ACD’s Toffee Doodle Dream cookies will be featured on the Rachael Ray Show, as the “Snack Of The Day”, this Monday January 12, 2008! To find the time and channel that the Rachael Ray Show airs in your area, please click here.

“First Food Love” Contest Starts Here: read below!

Last week Rich and I went to Paris basically to eat! Rich had never been there before and in celebration of our anniversary, we thought it was time. The city was lit up for the holidays and it was romantic and breath-taking. The branches of the trees lining the Champs-Elysees were decorated with pale blue lights in the shape of champagne flutes. The weather was cold, but being true northerners we loved it! The people were lovely, welcoming and helpful. We visited the Mona Lisa; we took a ferris wheel ride at dusk; we ate lunch in the Eiffel Tower, and we drank delicious wine! (More about the restaurants after the contest rules)

“First Food Love” Contest- Play Now!

Ok so now onto the contest, titled, “First Food Love.” Below is a picture of Rich enjoying his first Parisian Nutella Banana Crepe. Watching him bite into that heavenly dough and seeing the smile that arose from his face was fabulous! It instantly reminded me of my first crepe in Paris.

I was 15, wearing a motorcycle jacket and a new scarf I just bought on the street, and I remember that first gooey sweet bite of warm chocolate hitting my lips. I knew I had just tasted perfection!

In honor of Valentine’s Day and all the reasons to love in this world, Alexandra’s Cookie Dreams is proud to launch “First Food Love Contest.” Here are the details:

In the “comments” section of this blog, please tell us about the first time you, your child or loved one tasted something delicious. What you ate, where you were and what you loved about it. All the entries will be put in a drawing to win 2 dozen Alexandra’s Cookie Dreams cookies to be gifted to you or someone else in time for Valentine’s Day. (We will be launching a new Valentine’s Day cookie flavor soon). A special guest will pick the winning entry. Contest ends February 2nd, 2009. Winner will be selected February 3rd, 2009. So share a memory and taste the sweetness of life!

Paris Hit List:

Now, back to Paris. While there is so much to do, see, and eat in Paris, we only had four days so here’s my must hit list.

L’Ami Louis: This famous Parisian brasserie has been around since the 1930’s but it is the quaint size and “those who know” attitude that make it legendary, as well as incredibly hard to get into. That being said, I knew my friend, Insatiable Critic, Gael Greene has been writing about this restaurant for decades, check out her reviews,  Winter Travel: Paris Review (October 2003) & Eating Up Paris (September 2004). Even though our concierge at our hotel didn’t have enough clout, I thought Ms. Greene probably did.  I was correct, Louis told Ms. Greene to have us come that night. Pouf, we were in! I already felt like a celebrity just to have a table. Upon our entering, Louis (photo above) continued our fantasy of being important foodies by greeting us with a hug, a kiss and two glasses of champagne. I knew I liked it there. We ordered oysters, foie gras (it was the first time I ever ate it and I didn’t stop eating it for three days) the much talked about roasted chicken, potatoes, and a delicious red wine. The crowd was a mix of fashionable international jet setters and local Parisian couples. It was such a memorable night, I completely understand why it is coveted as a must go!

32 Rue du Vert-Bois, 3e

01-48-87-77-48

Le Table de Joel Robuchon: This is Joel Robuchon’s second more modern restaurant in Paris. Upon entering I felt like I stumbled upon a 1980’s hotel lobby, perhaps owned by Trump. Everything is black and shiny gold, with basically no windows to view the cozy Parisian street. It felt a bit stiff for Rich and I. However once I got passed the unexpected ambiance, and settled into our seats with a lovely wine (I know nothing about wine, nor will I pretend to, so lovely means it tasted good) the food was outrageous. We had three dishes from the shared dish menu, which included perfectly cooked scallops resting on a cushion of truffle penne. What could be bad! We decided to skip dessert there, although the waiter brought us sublime caramel infused chocolates, and we headed for drinks at the George V Hotel. Probably one of the most famous fancy hotels in Paris, and she knows it. The staff has the “we know your touristy type” and “I guess we must tolerate it” attitude. Regardless, the bar was crowded and I had my first Parisian Pastis. A licorice tasting drink (contains star anise) with alcohol, sugar and some spices, that is served with a carafe of water, to be mixed in. I felt sophisticated and festive ordering it, but later it just kind of made me nauseous.

16, Avenue Bugeaud

01-56-28-16-16

Jules Verne: Alain Ducasse’s restaurant in the Eiffel Tower more than 400 feet above ground. Obviously the views are spectacular, and we were lucky to have lunch there on a very clear day. The experience of entering the Eiffel Tower through a private entrance and taking a quiet elevator up to the restaurant was exciting and built the anticipation of the forthcoming experience. Our concierge recommended that we dress up for this lunch, so I wore a skirt and blouse and Rich wore a suit. Clearly, he was wrong. Most people were in sneakers and jeans, and we felt slightly ridiculous. But on to the food, as expected the lunch was decadent, filled with show stopping presentations and superb service. We opted for the chef’s tasting menu and we were thrilled. Rich and I started with foie gras (again!) and then I had the sea bass and Rich had the Special Of The Day, rabbit. Everything was cooked and presented perfectly. The only disappointment was dessert, an area that I personally scrutinize at every restaurant; field research you know? We had the vanilla souffle, a rum coated cake (I don’t know the fancy name for it) and some ice cream. All of which were a bit over done for my taste, too many ingredients, but I’m a simple dessert lover.

....2e étage de la Tour Eiffel

01-45-55-61-44 Hotel Fouguet’s Barriere: All I can say is if I ever live in Paris, I hope my home looks like our room! This hotel was built two years ago on the corner of Champs-Elysees and Avenue George V. It is an incredible mix of modern amenities (flat screens in the bedroom and bathroom, computer charger attached to the inside of the safe) and old world Parisian charm (high ceilings, three sets of double doors that open onto a terrace overlooking the Champs-Elysees). The service was impeccable and every detail was considered. They even have a sexy zen spa & fitness center, with a swimming pool and a relaxation pool on the basement level, perfect after walking around for 8 hours in the freezing cold.

46, Avenue George v

01-40-69-60-00 

Oh and the pastries and bread! I’m leaving you with this final thought, chocolate brioche! It is definitely time for me to hit the gym!

Don’t forget to share a “First Food Love” right here on this blog’s comments page and enter to win 2 dozen free Alexandra’s Cookie Dreams cookies in time for Valentine’s Day for you or for someone else. (Details above).

Thanks for letting me relive my Paris trip with you!

Sweetly,

Alexandra