My usual loves in the culinary world involve vegetables, fruit, and fresh flavours, with only occasional indulgences of heavy cream, butter and pastries. Well, let me tell you, Paris threw me a curve ball, flipped my foodie routine by 180 degrees, turned my ideals upside down, etc.

Pain au Chocolat, Photo by: Alyssa Dawson

For one week, all I ate was sugar-coated beignets, the most delectable chocolate croissants imaginable, the best creme brulee I have put in my mouth, and eclairs I would sacrifice all future vegetable intake for. From breakfast to lunch, dinner, and the all important dessert, Parisians know how to eat very, very well. There are countless boulangeries (bakeries specializing in bread), patisseries (classic French cakes and pastries are sold here), bistros, and sidewalk cafes, so I imagine I’ve only skimmed the surface when it comes to what this beautiful city offers. Nonetheless, I’m giving you my top finds for the best:

La Fontaine de Mars' Roasted Chicken and Morels in Cream Sauce, Photo by: Alyssa Dawson

Sweet Crepe – A green crepe stand (on your right when walking from the Louvre to the Arc de Triomph along the Champs Elysees) serves up a mouthwatering apple, cinnamon, Grand Marnier crepe at a great price.

Savoury Crepe – Cafe Creperie’s goat cheese, roasted pepper, olive tapenade buckwheat crepe is a great bite to satisfy the midday munchies. (Latin Quarter)

Dinner Entree and Creme Brulee – La Fountain de Mar (Near the Eiffel Tower) is good enough for the Obama’s palates, and mine had no complaints.

Mini Beignets and Pain au Chocolat – La Boulangerie de Papa (Latin Quarter) bakes up fresh mini beignets daily; light and fluffy, not greasy whatsoever, and coated with sugar for those with a sweet tooth like mine.

Hot Chocolate - Angelina’s (Rue de Rivoli) famous African Hot Chocolate is so luxuriously rich and smooth, you’ll feel like singing, or you actually will until you open your eyes and see others staring at you.

Angelina's famous African Hot Chocolate, Photo by: Alyssa Dawson

*If you find yourself dining at one of these establishments, please let them know I referred you. Many thanks and enjoy!*