Jardin familale (or Fun with Gourds)

BBQ and gardening in the 'hood under the last rays of summer sunshine in one of the disappearing 'jardins familiaux', or 'workmen's gardens', popular years ago, but now dwindling away. Located in often less than desirable (but close) Parisian suburbs, these establishments are large (my friend's measures 150 m2), private (access with key only), and convivial (old, drunk Portuguese garden neighbors) , cabana for storing essentials (ie, alcohol and BBQ grill wood and charcoal). And the icing on the cake is that it costs only 92 € for the yearly rent! Oh, and there is a two year waiting list...

Despite all that, I forsee a new trend in hip gardening and organic staycation weekends. Watch this space.

Voy Alimento

This tiny little shop (formerly a 19th century bar) located on a street just next to the Canal is the most extraordinary plant shop in Paris. Created by Frenchman, Jean-François Hammerle, after having lived in Peru for ten years, they provide equitable plant products produced in their own cooperative farm. Some of the products (especially the Amerindian foods) had never been seen before in France. Everything is cultivated and prepared with respect to keeping the plant molecules intact, and all products come from either alpine microalgae, the dessert, the Andes mountains or the Amazonian basin. More than a shop, this is a place of exchange with people passionate about creating pristine, non-industrial and beneficial plant products. (also energy milkshakes, and Sunday dietary brunch)


Voy Alimento
23 rue des Vinaigriers, 10th

Rose Bakery 3

Quiet street in the arty Upper Marais. Glass fronted, industrial chic building filled with a mix of arty types, wealthy locals, cross Channel veggies and young, stylish Lolita-like waitstaff. Organic and British veggies, pastries, salads and omelets. Clean, modern vibe, and one of the greatest and friendliest food concepts around.




Rose Bakery
30 rue Debelleyme, 3rd
+33 1 49 96 54 01

Crudus

Interesting little place recently suggested by an Italian friend who is bringing the Costes empire to Dubai , this is apparently the only restaurant Italien bio in Paris. Although it was completely empty the night we were there (literally) , an enjoyable meal was had by all. Great calamari (not normally a fan) and Jambon de Parme with melty mozza, followed by a pretty decent risotto and good tagliatelli with cepes mushrooms. Comfortable dining rooms (don't know about those see-through tables, though.)



Jambon de Parma with melty mozzarella cheese


Calamari with zucchini and balsamic reduction


Tagliatelli with cepes


Crudus
21 rue Saint Roch, 75001 Paris
+33 1 42 60 90 29