Manger à Paris

If ever there was a place that is underrated, it's Paris.  How could anyone possibly praise this city enough?  The feeling of Paris is indescribable.  From the Gothic splendor of Sainte-Chapelle, the calm escape of an hour on Bateaux Mouches, to grand views of the city, and the food.  

My first visit to Paris was an absolute dream.  For the purposes of this blog, I will highlight the eating that took place.

L'As du Fallafel

This little vendor is a must-visit if you are into falafel.  The falafel is bite-sized, all wrapped up in a pita swimming in sauces and vegetables to boot.  The spicy option is not super hot, so go for it even if you normally wouldn't.  Take a break at a nearby park to enjoy this filling meal.

  

Fromage Anywhere

If you are in Paris do yourself a favor and eat as much cheese as you can.  It's a different caliber in France, trust me.

Coffee Anywhere

Again, just enjoy the cafe culture.  Relax.

Moevenpick Ice Cream

Ok, so Moevenpick is Swiss, but check out their Paris location and try as many flavors as you can.

Patrick Roger

The best chocolate I have ever had.  Full-stop.

Of course, this post does not do justice to the extensive cuisine of Paris.  This is due to a failing on my part to take adequate photographs.  When you visit Paris don't forget to check out the bread and pastry scene, the authentic Moroccan food, Brazilian food, Korean and Chinese food, and anything else your stomach desires. Go on an adventure and let your taste buds do the exploring. 

Bon Appétit!

A Tardy Texas Post

Way on back in May of 2016, a girl flew to meet a childhood friend in Dallas, Texas and together they returned to their native East Coast via automobile.  This is just one part of their story.  The food journey.

Most importantly, the girls visited Kate Weiser Chocolate in Trinity Groves an up-and-coming restaurant district in Dallas.  Kate Weiser's creations are perfect from foot to top.  The storefront is bustling, organized and a pleasant place to spend a few moments munching on bonbons.

The chocolates were vibrant, creative and as delicious as they were diverse.

I guess no trip to Texas is complete without a sampling of Torchy's Tacos.  Torchy's is the kind of institution that makes you wish you were from Texas.  A life without Torchy's street corn is a sad life indeed.

Another fun place to eat a quick meal is Bbbop Seoul Kitchen.  It's a cute place to build your own Korean style bowl.

Perhaps the most famous food-truck-town in the world: Austin does not disappoint.  You would be hard-pressed to find a better place to enjoy falafel on a hot day.  Props to Kebabalicious.

So, maybe Austin is actually a little overwhelming.  There is too much food to try.  Is that possible?

Mighty Cone was a definite food truck highlight.  Ah, Mighty Cone, you made me believe in fried avocado.

Texas, you have so much to offer.  I wish I could do more than scratch the surface.

Double the Birthdays, Double the Cake

Excuses to make cake are always welcome.  Especially when the cake is to celebrate the birthdays of family.

For the gal: Chocolate Cake with Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Ganache
For the guy: Chocolate Cake with Dark Chocolate Coffee Ganache

All finished with whipped cream.

Popcorn with Peanut Butter Chocolate

New Year, new resolutions about blogging more consistently.

It's National Popcorn Day! Sharing a recipe to take your popcorn to the next level seems appropriate.
As a pastry chef, I'm always looking to bring a little sweetness to the world of snacks.  What goes better with sweet than salty?

Recipe

-popped corn (I use an air popper)
-salt
-55 grams dark chocolate
-10 g cocoa butter (or coconut oil)
-85 g peanut butter
-1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

Arrange popcorn in a single layer in any dish, salt to taste.  In the microwave or in a bowl over a pot of simmering water, melt together the remaining ingredients, stirring frequently.  Pour mixture into a piping bag and drizzle over popcorn.  Let set and enjoy!

If you have any leftovers, pour it over your ice cream.

Cinnamon Rolls

I've been told by many that cinnamon rolls give off the most enticing smell of anything the oven has to offer.  Either there is scientific evidence proving this or it is a view so widely shared that it has been accepted as fact.  It's certainly easy to make friends when you've got a few extra sitting around in your kitchen.