Part reward, part an opportunity to put our French to the test, when I was studying in Paris, my French teacher took our whole class to L’Atelier des Chefs. It is one of my favourite experiences from the trip because it was an unusual experience that I didn’t expect to have, and because I love cooking.

The class was conducted in  French, but luckily the demonstrations were enough that we could fill the gaps where our French was lacking. Chopping, slicing and dicing, we made little towers of salmon and fresh vegetables, with a topping of crème fraiche, a salad and a sauce.

As it was fresh food that I had prepared myself from start to finish, I had no qualms about eating it. Some of my friends however, didn’t like it.  I’ve noticed a lot of people don’t like fish, I can’t understand why – I love it!

I eat fish for breakfast and would eat salmon every day if I could. I love raw salmon, partly because it is exceptionally good for me but I also just love the fresh, smooth taste. Combined with cucumber and other fresh vegetables, the little stacks were light, fresh, tasy and very healthy. The crème fraiche on top was a nice touch, and in true French style the salad consisted of little more than lettuce leaves. I don’t really like lettuce, so I stuck to my salmon tower!

The shop front is worth a visit for the recipe books and utensils alone. I knew I wouldn’t have room in my suitcase for cool cooking gadgets, but I did pick up a cocktail recipe book and a macaron cookbook for a friend, who loves Paris and cooking ( a bit of a kindred spirit there). It was the fourth cookbook I brought home from Paris – in the Louis Vuitton store I found the Laduree cookbook, which is gorgeous, and two much cheaper cookbooks which I picked up from the check out at the grocery store.

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Genevieve Lauren

Hello! I’m an Australian travel blogger, living in Melbourne, Australia. I grew up in Brisbane, studied in Paris, lived & worked in New York City and now live in Melbourne, Australia.

I love sharing specific and useful recommendations, itineraries and guides for the most beautiful things to see, do, experience & eat wherever I go.

My favourite travel destinations are Australia, New York City & surrounds, France, Greece & Japan, but I’m always excited to explore somewhere new!

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