The Sassy Guide to the City of Light
As an American living in Paris for nearly 9 years, I have plenty of words of wisdom to share about this glorious, yet sometimes frustrating, city. Each weekday this month I will share my thoughts on some of the best stuff to do in Paris. Today's letter, F, is for Fondue.
Melted cheese will always have a special place in my heart. Specifically, clogging my arteries. Totally worth it.
My favorite place in Paris to enjoy fondue is Refuge des Fondus. I've been there literally 200+ times. It's not just the cheesy goodness that keeps me coming back for more, it's their quirky atmosphere and wine-in-baby-bottles schtick.
Yes, you heard that right - wine in baby bottles. It's not the best wine, but it's cheap. Plus, aroma is a huge part of taste and ingeniously, you can't smell the wine when there's a nipple barrier between you and the intoxicating liquid. If you're a lightweight, you have to drink at least one baby bottle or I can't be your friend. But if you can handle more, I recommend 3 baby bottles, which is the equivalent of one bottle of wine. That will place you at just the right level of inebriation to sing "Happy Birthday" in Spanish to the party across the room (several times throughout the night) while still having the coordination to climb over the table upon exit (Did I mention that? Yeah, you have to climb over the table to get to your seat. Visit the restroom first because once you're in, you're not gonna want to move.)
I've visited this restaurant so many times I made my own punch card. The surly-as-an-act waiters love me. My photo is on their wall, I held the rehearsal dinner for my wedding there (you can read all about it in Confessions of a Paris Party Girl), and I sent them a birth announcement when my son was born. So you could say I like the place a little.
Don't worry about it being a tourist trap. At any given time 25-50% of the restaurant is comprised of French people. I mean, yes, it's a spot for tourists but you'll still get a little local flair and a great night out. I recommend making a reservation because it's tiny and fills up fast. If you go, email me a photo of you drinking a baby bottle of wine!
Check out the full series:
Paris A to Z: A is for Pont Alexandre III
Paris A to Z: B is for Boulangerie
Paris A to Z: C is for Chateau de Vincennes
Paris A to Z: D is for Drinks
Paris A to Z: E is for Eiffel Tower
Paris A to Z: F is for Fondue
Paris A to Z: G is for La Grande Epicerie
Paris A to Z: H is for Haussmann Architecture
Paris A to Z: I is for Ile St. Louis
Paris A to Z: J is for Jim Morrison's Grave
Paris A to Z: K is for Kir Royale
Paris A to Z: L is for The Long Hop
Paris A to Z: M is for Métro
Paris A to Z: N is for Notre Dame
Paris A to Z: O is for Musée d'Orsay
Paris A to Z: P is for Promenade Plantée
Paris A to Z: Q is for Quaint Shops
Paris A to Z: R is for Romance
Paris A to Z: S is for Sacre Coeur
Paris A to Z: T is for Trousseau
Paris A to Z: U is for Un Reve
Paris A to Z: V is for Vin
Paris A to Z: W is for Walking
Paris A to Z: X is for Expats
Paris A to Z: Y is for Court Yards
Paris A to Z: Z is for Zen in the City
