Tag Archives: Jewish Quarter

Old-World and Jewish Goodies at Sacha Finkelsztajn

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Sacha 7

Prior to World War II, the Marais was the center of Jewish life in Paris and the Rue des Rosiers (Street of the Rose Bushes) was the heart of this Jewish enclave. But much has changed in the old Jewish quarter over the past 70 years. The street now boasts considerably more trendy and overpriced boutiques (even a number of international chain stores) than Jewish businesses. But there are still remnants of Paris’s once-thriving Jewish district along the five block-long street and its adjacent lanes: the Agudath Hakehilot orthodox synagogue, Judaica bookstores Librairie Bibliophane and Diasporama, and a number of kosher restaurants and delis. A must-stop destination among these is Sacha Finkelsztajn, a bakery and delicatessen dubbed by locals as La Boutique Jaune (the yellow shop)—so-named because of its bright yellow facade—that’s been operated by the same family for nearly 60 years. Continue Reading →

Marais Institution Makes Europe’s Best Falafel

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L'as du Falafel 3

If you’ve ever visited the Marais—specifically the Jewish neighborhood along the Rue des Rosiers—you’ve undoubtedly seen the long lines at Middle Eastern restaurant L’As du Fallafel. And virtually everyone orders the falafel pita—deep-fried balls of ground chickpeas seasoned with garlic and other spices and covered with fried eggplant, pickled red cabbage, hummus, hot sauce, cucumbers and tahini. This house specialty even led to the restaurant’s slogan “Toujours imite, jamais egale (Always imitated, never equaled)”—and draws raves from both locals and tourists who say the falafel is the best in Europe. Continue Reading →

Sunday on the Rue des Rosiers

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Rue des Rosiers 1

Paris’s Marais district is home to the city’s LGBT community. But it’s also home to the city’s Jewish community, and the Rue des Rosiers lies at the heart of it. The four-block-long street has a number of fantastic Jewish bakeries, restaurants and curio shops, but, sadly, like much of Paris has fallen prey to the influx of clothing boutiques and even some chain fashion shops. Still, the area is well worth a visit, especially on Sundays, when most of the rest of Paris is closed, but the shops on the Rue des Rosiers are open (and jam packed!) And be sure to try the falafel at L’As du Fallafel, arguable the best in Europe! Continue Reading →