Le Casse Noix 56, rue de la Fédération, Paris 15, Paris 01-45-66-09-01
Le Casse Noix, a new bistro located in Paris 15th arrondissement not far from the Eiffel Tower, was a great discovery on my most recent trip to the City of Light. Chef Pierre-Olivier Lenormand, who has cooked at the celebrated La Régalade in the 14th and also at such temples of gastronomy as Jamin and the Crillon Hotel, turns out excellent seasonal creations, all at a very reasonable prix fixe. Continue reading
Le Marché Biologique Boulevard Raspail between rue du Cherche Midi and rue de Rennes Paris 6th
Paris has countless food markets, some small and others big and sprawling. One of the most popular in the capital, Le Marche Biologique (that translates as “the organic market) on the Left Bank in the 6th arrondissment, specializes in organic goods. Teeming with food merchants and shoppers, this marché makes for a lively scene from about 8 AM until noon on Sundays. Countless stalls boast local fruits and vegetables, others have huge displays of France’s incredible cheeses, and in addition there are butchers, fishmongers, oyster-shuckers, honey-producers, wine-sellers, soap-makers, and even clothes vendors. Continue reading
Eataly 200 Fifth Avenue at 23rd Street, New York, New York 212-229-2560
For those who love pasta, prosciutto, and Parmigiano, a visit to Eataly, New York’s new food emporium that opened on August 31st is a must. Located on 5th Avenue (at 23rd Street) this 50,000 square food shrine to Italian gastronomy includes an espresso bar, a gelato station, cheese and bread counters, fish and vegetable stands, and much more. The variety and number of pastas sold is mind-boggling. Ditto that for balsamic vinegars and olives oils. There’s a butcher to help you purchase meats and a vegetable butcher to assist with produce. Continue reading
ABC Kitchen 35 East 18th Street (between Broadway and Park Ave.) New York, New York 100003 212-475-5829
I have long been a fan of Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s restaurants, and his newest venture, ABC Kitchen, in the Flat Iron area of Manhattan, did not disappoint. Located in the well-known ABC Carpet and Home store, the restaurant is led by Chef Dan Kluger. The emphasis is on locally sourced and organic ingredients with items like delectable Kabocha squash (a sweet, orange-fleshed autumn variety) fresh ricotta and buffalo mozzarella cheeses, and finely cured meats as star attractions. Continue reading
