Paris--Falafels

I think the best falafel i've tasted to date is from Chez Marianne in Paris' Marais district. These photos were taken within the hour of that epiphany. How were the falafels? Think tater tots with a bit more bite feel--crunchy outside, al dente and comfortingly warm and moist inside. The bread is not dry like American pita bread...it's thicker, oilier (tastier)--more like an Indian flat bread but with nice chewiness. It's completed with a tahini based sauce, heavenly roasted eggplant, and lightly pickled cabbage and carrots.



These are not falafels but some pine nut cookies.


Sign by Chez Marianne
The falafels at this placed are cooked to order. It takes a bit longer to get your falafels but it's because they are cooked right before your eyes. This is the "emporter" window; on the other side of this window, our falafels are bobbing nicely in hot oil. Tip: buy your falafels first inside, keep the receipt, line up on the take out window outside, present your receipt to the falafel maker. Smile.
We finally got our falafels. This is Dan's "Don't f#$@ing touch my falafel" mini sneer.