Têtu : le magazine des gay et lesbiennes

After having lived here for several years I’d like to think I could call myself a Parisian.  Sadly, however, that shall never be the case – mostly due to my aversion to drinking coffee, smoking, or having a wardrobe consisting entirely of black.

That aside, I do feel quite at home here now, with the added benefit of having a list of local treasures that might not be easily known to the average visitor. In fact, I always insist of dragging visiting friends to such places to give them a taste of local Paris – rather than just the touristy highlights. So today, I thought I’d share some of my choice picks with you my lovely loyal readers.

The first off the block is my favourite neighbourhood café, only a quick prance from my apartment. Le Village is a rather colourful cosy spot, with the owner Eric always there to welcome you with a friendly hello. Why has it enamoured me so? Well, there are the bottomless pots of tea and inspiring music, helping me write away for many an hour; in fact I’m here right now tapping away this very post. Not to mention the rather fetching scenery viewed from the terrace – namely the hot fire fighters frolicking at the fire station across the road. Plus if you’re looking for new and interesting specialty food products – an eclectic blend of American and French – then this is the place to be. The one downside is that it’s not particularly conducive for dieting, due to the wonderfully tempting amount of homemade tasty treats, but sometimes sacrifices must be made – Oreo Cheesecake anyone?

After all that gluttony, it’s best to wash it all down with some deliciously divine cocktails.  To this end, I always head off to Le Kitch and their marvellously priced five-euro happy hour concoctions. The place is rather snug and rather lives up to its name, with retro bric-a-brac everywhere. The menu of wild and wacky drinks ensures there’s something there for everyone, while all being ridiculously strong and ensuring a happy buzz in no time. Personally, I don’t think that you can past the ‘Shrek’ – minty perfection – or the ‘Tiramisu’ – exactly how you’d imagine an alcoholic cake shoved in a blender would taste. Also, I do quite love the more intimate seating area at the back – who doesn’t like to spend time in more secluded spaces slightly hidden from public view after all?

Now, who among you doesn’t enjoy nibbling on a wide variety of nuts?  On that note, it’s time to introduce the last on my list of special spots for today – La Pistacherie. A wonderful place where the friendly staff allows one to sample all manner of scrumptious creations, with more spice than is probably good for you. Honestly, I can spend hours there just licking, biting and chewing – although they do they seem to get a little worried when my noises of enthusiastic appreciation get a little too loud. Granted, it’s perhaps more well known than the other two, seeing that’s it’s branching out through the city, but I still prefer going to the original by the Pompidou. Especially when I simply must indulge in one of my many food addictions – wasabi peanuts.

So hopefully, I’ve given you some new places to visit, unless of course you’re already well familiar with them, in which case we may have already crossed paths – stop stalking me!!! But I digress.

My only fear is that I may make these places too popular and unbearable, forcing me to find new little slices of heaven to visit and pass my days. So, please feel free to let me know of any undiscovered gems that you think I may take delight in.

This has not been a paid announcement but if those mentioned wish to give me free stuff I wouldn’t object in the slightest.

For your recommended daily dose of Jimi – follow my musings on Twitter @jimify.me.