When I think of the City of Light, the first image that springs to mind is that of the golden-hued, magical cobblestone streets depicted in the nocturnal scenes of Woody Allen's fantasy comedy Midnight in Paris (2011), along with the warm glow that illuminates its bustling Art Nouveau-style taverns. As if my chance encounter with the film's eternally nostalgic protagonist, Owen Wilson, in London's Hampstead Village a couple of summers ago wasn't enough to make me completely obsessed with both the movie and Paris, the timeless charm of the French-born Art Nouveau movement — showcased at its peak, La Belle Époque, in the film — has only reinforced the pristine view I hold of the city.
But Paris' gastronomic scene isn't all sinuously decorated stained glass lamp shades, vine leaf mirrors, and lavish chandeliers: if traditional furniture and decor continue to be the main showstoppers at acclaimed Parisian restaurants Beefbar (Humbert & Poye), Le Chardenoux (Martin Brudnizki), and Le Train Bleu (Jean-Marie Duthilleul), there are plenty of contemporary alternatives to the classic brasserie, bistrot, restaurant gastronomique, and table d’Hôtel making the French capital a foodie destination as much as a cultural one.
