I love Paris....

In fact, I have now decided that it will be my hub for whenever I travel to Europe for anything - business and/or pleasure. Super practical, number one, and impossible to resist, number two. Come to think of it, in Paris, there is no reason one can not mix business with pleasure...

Take my next trip as a proof of my theory... I will have meetings in Amsterdam, Strasbourg, Munich and La Rochelle in the time frame of one week. As a hub it will be perfect. Morning train/plane to my destination, back by evening, on time for dinner at one of the many fantastic bistros and restaurants the city offers.

I have discovered lately a neat little tool: Personal google maps. I have created one showing my favourite bistros and restaurants in the City of Light. On it, those on in blue are the ones I want to try, in red, those I have tried and loved. Later, when I get around to it, I will add my reviews.

Also included are addresses for a few food and wine shops as well as food markets I like to visit if time permits. Also showing is the address of my favourite little hotel when I drop by. L'Hotel Muguet. Nothing fancy, just like staying at a favourite aunt's. Cosy and comfortable. Pleasant and familiar. And excellent value. Besides, it is a wonderful location. Steps away from both La Tour Eiffel but most importantly for me, it is also close to one of the most dynamic foodie area of Paris (rues Cler, St-Dominique, and de Grenelle) where wonderful restaurants are located like Chez L'Ami Jean, Thoumieux, and Café Constant.

In fact, I like to stay at L'Hotel Muguet (now my 14th time in 20 years) because it gives me a sense of coming home. I make a point to return not only to it but also to familiar places (resto & shos) so that I have, if only for 24 hours, the feeling that I live in the city. It's nice...

Before I travel to Paris, I always make sure to consult the advice of Nick Lander , ex-super-successful-restaurateur in his own right and now restaurant critic extraordinaire for the Financial Times (also husband of Jancis Robinson, wine writer extraordinaire). I was never ever disappointed by his recommendations. I also like recommendations from Le Fooding, Gilles Pudlowski, and the book "J'Aime Paris" from Alain Ducasse.

Perhaps you will enjoy the map.... Bon Appetit!

View Paris Bistros & Restaurants in a larger map