ve just returned from a long weekend in the French capital and it definitely renewed my love for the city! Tiny streets, pastries for breakfast and stylish people on every corner, what’s not to love?! If you’re visiting Paris soon, I hope you find some inspo in the city guide below.
I put this newsletter on hold at the end of last year, but I’ve been thinking I’d like to bring it back with a different look. Until I decide (and brush up on some Canva skills), I hope you enjoy this comeback Slice! X
Coffee…
First things first, where to get a decent coffee in Paris? Call me basic, but I was lured in by the online hype and went on a mission to find Sevenly Heart. While the aesthetics were very lovely, the coffee was probably the worst I’ve ever had, so don’t say I didn’t warn you. On the other end of the scale was Buddy Buddy, Paris’ nut butter café, where the drinks are made with the brand’s own natural nut butter. Sounds weird, tastes delicious. I had an iced ‘Le Buddy’ made with espresso, peanut butter, oat milk and raw cacao. The vibes in the café are very hipster and I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many cool people in one small space – worth it for the people watching alone.
Special shoutout to:
Bonjour Jacob: coffee and magazines in a cool setting.
Recto Verso: tiny café with a chilled vibe and good cakes.
Eating…
We ate in some really good places, the highlight being Carboni’s which we went to on my birthday. The small restaurant describes itself as ‘Italian-inspired, but with a twist’, and has a buzzing atmosphere, delicious food and interiors to match. We shared anchovies and green asparagus to start, papardelle and their famed cacio e pepe for mains, followed by some shots of limoncello on the house. Would highly recommend it for an occasion or a ‘special’ dinner.
For casual eats, we stumbled upon Buck Fried Chicken and Wine, which does what it says on the tin. Grab your choice of wings, tenders or a combo, along with sides and sauce and I promise you won’t be disappointed. In London? Catch them at their pop-up event in Brixton on 11th May.
Special shoutout to:
Mousse: cute brunch spot with one of the best grilled cheese sandwiches I’ve ever had. Check out the disco ball toilet.
Naruto Ramen: cool ramen spot at a great price. Try their red miso ramen for a twist on a classic.
Shopping…
Obviously, Paris is famed for its shopping, but, if you’re not feeling flush, you may be wondering where to spend your pennies. The shopping in and around The Marais is where you’ll find boutique stores from contemporary brands like Ami and Ganni, along with favourites like The Frankie Shop and Jimmy Fairley. For vintage shopping, head to Rue de Turenne for second-hand designer finds.
Special shoutout to:
Bobby – lots of high-end designer pieces from the 90s. Think Versace dresses, Miu Miu heels and Hermés scarves.
Brut Archives – a vintage military clothing store with its own label store next door.
Drinking…
In the basement of Carboni’s, you’ll find a tiny speakeasy bar called Bar Sotto. Very cool date vibes with dried flowers on the ceiling and tiny, cosy tables. Grab a cocktail and pop a song on the jukebox while you wait for your table upstairs.
Special shoutout to:
Bluebird – another cocktail bar with a 60s vibe that’s perfect for date night.
The Cambridge – good for an afternoon drink and snack after a long day of shopping and wandering.
Sleeping…
I’m a lover of Citizen M hotels and I like to shout about it. I even have their membership that lets me use the hotel as a co-working space and gives discounted stays. So, of course, we checked into Citizen M Gare de Lyon which is the perfect location for getting around the city. Not only is it within walking distance to The Marais District (which, let’s face it, is where you want to be), it’s only a 30-minute drive or a short train ride from the airport. The hotel bar is good vibes (they also have a bar on the 16th floor with a view of the Eiffel Tower) and food is served 24/7. Try their Citizen Jasmine cocktail, it’s my favourite. 👌
Woohoo she’s back!! 🥳🥳🥳