My Paris Favorites: Jane Bertch of La Cuisine Paris

Edited by Linda Donahue

For Jane Bertch, Paris is a delicious treat from start to end. The co-owner of La Cuisine Paris – where cooking classes are held almost every day of the week – came to the city from Chicago just four years ago to work in banking. But after experiencing the savory cuisine found in Paris, she decided it was time to switch careers. She and her Paris-born partner Olivier Pugliesi-Conti opened La Cuisine Paris last year, right across the street from the Jardin du Luxembourg.

Paris Neighborhood

I love the Marais – no matter what day of the week. It’s “eye candy” on all levels!

Restaurant (French)

I have three : Bistrot de Paris at 33 rue de Lille in the 7th. I love it love it love it. The food is delish, the staff wonderful and, if you can get a seat in the window cove, it is really magical. I would also say Pères et Filles on the rue de Seine, in the 6th, because the ravioli entre gets me every time! Lastly, just literally one block from Paris is Mon Bistrot (33 rue Marcel Dassault, Boulogne Billancourt). If you don’t leave Paris much, go because it’s well worth the trip.

Restaurant (Ethnic)

Godja, the tiniest little Ethiopian Resto in the world (in the 5^th rue Ecole Polytechinique). It’s an amazing mixture of spices, flavors, and home cooking! It’s so tiny that you really only want to go there with people you really like … if you know what I mean!

Cheap Eats

I can’t help myself … there’s a little hotdog stand in the Marais on rue du Roi du Sicile.

Food/Gourmet Shop

I love Tang Freres in the 13th. If you’re looking for the exotic Asian veggie or fruit, this is the place to go! The experience of seeing it is worth the trip alone!

Department Store

Bon Marché. Putting aside that I always feel like I have to wear heels, I still love it. When you walk in, it really makes you feel like, “Yes, I deserve to shop continually with no sense of reason or inhibition, and of course I deserve that ridiculously expensive (whatever).”

Chocolate Shop

I will take all kinds – i dont discriminate – the darker the better though….I do love however the chocolates at Sadaharu AOKI 35 Rue de Vaugirard, in the 6th…sumptuous.

Specialty Boutique

The window at E. Dehillerin

E. Dehillerin (18 et 20 rue Coquillière). Honestly, it’s the Harry Potter’s of Cooking equipment! It is extraordinaire – floor to ceiling charm.

Tea Shop

I love Kushmi Teas in the 6^th on rue de Seine. I adore walking in and being overwhelmed by the colors (and, of course, the taste)! Plus, the guy that works there is so helpful.

Women’s Boutique

Anything off the beaten path – the smaller the street, the better with preferably little traffic! There are fantastic boutiques on rue d l’echaude in the 6th.

Night Spot

I would have to say the Cha-Cha Club at 47 rue Berger in the 1st.

Place for Cocktails

It’s not really cocktails, but I adore La Belle Hortense (31 rue vieille du temple, Marais). This wine bar has fantastic atmosphere, and Brigette (who works there) is really tops!

Patisserie

Sadaharu AOKI at 35 Rue de Vaugirard in the 6th! Everything is just as beautiful to taste as they are to look at. I only mildly feel guilty about going there. It’s only a few blocks from the Jardin du Lux, so can always punish myself with a couple of laps around … or NOT.

Boulangerie

Eric Kayser. I prefer the one on rue l’ancienne-comédie in the 6th. I love what they put in their breads! They do one bread with olives that is just magical. There is also one with chorizo, although I haven’t been able to get my hands on that one in a while. It’s probably for the best, though.