can't believe it's not butter

Good French butter (from Bretagne) is unlike any other; it's slightly salty, just sweet enough, and more farm fresh than you can imagine. Then there are the baguettes, chocolate mousse, ratatouille, brie, salade niçoise, nutella crepes, truffles, steak frites, etc. I've honestly already had moments in which I've tired of French food though. Fortunately, Paris is just about as multicultural New York (for which I too am already nostalgic for). So I'm currently in the midst of seeking out its many brasserie alternatives.

At the end of my first week here, I was lucky enough to have been introduced to Le Negus in the 11e arrondissement. I've only enjoyed Ethiopian food twice at a time when I wasn't eating meat, and yet I knew I'd absolutely love it. I did.

Three new friends and I shared a spectacular plate of a sweet beef ragout, frommage blanc in Ethiopian spices, spiced chicken, salad, and delicious stewed lentils, spinach, and peas. Scooped up with plenty of injera (an airy flat bread), of course.

After filling ourselves to the brim, we sipped Ethiopian coffee as Alem, one of Le Negus' owners, poetically explained the history of Ethiopia and its coffee. I can't wait to go back, but not before discovering more of Paris! I hear the Sri Lankan and Indian food at La Chapelle is fabulous; I hope to taste the delicacies of the 13e's Asian quarter; and if Belleville is known for its African shops, I don't doubt there's a few amazing eateries, too. As for sushi, a friend recently introduced me to Sushi Gan. Bon appetit indeed.

as parisians do

I've never heard someone argue that Paris isn't a beautiful city. Time and time again, however, I have heard how rude Parisians are. In a Franco File Friday interview, Amy Thomas (author of Paris, My Sweet (A Year in the City of Light (and Dark Chocolate) and one of my favorite travel articles) said, "After visiting many smaller French towns, I understand that Parisians are to the French what New Yorkers are to Americans." 

Well then. This, my dears, is exactly what I despise stereotypes. I think it's just about story time...

Upon moving into ma chambre de bonne, a random passerby helped as I struggled to carry my large suitcases through the doorway.

Later, as I was having trouble with the lock on my door, a neighbor from down the hall heard me and came out of their apartment to lend a hand.

The following day, when I gave my landlord the security deposit, he thanked me and offered to let me leave any valuables in his apartment if I ever take an extended trip.

Each time I forget that little piece of paper with the front door code during that first week, the guardian typed it in for me with a smile.

And yesterday, when I went to the laundromat for the very first time, an older woman showed me how to figure out the machines without me even having to ask.

Although I don't doubt that Parisians can be rude, life experience has taught me otherwise. They (like anyone anywhere) can often be very nice. And helpful, too.

P.S. The photos above were taken in my 17th arrondissement neighborhood.

sans une cuisine

The kitchen in ma chambre de bonne = a mini-fridge, microwave, one hot plate, and a shelf. Yep, even the kitchen in my NYC apartment was more impressive.

So, I'm required to get somewhat creative. Breakfasts thus far have featured tea and muesli/multigrain flakes with yogurt/fromage blanc topped with market fruit.

Since I'm only shopping for one, occasionally I run out of one or all of the above ingredients. This time last week that meant I strolled up the street to my closest boulangerie for a fresh croissant and café crême. It was a delicious treat. You'll notice above that homework tends to join me at the table...

I'm often on campus for lunch and thus have been exploring the boulangeries in the 7th arrodissement, too. Sandwiches (like this one) are the perfect mid-day meal. On occasion though, I do have the chance to really sit down and dine. I usually take the opportunity to fill up on vegetables with a salad, but I've admittingly discovered a croque madame better than the one I ate in Strasbourg.

Adopting a French-style of eating has meant that I hardly ever have an afternoon snack. With that said, last weekend following our visit to Ikea, Marie and I were starving at 4pm. We each enjoyed a pain aux raisin and iced tea as a result. Fun fact about the beer that my iced tea resembles: it's swiftly becoming an even more popular happy hour drink than wine here; mostly because of the price point.

Lunches out mean dinners at home. The meal above was one of my favorites: garlic-pepper eggs, a fresh piece of baguette with hummus, and sliced market cucumbers topped with olive oil and salt. I haven't minded that few p.m. meals have strayed from this standard vegetarian protein, fresh vegetable, and bread with cheese or hummus equation though. I tend to "cook" simply anyway.

And when it comes to baking without an oven, I've embraced No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies. It's a good thing they turned out well on my first try, too! They were my contribution to my friend's potluck dinner party last weekend, along with a bottle of champagne.

Speaking of wine :) I'm fortunate enough to have another friend from school that lives in my neighborhood. Her and I have appointed Wednesday as our date night. A shared  carafe of vin rouge or ice cream cones paired with lots of girl talk is just enough to make up for any and all kitchen (or lack there of) frustrations.