I Went to Paris

and here are some places I think you'll like

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a perfect dessert, really

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In 2019 I posted a casual photo of a slice of pizza. It was good, not great—I didn’t mention where it was from. There was an aggressive onslaught from people who found this photo of pizza but didn’t follow me, demanding I answer “WHERE IS THE PIZZA FROM?” followed by accusations of “gatekeeping” (lol) when I didn’t immediately respond.  

If the pizza had been good, I probably would have mentioned where to find it—sharing information is cool, especially pizza-related information. I genuinely enjoy telling people about something I like when I think you’ll like it, too. This is the best pepper grinder (but sold out most places). These pants make my butt look incredible. I love these plates and may buy them if you don’t. And, for the record, I think this is some of the best pizza in New York. 

I’m sure you’ve noticed, but recommendations-based content has a real chokehold on social media, most of all, this platform. The people who really thrive tend to give you the most precious or practical intel, promise you the most special and exclusive XYZ. If there was a newsletter that would tell me exactly what shade of neutral-but-not-boring cream I should pick for my living room, I would subscribe yesterday. For the departments I’m not an expert in, I prefer to hear from someone that is. If it can be recommended, we (I) want the recommendation. We want to know where they’re eating. The perfect black blazer. Where to stay in Greece. Recommendations that will presumably save us from wasting time or money, two things we hate to do. Efficiency…now that, we love! The people need to know. We all want to know. I want to know! 

That said, the assumed entitlement that everyone should have the option to have the exact same everything as everyone else has reached a…weird place. Everyone with the same clothes, the same reservation at whatever mid restaurant, the same Instagrammy vacation spot, the same secret summer swimming hole. I’m guilty of this—it’s how I ended up buying a pair of “belated birthday gift to myself” high-waisted leather Proenza Schouler pants last night on my phone (I’ll do whatever Lauren tells me to). I get it. 

If this all sounds a little convoluted, know that I agree. I’m working through this in real time*. As an enneagram 4 (lol), “individuality” is very important to me. I’m also a Libra rising, so I also need to NOT MISS OUT. I want both in equal measure (inside me are two wolves). I want to bash recommendation culture and also give you recommendations because I think they’re helpful (and you asked). I want to take a trip knowing nothing about the restaurants I’m supposed to go to and also will feel DEEP longing and regret if I do not go to the restaurant I am supposed to go to. I want to be a unique gorgeous creature in this world and also buy the sweater you look so good in so I can also look so good. Really, I want it all, but above all, I want to be free from my own expectations that if I buy those pants I’ll look like that (I won’t), and if I go to that restaurant, I’ll have a life-affirming meal (I probably won’t). 

*obsesses about attempting to articulate it every night while I fall asleep

Something I’m personally working on, especially when I travel, is to rediscover my senses of discovery. Remember what it was like to travel without Google Maps or working wifi. Look at the list but ignore most of it. Know that if I don’t go to the restaurant or museum exhibit flooding my feed, the place I go instead might just be as good (maybe even better). Or it might be bad! And that’s okay too. It’s all just information. Much like dating, you need to know what you don’t like to fully appreciate what you do, further cultivating your own sense of taste and identity. I feel this way about cooking, which is why I’m always encouraging you to make something as-written and then decide what you’d do differently based on your preferences. Read the recipe, cook through it, then ignore it if you like.   

Anyway, back to pizza. The good news about New York is that we have two types of pizza: Pizza and GREAT pizza. Sometimes, it’s just a slice of pizza—but even that is pretty good. I feel this way about most places when I travel. For me, even the worst pasta in Rome is still pasta in Rome, the most basic taco in Mexico City is still a taco in Mexico City, the most unassuming wine bar in Paris, is still a wine bar in Paris.

A really regular, really great wine bar in Paris

A few weeks back I was lucky to go to the latter for work, and while I didn’t have a ton of free time, I did get some nice time with many plates of thinly sliced cured meat. While I don’t have a definitive list (I haven’t spent enough time there to have one), I do have some spots I think you’ll enjoy (and we love information!). Of course, I’m going to forget some places— this is not comprehensive. These places are cobbled together from recommendations from friends, happenstance encounters, other people's lists old and new.

Maybe most importantly, I also very much encourage you to ignore at least half of this list and replace it with places you’ve never heard of. Trust that if you stumble upon a place that looks cute and charming and possibly delicious and fun, that it might be, regardless if someone told you to go there or not. 

So, here is A list (not the list). Enjoy responsibly! But first, some things to note: 

1. The wine bars are my favorite places to eat. The best places have the best vibe, regardless of what’s on the menu, that frankly change far too frequently to ever go for one single thing. Photos of dishes you saw on Instagram (or wherever) aren’t necessarily available tonight or whenever you’re planning your trip and I think that’s beautiful. 

2. Anyone who knows Paris will say “make sure to get a reservation,” which I both respect and loathe—but they are correct.

3. One question I will not entertain is, “Is it worth the hype?” Darling, almost nothing is! The sooner we accept that, the more enjoyable our lives will be. But enter any fun-seeming establishment with the possibility that the food might just be okay and you’ll have a great time anyway.