VittlesVamp

April in Paris

I couldn't get the song out of my head...

April in Paris, chestnuts in blossom

Holiday tables under the trees

April in Paris, this is a feeling

No one can ever reprise

You could say that Count Basie was in my head. But then again. Paris was at my feet.

Just a few weeks ago I followed up my business trip to London with a few sunny days in Paris, staying in South Pigalle.

It was worthy of song.

And, the standout meal of the trip was a doozy. It wasn't French. Non! It was elevated Lebanese from Chef Rita Higgins. A powerhouse in the kitchen, Chef Higgins has won acclaim with Kubri, her inventive restaurant in the 11th arrondissement. Just take a look at her version of Kibbeh Nayeh, aka Lamb Tartare...

Let's give this a resounding Oui!

There was no question that Kubri was absolutely baller, when the Shortrib Yakhneh hit the table.

Yes, a Flintstone-sized beauty with beef and tomato gravy, confit tomatoes, cinnamon, and spices and herbs galore...

I could share more, but I think you get the idea. If you are going to Paris, go to Kubri.

With that, let me finish out the month - and this post - by raising a glass of Champagne.

And, may we all be able to do so in Paris with the April sun still shining.

Santé!

Sunny & Sated In London

It was sort of a travel miracle. Sun in London. Yes, sun. Blue skies.

Not only that, but it was warm. Seriously. Sun and warmth at the end of March/beginning of April for five days straight.

Evidence: A photo above taken on March 31 from the patio at Oyster Shed - a glass of rosé, blue skies and The Shard in the distance on the other side of the Thames.

It was glorious.

And, speaking of glorious: Can we talk about the Greek brilliance at Oma in Borough Hall?

Think of dipping freshly baked, warm-from-the-oven breads into Tahini drizzled with Hot Honey and a shower of Crispy Chickpeas.

Then there is this genius reimagining of Spanakopita - in gratin-like form - perfect for slathering on flaky, crispy Malawach bread...

Need I go on?

Also in the Borough Market vicinity was an incredible Thai spot called Kolae, where open-flame grilling was the thing...

Everything was bonkers delicious, with the standout being the Kolae Mussel Skewers - doused in a coconut curry sauce - served with Calamasi Lime ready for a squeeze...

And lets not forget a quick Chinese-esque lunch of a Fried Chicken Bao at, well, Bao. Incredibly tasty and an incredible value at 6 and 3/4 pounds.

Haute Indian was in the mix as well. The Butter Chicken Wings at Brigadiers were worthy of the hype...

Did the blue skies make the trip better? I have to say, yes. Not that a gray, damp London doesn't offer many charms as well.

And, no matter the weather, there is no question whether or not London can deliver on a killer food scene. It can and it does.