Are you ready for a walk through another Paris neighborhood? If we plan our day right we will arrive just in time for lunch.
The Marais is one of Paris’ oldest and most beautiful neighborhoods. First developed in the 12th century, the Marais is one of only a few areas in Paris that preserves narrow streets and Medieval and Renaissance-era architecture. It is one of the most popular areas in Paris for tourists not only for its artisan boutiques, galleries and fascinating history, but also for its fantastic restaurants, patisseries and boulangeries. The food is an exciting blend of Jewish food of Eastern Europe along with that of North Africa and the Middle East.
Our first stop in the Jewish Quarter is always L’As du Fallafel at 34, Rue de Rosiers. This small restaurant is #2 on David Lebovitz’s “10 Insanely Delicious Things You Shouldn’t Miss in Paris” list. The food is soooo good and inexpensive. It is right at the top of my most favorite restaurant list as well. Closed Friday afternoons and Saturdays.
Food can be ordered at a window on the street (get there early before the line is several blocks long) or in a small but comfortable dining room. A falafel sandwich is €5 when purchased at the take out window, €7 in the dining room – well worth the difference after a morning of walking all over creation.
The falafel plate consists of garlicky chickpea fritters, creamy hummus, pickled red cabbage, salted cucumbers, fried eggplant and spicy harissa. My daughter ordered the falafel sandwich, the same sublime ingredients served in a warm pita. This can be a messy concoction that requires more than several napkins to keep it from getting out of hand (so to speak) so we chose to eat inside rather than order at the take-out window.
Sacha Finkelsztajn is Paris’s most famous Jewish bakery. Opened in 1946, they specialize in baked goods from Eastern Europe and Russia.
You will find a large pastry selection that includes poppyseed cakes, strudels, Linzertorte, cheesecakes, and a variety of savory dishes. If you are in the mood for a sandwich you might enjoy lean, spicy beef, smoky eggplant, red chili paste, thinly sliced pickles, cucumbers and tomatoes on a soft onion roll. A delicious meal for under €10. Closed Tuesdays.
I hope you enjoyed this little peek at life in one of Paris’ busiest and most beautiful neighborhoods. As you can see, it’s possible to get out of this world food at reasonable prices. David Lebovitz’s blog is a great resource for good, reasonably priced bistros and cafes around the city. It is a site I refer to each time I plan a trip. I’m already dreaming about another falafel plate at L’As du Fallafel.
We stayed in Marais the last time we were in Paris and that street does looks so familiar. Now I wish I had know about that amazing food. We did have a wonderful meal late one evening in a small restaurant on one of those narrow streets. It was such a treat.
Marilyn recently posted..Hummingbird B&B
OK, now you’ve got me wanting to book a trip to Paris. The Marais neighborhood is really one of the most interesting to poke around in, and I’m longing for a falafel from that place.
ciaochowlinda recently posted..Bucatini All’Amatriciana
Am I ready to walk around Paris? Bien sur. I’m so happy to know about this neighborhood. And reasonable prices as well. I enjoy David’s blog and have read his suggestions. I don’t plan to leave home without them if ever I’m lucky enough to be in Paris.
I can’t get enough of your French travel notes Cathy.
Sam
My Carolina Kitchen recently posted..A Peek Inside of Benton’s Smoky Mountain Country Hams in Madisonville, Tennessee
I just love to come and visit Paris with you; you find the nicest little secret corners. My feet don’t hurt, I am not broke and I got to see what David Lebovitz shared; loved this post. Encore un Gros Merci à toi Cathy.
Rita
I’m happy to have a walk around Paris with you from the air conditioned comfort of my home. That falafel plate looks delicious! My Lebanese brother-in-law makes delicious falafel. To have it in Paris would be wonderful.
Best,
Bonnie
Bonnie recently posted..Cool as a Thai Cucumber
C’est fantastic.Love Pariz and discovering places I didn’ know ..wow ..happy as:)
Dzoli recently posted..Hamburger and thats it..Hamburger i to je to
Can hardly wait to explore this neighborhood when we are in Paris next June. I am adding your suggestions to my Paris notes. Thanks Cathy.
Penny recently posted..Grilled Flank Steak Sandwich with Sweet Onion Marmalade and Pear Horseradish Mustard
ok, I’m dreaming of that falafel plate and I didn’t even get to go there! What a fabulous place, love the bakery!
Carol @ There’s Always Thyme to Cook recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Oh Fudge!
What a quaint narrow street! The falafel plate looks delicious and it would be difficult for me to make a choice in the bakery. It must have been a wonderful visit!
~Judy
JG recently posted..Raisin Zucchini Muffins
Thanks for taking us along. The photos are great. Wish I can visit here someday.
Kristy
kristy recently posted..Ragi Cinnamon Roll
The next best thing to being there. Thanks for the tips. I hope I can use it some day — Paris, here I come! Joni
Thanks for that link!
What a treat it would be to walk through the Marais and pick a place for a lunch or a treat to take back to the hotel. *sigh*
There are so many wonderful little spots to eat in Paris. I’m heading for a falafel plate the next time we are there. Why in the world do you see people eating in a McDonalds with such great food to be discovered?
Karen (Back Road Journal) recently posted..Grilled Pork Chops with a Peach and Kiwi Salsa
What a fabulous trip, Cathy. And I’ll remember David’s list when next I go….it’s always best to get the advice of a foodie who lives there!
Barbara recently posted..Cherry Almond Crumble
adore Paris wish I was there having a stroll
aaaaaahhhhhh, dreamy 😉 Thank you for giving me a virtual stroll…wish I was there 😀 …and wish I had that awesome falafel plate in front of me right now!
Heather @girlichef recently posted..this Blueberry is about to Buckle from the heat
I wish we would have been there at the same time to enjoy lunch together!!!
I guess I’ll have to live it thru you. I’m so non-adventurous I’ll never get out of Mississippi.
Ramona recently posted..4 legged Black Chicken
I will travel around Paris with you any day! Wonderful treat of a post 🙂
Magic of Spice recently posted..What’s for dinner? Tropical Fajitas with Kiwi and Avocado Salsa
I love David’s blog – and this was a wonderful post!
Vickie from Part Three recently posted..Grilled Shrimp on Fennel and Arugula
Hey Cathy,
Your post not only made me hungry, now I want to go to Paris!! The streets look so beautiful. I’ll keep dreaming and imagine the taste of that falafel plate. 🙂
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