Saturday, December 13, 2008

Jacques Genin - Paris

I've Been to Heaven - It's Caramel-Made
My ideal Saturday breakfast is sugared and caffeined in double dosage. So, when I read about the newly-opened Jacques Genin boutique on David Lebovitz' blog, Saturday could not come quickly enough. Vehicle of choice - a caramel eclair. But, I am getting ahead of myself....


Nothing about the store's exterior hints at the dumbfoundingly expansive, elegant space within. I felt as if I were stepping into an art gallery. I paused at the top of the short staircase and glanced down to the main counter a few steps to the left. Seating, to the right, is arranged amongst chocolate-colored columns and stretches to the back of the store.

Here's a shot of the main counter from the top of the stairs.

I stepped down the short staircase and took a look back at the front door. I hadn't even noticed the smaller counter.

Just a few of the choices available - my mind was already made at this point.

I took a seat facing the main counter, put in my order and waited. I noticed a spiral staircase leading up to another level, presumably the "lab" itself, but my French is not good enough to inquire.

Cafe creme, my caramel eclair and a bonus on top of the sugar bowl. The eclair was delectable - inside was some of the best caramel I've ever tasted. It was surpisingly velvety - not the teeth-breaking kind you used to get at grandma's house. The coffee was passable - no biggie - you don't come here for the coffee.

Ahhh, the bonus: two caramels and two chocolates. The chocolate on the right was flavored with fresh mint and was extraordinary.

133, Rue de Turenne
3rd Arondissement
Paris

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9 comments:

  1. Ok.. I am late in reading this blog... and Gorilla is threatening to go on strike. Man.. this will be disasterous cause I won't get to read abt Gorilla's food adventures in Paris...

    I also wanna eat eclair but I would prefer a all choc one... can you hand deliver me one?

    How come you didn't bring me here when I was there huh?

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  2. Puffin, they just opened a week or two ago, otherwise I would have. It's on your list for your next Paris visit.

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  3. That is certainly on top of my list for my next Paris visit!! Even though, with your beautiful photos and really fabulously written report, I kinda feel like I've been. That doesn't mean I am not still going to go though!! :)

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  4. Kerrin - glad you liked the photos and the write-up. They don't even do the place justice, you'll see when you visit.

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  5. aren't those caramels great? glad you like the mint chocolate, too. they're my favorite!

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  6. davidL - they were both amazing. I am going to be going back there over and over I think.

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  7. Oh you felt as if I were stepping into an art gallery! WOW

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  8. Dear Puff,

    Fantastic site! Great articles and excellent photos to match.

    I have been looking for a few new gems to feed the senses... Thank you so much.

    Joel
    New Orleans

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  9. @Joel - glad you enjoyed the opinionated ramblings......

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