The Bobo Palate: New Trends in Parisian Gastronomy

The quiet side streets of the Haute Marais district, as the upper parts of the 3rd arrondissement are known, form the backdrop of one of Paris' most exciting gastronomic districts. A mixture of old fashion markets and wine bars along with cutting edge boutiques, chocolate makers, hip cafes, and innovative food shops make the Haute Marais emblematic of what's being called the Parisian Boboshort for bourgeois-bohemian. During this 2.5-hour walk in the company of a local chef or food journalist, we will explore the newest frontier of the Bobo and discuss how gastronomic tradition and change are colliding in Paris today.

A Tour of Contemporary Parisian Cuisine

TThe Marais holds a special place in Parisian history and is uniquely connected to food. During the middle ages its fertile land was home to vast gardens and orchards. The gardens were gradually razed to make way for private mansions when the area became popular with the aristocracy in the mid-16th century. However, the influence of food remained alive with the nearby les Halles Market, the culinary hub of Parisian until the 1960s.

We will start our walk on the rue de Bretagne, bustling with activity and copious specialty food stores. We will observe the cross between traditions and modernity in such places as an award-winning bakery where we can watch the bakers at work via live TV transmission or at the ultra-trendy and much talked about tart-maker, who takes a new look at the traditional quiche and dessert tart. Here we can also see the chefs at work or peruse a variety of international culinary publications.

But we will also visit the oldest covered market in Paris, Le Marché des Enfants Rouges, established by royal decree in 1615, in order to understand how traditions endure and remain relevant today. Passing by the outdoor wine bar and couscous stands near the entrance, we'll learn how the market today serves the locals with its array of organic food stalls. As someone working in the industry, our docent will act as our cultural facilitator, able to explain why we might now see the label AOC on chocolate or the give us the scoop on the hottest new restaurants.

We will continue along some of the narrow side streets, peering into the chic boutiques and soaking up the lively atmosphere. We will pop into one of the city's leading specialty food shops where the city's top chefs acquire their saffron or vanilla. An intriguing and historic shop founded in 1809, it has managed to adapt with the times, innovating their products to current tastes. A highlight is its unique scent bar where aromes of exotic spices take us on a sensory voyage around the world. Another stop, at an up-and-coming chocolatier, will also illustrate the evolution of trends and new perspectives on tradition. We may also be able to have a look at their chocolate laboratory.

We will end the walk with a glass of wine at a local cafe or wine bar to finish savoring, in all senses of the word, the true character of today's Paris food culture and city ambience.

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