Pharrell Arot is a senior editor at the French cultural media outlet Konbini, where he pens a newsletter every Thursday. He is also a partner at floral studio Fleurs Fleurs Fleurs, launched by his wife Camille Arot in 2020. As one of the few Parisians not fleeing the city as the Paris Olympics 2024 descends, we thought we’d ask the food-loving local to share a few of his secrets for how best to enjoy the city in summer. Hopping on a Lime Bike, we followed him around some of his favourite spots, from the trendiest ice cream parlour to where to eat pizza by the slice, Paris-style.
Pizza, but make it Paris
Pizza by the slice is having a moment in Paris, and some take their love of the food a bit further. That’s the case with the team at Rori, who have just opened in the 11th, on rue JP Timbaud right next to Gramme. It’s a full stainless steel setup – as if New York had taken a trip to Seoul – with a menu borrowing as much from Rome as from the Ninja Turtles. My favourite: the potato pizza with its dill sauce, which falls somewhere between grandma’s asparagus sauce and a giant pot of ranch from Walmart. Oh, and also the ‘grandma’s style’ rectangular slice covered in sesame, a nod to the famous Paulie Gee’s Greenpoint chain. Plus, in this part of the 11th, you can always find a bench under a plane tree to sit on and enjoy.
Rori, 96 rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, Paris 11
The coolest soft serve
Julia Bell makes the coolest ice creams in Paris, and recently, her somewhat ephemeral shop moved its freezers 50 metres to settle at 46 rue Bichat, just behind the Canal St Martin. What makes JJ Hings so special is a constantly changing menu, impeccable design, ultra-inventive flavours, and above all, an unconditional love for rich, nostalgic ice cream made with ultra-sourced seasonal products. This week, for example, she was serving a melon-white-cheese soft serve. But be warned, it’s open from Thursday to Sunday, don’t turn up like I did on a Wednesday and leave empty-handed.
JJ Hings, 46 rue Bichat, Paris 10
Your Cali street food fix
I can’t help it – if I pass by a colourful tiled facade, I have to stop. At Californian street food vendor Kiss, the counter, designed by Anna Polonsky and Monica Fonseca, is not only beautiful but also delicious. My order if the weather is nice: the ‘whatever veggies’, a sandwich reminiscent of Erewhon, and a homemade iced and tangy lemonade. Carefully place the precious cargo on the passenger seat of your Lime Bike basket, because next we’re heading south, across the Seine in a few pedal strokes to see the dinosaurs.
Kiss, 55 faubourg Poissonnière, Paris 9
Picnics…
I was looking for the perfect Parisian park to feel like I’m on holiday without venturing too far, because even though I love cycling to Vincennes on a Lime, it can feel like the end of the world sometimes. I reminisced about my childhood outings to the Jardin des Plantes opposite the Pont d’Austerlitz – a perfect spot for a chic but casual picnic, with an Emily in Paris vibe. Plus, if the date goes well or it gets too hot, you can visit the dinosaurs or take a journey through time at Grande Galerie de l’Evolution. PS: Not glamorous, but always convenient, the Monoprix on Boulevard de l’Hôpital is open until 11pm, and its fridges are always stocked with refreshing little juices…
Jardin des Plantes, Paris 5
Pimp your coffee table
For ten years, Pierre Banchereau has been reigning over the Parisian flower world with compositions worthy of any travertine coffee table. It’s a place worth exploring for extraordinary bouquets and rare objects.
Debeaulieu Bouquets, 30 rue Henry Monnier, Paris 9
Debeaulieu Plants and Objects, 19 rue Victor Masse, Paris 9
To experience Pharrell’s recommendations, book direct at The Hoxton, Paris
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