MARTIN, Paris

Its already April. Time flies so fast, soon half of the 2015 will be behind us. But finally we welcomed spring and life is happier with the sunshine. Everything is in bloom, the weather is warmer and people seem to smile more.
Barbora and Kat have reunited in Paris again, straight after the Easter break. The weather could not be better. We have visited a newly opened tapas restaurant close to the Republique and liked it so much we went back the next day. 

THANK YOU MY DEER, PARIS

Recently, while Barbora was visiting in Paris, we paid a visit to very special little Cafe/Restaurant. Thank you my deer was set up by 2 Slovak girls and they specialise in Gluten free cuisine. The Cafe is relatively new, but already enjoying success from locals, but also diners searching for delicious gluten free alternatives. Everything is made from scratch on the premises to ensure no trace of Gluten is found. They perfected a recipe for bread which is delicious, but also variety of cakes and pastries. They offer brunch and lunch menu daily, but they also serve fine coffee and fresh juices. Menu is seasonal with focus on fresh local produce.

10 BELLES CAFE IN PARIS

10 Belles is a lovely cafe in Paris by the Canal St.Martin. It is a small place with 5 little tables which is very charming. There is also a mezanine with few more tables. Service is cheerful and the coffee is the best in Paris. Coffee is their speciality, with blends from Nicaragua or Salvador. It is always freshly ground just for your cup! The cafe has a british feel with a modern interior.

 They offer a choice of breakfast which includes homemade granola, scones with jam or tartines. Menu changes daily, with seasonal produce in mind. Lunch usualy consist of salad, sandwich and a soup. The choice is not big, but everything looks tempting and tastes great!

Creperie in Le Croisic

Last weekend we retreated to Le Croisic, a picturesque village in the western France. It is famous for its port and as you can imagine, the local produce is exceptional. As the winter is closing in, we spent the evening in this wonderful traditional creperie Le Bot. The Interior design is rustic and the Crepes are delicious. I had a savoury one, with caramelised onions, ham and cheese, followed by a sweet version with salty butter and sugar.We drunk a local cider from old fashioned cups, it felt as if we had gone back in time.

Fernandez and Wells

If your travels ever take you to Somerset house, do visit Fernandez and Wells restaurant at its premises. The setting is beautiful, especially on a sunny day when you can sit out in the courtyard. 

They offer a simple selection of Spanish an Italian produce but very good quality. 

I particularly LOVE the padron peppers. Small Spanish peppers fried in olive oil and sprinkled with rock sea salt. They are eaten whole, the seeds and all. Some, very few though, can be spicy, it's like a Russian roulette. 

The selection of charcuterie and cheese is also excellent. 

Cakes on offer are homely and tasty. 

There are few branches in Soho, but they are very small. They recently opened at Exhibition road too which I have not visited yet.

Yotam way

I have always been aware of  Yotam Ottolenghi, the chef and food writer, as I often seen his recipes in guardian and have tried some over the years. But I have never visited one of his restaurants until last week. We went in for a cake but the salad bar was so tempting, we couldn't resist. You get a choice of three and I loved the chickpea with mashed squash and feta cheese. The rice salad and puréed beetroot was also delicious. All the ingredients are fresh and wholesome with addition of traditional Israeli seasonings. The cakes are particularly delicious, unusual take on baked cheesecake in a pastry case with raspberry jam or the financier with mascarpone and fresh fruits. The selection is changed daily and take out is available as there is only one small communal table in the Belgravia restaurant. 

You can also check out the website where you can find recipes, ingredients information and other useful bits. 

ottolenghi.co.uk 

Le Verre Volé

Today's post is from a place in Paris called Le Verre Volé. Its located by St. Martins canal in 10th arrondissement. They prepare simple but interesting and delicious food and it always inspires me to make similar dishes at home. Today we opted for a simple salad of raw marinated beet root with smoked mozzarella and a whiting ceviche in lemon dressing and red onion. The bread tasted of hazelnuts and wine was also fantastic. After all they are a wine bar as well. 

If you're in the area, make sure you will give it a go.