SoulStrolling and Savoring in the 9th and 18th arr. Paris, October, 2017

by Sharon Richards

"C'est un rayon de soleil dans votre assiette." It's a ray of sunshine on your plate. My taste buds and Paris have an ongoing love affair. I recently spent the month of October soulstrolling and savoring Paris. Home was an airbnb on Rue D'Orsel in the 18th, (close to Sacre Coeur) with 3 weeks spent walking to and from language school in the 9th. For my foodie friends and followers via Instagram, here are a few of my favorite cafés, bistros and restaurants from the 2 neighborhoods. Salut et Bon Appetit!

Merci beaucoup to a fellow classmate's introduction to KB Café Shop It was a short walk down Rue des Martyrs from home. Bring your journal, homework, a friend ... sip on any of their delicious coffee drinks, inside or out. They also have fresh squeezed juices, sweets and savory items. Here's to good coffee in Paris! (9th)

Café Marlette - Espresso was required a few times during mid-morning language school breaks, so I stopped by rue du Faubourg Poissonnière (9th) a few times. They also serve delicious breakfast items, brunch, lunch and afternoon goodies here and at their location on Rue des Martyrs.

Cuillier Café on rue Yvonne le Tac (18th) was right around the corner from home and a cosy spot on a crisp fall Sunday morning for a bit of journaling, reading and cappuccino sipping. It's also a short stroll from Le mur des je t'aime, The Wall of I love You's.

Thanks to my Airbnb host for the tip on the outdoor terrace at Terrass Hotel. If you're by Sacré Coeur and want a break from the tourists and crowds then head down Rue Lepic and over to this lovely location. Ride the elevator up to the 7th floor for a spectacular view of the Eiffel Tower with the Montmartre Cemetery below. The terrace is open year round and serves cocktails, wine, beer, snacks, tea, and coffee. (18th)

Upon occasion a cocktail is required (on my birthday, with homework). My SoulStrolling pal, Kayce Hughlett, was happy to assist me in this difficult task. We discovered a lovely spot with delicious St. Germaine Fizz's at Le Carrousel, 8 rue des Trois Frères (18th), a short meander from home.

If your soles find you tired after carrying you about Sacré Coeur then head down the stairs away from the crowds to a delightful spot for coffee, tea, desserts, lunch, dinner, wine: L'Eté en Pente Douce has delicious food, friendly staff, a mix of locals and tourists, indoor and outdoor seating. Thanks to Messy Nessy Chic and her book, Don't Be A Tourist in Paris, for this introduction (18th).

Jeanne B Rue Lepic (18th) has been a favorite lunch spot of mine for a few years. It was a crisp sunny fall day, perfect for savoring a bowl of potimarron soup and glass of white wine outside on the terrace while doing homework. 

Rose Bakery Rue des Martyrs (9th) is a wonderful stop for coffee, tea, breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks. When the weather's nice it's fun to sit outside and people watch, journal, watch the world go by. You can also do this inside :) Kayce and I enjoyed a savory quiche with salad for lunch on my birthday.

5 Lorette rue Notre Dame de Lorette (9th) is an excellent spot for vegetarian and vegan diners. A fellow classmate and I enjoyed their lunch special of the day after class.

Quite a few times on my walk home from language school L'Atelier 9, I'd pick up lunch to go from Delik, 12 rue de Châteaudon (9th) a great take away/dine in spot with salads, sandwiches, and a quiche of the day. Fabulous for a picnic on a sunny fall day in Parc Monceau. 

A celebratory lunch was required when my husband, Dave, joined me in Paris on the final day of language school. I'd noticed L'Estaminet during one of my meandering walks in the neighborhood. Isabelle and Yollène have crafted a beautiful space with incredible food. Read the link to learn more about them and their vision for the restaurant. Superb food: we chose the prix fix lunch menu of pumpkin soup and scallops with roasted vegetables.

One day after class steak was required. Yes, it's what my stomach was growling for. So, I paid attention :) and discovered Le Petit Cadet, Rue Cadet (9th) a short walk from school. A glass of red wine, steak with pepper sauce and roasted potatoes definitely helped with my homework. The servers were also highly entertained by my 'schoolwork'; happy to help with my pronunciation, vocabulary and verb tense.

Le Pantruche, 3 Rue Victor Massé (9th) is a more expensive lunch/dinner option.  I'd dined here a few years ago and wanted to return :)  Reservations required.  We enjoyed the prix fix menu of the day = amazing.

La Vache et Le Cuisinier is a delicious find on the Montmartre hill, 18 Rue des Trois Frères (18th). Probably wouldn't head here as a vegetarian :) fabulous poached eggs with morel mushrooms followed by beef (after all, they are named after the cow).

There are so many restaurants and bistros to choose from in the 18th. One cool, dry evening, Dave and I went off walking, strolling, meandering the winding streets. We perused menus and ended up liking the look of Belle Maison, rue Navarin (9th). What followed was one of the best scallop dishes I've eaten. I had an entreé as well and shared a spectacular dessert afterward. Would highly recommend this spot. When you're in Paris next, let me know what you think :)

Salut et Bon Appetit!