October 10, 2007 7

Au Fil des Saisons (Paris: 3e)

//// By in 01: Paris, Favorite Food Entries

I made some reservations a week prior leaving for Paris (some made thru the internet, some made thru phone by a French speaking friend of ours). I reserved this tiny bistro for our first night dinner after I read about it on blogs, claiming that it’s on par with 3-star Michellin restaurants without the high price.

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It’s located secluded on a quiet small dark alley (quite a hardcore foodie hunt already for a first day?). Not sure what neighborhood it’s in, edge of Marais perhaps? When we got there the server was still writing the menu on the chalk board. The restaurant’s name is completely invisible.

They have choices of a 28 Euro for two or 33 Euro for Three-Courses Menu, we go all the way of course.
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Amuse-Bouche and very good Breads on stick.

Coincidently, our pick for Entrees (=Appertizer), Plats and Desserts have a common theme. Joan’s picks are all soup-based.
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Joan’s Entrees: Roasted Foie Gras with Lentils and Morteau Sausage. HEAVEN~

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Joan’s Plat: Pork Confit with Lentils (again!) and Rondeau de Filet Mignon (plus another slice of Foie Gras on top). Perfectly cooked meat. I shouldn’t have picked the same lentils but it’s so delicious anyway. Very hearty~

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Joan’s dessert: a soaked Pear dish that I’d find out the name later. Refreshing dessert after the two heavy meal.

My (Freda)’s picks also have a theme (plates of small pieces)
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Freda’s entrees: Foie Gras with Duck Confit, Salad and Apricot. The foie gras is rich and buttery, enhance only with sprinkles of salt and pepper.

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Freda’s Plat: Quail with Mushrooms creme. The various kinds of mushrooms added on texture to each bite. The quail is tender and flavorful. Very very good~

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Freda’s Dessert: Millfeuille de Bergamot and Custard and Honey, very crispy and the creamy custard is light. Love it!

My friend who’re not too familiar with French cuisine made some safe picks:
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Entrees: Escargot and Creme Brulee Trio
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Duck Confit. All basic but all GOOD!

Sadly, we were the only customer that night. Is it because of rain? Monday night? The owner was very helpful in translating the menu to English. He even tell us stories about the weird herbal illustration hanging on the wall for us. It felt bittersweet that we arrived before the restaurant opens and once we walked out the door, the light is closed.

The bar is set HIGH since this first dinner. 😀 Our luck with food has gone downhill in the following days and eventually hit rock bottom one night. I’ll write about them later.

Au Fil des Saisons (01 42 74 16 60)
6, rue des Fontaines du Temple 75003 Paris
Metro: Arts et Metiers
Lunch on dinner M-F, Sat dinner only, closed Sundays

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October 9, 2007 3

Angelina (Paris: Tuileries Quarter)

//// By in 01: Paris

We’re still at Paris, the internet is not stable but I can’t wait to update the blog. Even though we were exhausted and jet-lagged after we got off the plane, we wasted no time and headed for this beautiful La Belle Epoque style tea salon that has been in existence since 1903. The sweets are made in classic way, unlike the contemporary refined ones.

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The entire place is filled with tourists since it’s located on the tourisy Rue de rivoli. I felt like I haven’t left the plane yet. ^^;; There was a bit of a wait when we arrived.

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Mont Blanc. Incredibly rich, creamy and smooth. The chestnut flavor is very full and wonderful.

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L’Africain Hot chocolate, shockingly thick and velvety but not sweet, served with a jar of fresh cream. I’ve never tasted hot chocolate so rich like this so it’s quite an experience. But since we also order cakes (chocolate and nuts flavor) so we couldn’t finish it. Pistachio Cake, very full pistachio flavor, smells great.

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Opera. The chocolate layers are velvety smooth and light, rich coffee flavor. Very good!

The service is a bit on the slow side though, and our server was quite grumpy. Still it’s not a place to be miss if you find yourself in Paris. esp. if you’re exhausted by the nearby enormous and crowded Musee du Lourve.

Angelina
226 rue de Rivoli, Paris

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September 29, 2007 1

La Bottega Marino (Larchment)

//// By in 07: Mid-Wilshire

We’ve been ‘cleansing’ by eating light in preparation for our upcoming trip. Here’s one (we came here often for breakfast).
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A surprisingly big appertizer Polenta with Porcini Mushroom Sauce (with Gorgonzola). The polenta are fluffy like egg, the stinky cheese and thick mushroom sauce are a heaven combine. Very good! It’s not so light afterall. ^^;

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A very basic but good Baby Organic Greens with Shaved Parmigiano, Roma Tomatoes, Balsamic Vinagrette.

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September 29, 2007 3

Coffee Table Bistro (Colorado Blvd.)

//// By in 03: Eagle Rock

Silver lake’s Coffee Table opened another spot at Eagle Rock and it’s much bigger. It’s a relaxing and hip neighborhood hang out.
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Not very blog worthy normal Half Sandwich + Soup (but it’s a nice light meal).
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Chocolate Cake. It’s not about the food, it’s about the table we sat that has a Felix the cat-ish mosaic. 😀

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September 28, 2007 2

Perfectly Sweet (West Main Street)

//// By in 01: San Gabriel

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We suddenly had craving for sweet and come upon Perfectly Sweet, a sugar-free bakery and pastry shop in Alhambra on Main street. The interior is “too cute” (as Jon called it) french country-like with an open kitchen where you can see bakers busily making cakes. There’re lots of choices on the display case and we pick the espresso cake. There isn’t much espresso flavor and it’s a bit too sweet for my taste. But it satisfied our sweet tooth nonetheless.

Perfectly Sweet
126 West Main Street
Phone: (626) 282-9400

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