One of the biggest differences I’ve noticed between the French and Americans, particularly as I add more to my plate, is that the latter have a tendency to dive into side projects and entrepreneurial ventures while maintaining, sometimes unrelated, day jobs*. Perhaps it’s because, as Americans, we’re conditioned not to settle – we’re taught that we should strive to pursue all ambitions, large or small. Or maybe it’s because we sense the transitory nature of our jobs and want to have something lined up that could become more permanent. Americans in Paris are no different.
When I learned that Phyllis Flick, outside of her work at the OECD, was also a blogger and contributing editor to the wildly successful collaborative food website Paris By Mouth, I wasn’t very surprised. A fellow former-Philadelphian, Phyllis worked for years in the food and restaurant business making her foray into food writing a rather natural extension of her interests. She documents her latest food finds and even some controversial topics on her long-running blog Paris Notebook and is always a valuable resource for balanced Paris food news. After over 10 years in the capital, I knew she’d have a few helpful things to say here, too.
Describe what you love about France in three words
Beauty, tradition, terroir.
Favorite restaurant in Paris for traditional fare?
That’s a hard one as there are many. I love La Régalade (both the original and the newer outpost on Saint Honoré) and Les Papilles, a friendly bistro in the Latin Quarter run by Bertrand Bluy, a veteran pastry chef who worked for the Bristol and Taillevent before breaking out on his own. For a splurge, I might head to Chez Georges, where you can find flawlessly prepared bistro classics like salade frisée with bacon and poached egg, tête de veau with sauce gribiche, and profiteroles or tarte tatin for dessert. It’s a bit pricey but perfect for a trip back in time.
Biggest misconception about the French?
One big misconception is that the French are all cultured, sophisticated and glamorous. When I first arrived in Paris, I read just about every book you can imagine on French culture, many of them written by Expatriates. If you were to believe the authors, the French are witty, seductive and always look impeccable. This might be true in certain neighborhoods but there’s more to Paris than Saint–Germain–des–Prés and the Rue de Bac. Just like Upper East Siders don’t represent Americans, small enclaves in Paris are not representative of the French in general.
Your regular spot outside of Paris to relax and recharge?
I spend a few weeks on the Côte Vermeille every summer. It’s on the Mediterranean coast near the Spanish border and is much more rustic than the côte d’Azur and not nearly as touristy. It has a natural, rugged beauty and since it’s close to Spain we often drive to have lunch in Garbet, a tiny beach with a great fish restaurant. For me, it’s paradise.
Most amusing encounter in Paris?
This story was not amusing at the time but quite funny when retold later. People always say that Paris is a safe city and by all accounts it is, but I’ve had several frightening run-ins with men in Paris (hopefully my mom won’t read this). The most recent took place near Republique where I noticed a deranged looking young guy who was muttering and trying to talk to passersby. Thinking that if I appeared distracted he would leave me alone, I pretended to talk on my phone and tried to hang back out of his way when all of the sudden he turned and came straight towards me, ranting. He grabbed my coat, I pushed him back and then turned and ran into the first shop I saw. Once inside I realized it was an S&M sex shop but it was too late. I told the two shop keepers what had happened and they couldn’t have been more delightful, having me hide amongst the whips and leather outfits until the lunatic left and the coast was clear. They then walked me to my street to be sure I was safe. It turned out to be the perfect, albeit unlikely, refuge.
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La Régalade
49 avenue Jean Moulin, Paris 75014 or
123 rue Saint-Honoré, Paris 75001
Les Papilles
30 rue Gay Lussac, 75005
Chez Georges
1 Rue Du Mail, Paris 75002
{Photos courtesy of Phyllis Flick}
*The French have many hobbies outside of work but they rarely translate into full-blown side hustles.
*The French have many hobbies outside of work but they rarely translate into full-blown side hustles.
