Fauchon - Fabulous French Food

 

     Fauchon really needs no introduction. In the summer of 1995, little me (and my family) wandered into the Madeline outpost of Fauchon on a hot summer's day in Paris. I distinctly remember a large staircase, bright pink neon lights, and a sea of waiters dashing in and out of the dining room. The steak I had for lunch that day was marvelous. The fact that I still remember that, astounding. Fast forward 9 years later, I walk in to find that everything as changed. (Duh, new decade, what was I thinking!) The wonderful subterranean cafe transformed into large retail section. The cafe was downsized and moved to the first floor. The menu? A complete overhaul! I was crushed. 

      Fast forward 9 more years later we arrive at 2013. The year I took these photos. (I know I'm late. Oops.) The menu is more or less consistent these days and the delicacies of this fine french establishment has found its way closer to home. Last December I found myself in Abu Dhabi, where I had a sampling of their new menu. The savories were alright. A very satisfying lunch. But what I particularly enjoy chez Fauchon is the chocolate ganache tart. Every single time, without fault, I'd end a meal with that. Or just have it with my coffee/tea over an afternoon chat with a visiting family member. The vanilla millefeuille deserves a special mention. Ultimately, Fauchon is a great global example of delicious French products, chocolates, jams, and perfectly cooked steaks of a bygone era. 


United Arab Emirates

• Mall of the Emirates 
  Mall of the Emirates Fashion Dome, Ground Floor
  Dubai
  +971 4 399 02 89
• FAUCHON Café Dubai Mall 
  Dubai Mall, Fashion Avenue Ground Floor Unit 25
  Dubai
  +971 4 339 80 24
• Etihad Towers 
  Ground Floor
  Abu Dhabi
  +971 2 667 26 90
  
  

Kuwait

• Crowne Plaza Hotel 
  PO Box 18544
  81006 Farwaniya
  +965 2 473 21 00 ext.7556
• Salhiya Real Estate Co.
  Mohd. Tunayan Al Ghanim St. P.O Box 23413
  13095 Safat
  +965 2 299 64 46
• Salon de Thé '360 Shopping Mall 
  360 Mall Sixth Ring Road, South Surra Al Zahraa Area - P.O Box 29060
  13151 Safat
  +965 2 530 96 20
  
  
  
  

Qatar

• Souk Najd 
  Salwa Road PO Box 2044
  DOHA
  +974 4 432 48 88
• Royal Plaza 
  Al Sadd Street
  DOHA
  +974 4 435 55 88

Chapon Chocolatier - A Chocoholic's Dream

Being a kid in a candy store is so passé. Now being a lady or gentleman in a chocolate shop, is de rigeur. At Chapon, a little chocolate shop on rue du Bac, I found myself again. Being a confirmed chocoholic with no hope of a cure, I literally was at the epicenter of joy itself. Chapon is one of those places you want to keep to yourself and refrain from advising people about. But I like you guys. 

Everything from the story behind the sourcing of the beans, the meticulous presentation of the chocolate, and the sheer volume of the different varieties they offer, point to the legitimacy of their craftsmanship. This is the real deal. The Cluizels and Chauduns of the industry are greats without a doubt, but Chapon is for hipsters. 

I love the sign by the door that says "vainqueur au grand prix du chocolat..." I especially love that they used the word vainqueur. Not only do they want to tell you that they have competed in chocolate championships, but that they've basically conquered, nay, vanquished the competition! It's that sort of french cockiness that I adore, and I can vouch for it's validity here.

After trying their Madagascar chocolate mousse, I'm convinced that there is none that can beat it. Not in Paris at least. And by Paris I mean the entire cosmos. I know that's a huge proclamation. But my money is on the vainqueurs of the chocolate grand prix!!

Honorable mention: The chocolate caramels (the mango flavor was a happy accident), chocolate oranges, and anything with fleur de sel. 

PS. Chapon gets extra points for the decor. Not that they need more points anyway. 10/10!

69 rue du Bac

75006 Paris

France

 

Paris City Guide - Part 2