Le Moulin de la Vierge - Paris

Sucker for the Old School
I love classic, ornate Parisian patisseries. They transport you back a hundred years with their dark wood, low lighting and painted tile ceilings. Le Moulin de la Vierge is a particularly good example - if you catch just an eye-sliver of it from the street you're bound to come in for a peek. I noticed it while walking down rue St-Dominique on my way to Jean Millet.

Zen Zoo - Paris

Black Pearls - Also Known as Bubbles
I've tried bubble tea a few times in NY and I usually just kinda like it. It never really knocks me off my feet. However, I keep trying, most recently yesterday at Zen Zoo. I really went all out, ordering a hot almond-flavored version. I didn't even know you could get hot bubble tea, I'd only tried cold ones. Thank goodness you can, it's been really cold lately. This is the "after" shot.

Sacha Finkelsztajn - Paris

Cheesecake on Rue de Rosiers
As I have explained in previous posts, I am a cheesecake expert. I say that with a sly smile - what it means, really, is that I make one that I think is tops. My girlfriend agrees with me (I think) but she is biased, clearly. Anyway, I'm particular about cheesecake - I prefer the heavy over the light, the sweet over the bland, the slow-bake over the pour-and-chill. Throw in a graham cracker crust while you're at it. I've been to Berko - their version is super-light but it's pretty good. Someone commented on the Berko post that I should try the version at Sacha Finkelsztajn, so off I went. When I walked in, I got a good vibe. The place was buzzing and everything looked really, really good.

Berko Bakery - Paris

And Now For Something Completely Different...
I did a double-take as I passed a window full of cupcakes on rue Rambuteau. Cupcakes? Ain't that as Americana as you can get?