Paris: Day 1

Hello, dear ones.

We're in week two of our five week honeymoon recap. I thought I'd post the Paris portion day by day, how does that sound? Chronological order feels comforting right now, as I find myself a little overwhelmed with thoughts and pictures and memories. It's all wonderful, I just don't quite know where to start. This feels right. Now where did I leave off?...

Oh that's right, pastry. I've covered our croissant experiences - naturally this is done first - so things are looking good. I'd now like to share with you our first day in Paris.

Galettes

Ben and I arrived early afternoon and headed straight to Breizh Cafe. According to many, Breizh Cafe is the place to get your galette (savoury crepes) and cider fix in Paris. We obliged.

After a short wait, we snagged a table and ordered some delicious eggy, cheesy, bacon-full galettes - you can't go wrong with egg, cheese and bacon, now can you? We also had some cider, authentic cider that tasted slightly of farm. Farm in a beverage. Or maybe that's just us - we are new to this cider business...

Pozzetto Scoops

After lunch I promptly ignored the impending storm and promptly directed us to Pozzetto, the David Lebovitz praised ice-cream shop. A scoop of milk and a scoop of hazelnut was pure bliss. A little too delicious...You know how some things feel too good to be true? Well here I was, in Paris, on this dream trip with my love, eating a cup of rich divinity whilst strolling the dizzyingly romantic streets. How did I get to be so lucky?

I suppose things evened some when we were promptly saturated in a downpour...

Nope, I think I still come out on top.

L'Ourcine

Later that night, after wandering for hours and visiting the Musée de l'Orangerie (love) I put on my new white blouse. I knew Ben had special plans for our first night in Paris, and I was delighted when it turned out to be a dinner date.

You see, our last visit to Paris was in 2009 when we were very much backpacking and very much eating crêpes or cheap (yet still fabulous) Vietnamese for dinner. I had longed to visit one of Clotilde's French Bistro recommendations but alas, we couldn't quite afford it back then. This time was different, as Ben and I were treated to brilliant meals and unforgettable experiences by our incredibly generous friends and family (honeymoon contributions were our Wedding gift request). This trip, those meals, the moments...they were a true treat, one we will dearly treasure forever.

And so on this, our first day back in Paris, Ben surprised me with dinner at L’Ourcine.

Located in the 13th arrondissement, in a decidedly un-touristy area, L'Ourcine is absolutely one of the most unpretentious and most fabulous French eateries I have had the pleasure of visiting.

We were treated to a supremely enjoyable experience - from the warm setting to the down-to-earth and helpful service. And the food was just absolutely delicious - traditional, seasonal, measured and nurturing. Oh, and dinner was incredibly affordable - only 34 euros for 3 courses (they have a lunch deal, too).

Our complimentary appetiser - a delicate foam with croutons and chives.

Our starters - sautéed mixed mushrooms. Just illegally good.

And Rabbit Terrine. Ben and I ordered the terrine for it's earnest French appeal, and while we absolutely new this was a quality dish, we are just not terrine people....we're just not. As much as we'd like to be, it's just not going to happen for us. Such a shame.