Dear Sam,

The thing I love about Europeans is that they’ve mastered the art of opening shops that specialize in doing one thing really, really well. Paris is home to many of these wonderful little gems, including umbrella repair shops (some of the last in the world). Here is my short list of places we should try to visit.

1) Boutique Maille

My tennis pal Tanis raves this is the best mustard she’s ever had. While you can find Maille in any grocery store in the world, they save their best stuff for their two French stores in Paris and Dijon. The cooliest part: The preservative-free mustard is served on tap just like beer. Never older than 10 days when it is sold, it can last up to three months. Customers can buy ceramic pots to transport their mustard (which is available in dozens of flavours, including Chablis). Sounds like a yummy keepsake. The Paris shop, which is located in the 8th arrondissement, isn’t open on Sundays.

2) E. Dehillerin

This cramped store has been selling kitchenware to professional and amateur chefs since 1820. Famous for their copper pots, they also sell everything from crepe pans to pastry scrapers to Eiffel Tower cookie cutters. Julie Child was a regular here when she lived in Paris.

3) A L’Etoile D’Or

Located near the Sacre Coeur, this candy/chocolate shop would make Willy Wonka proud. Food blogger David Lebovitz, a man who knows sweets, hearts it. He even uploaded a video tour. Others report it is like walking into a fairy tale. Even by Paris standards, the owner Denise Acabo is considered to be quite the character. I want to try the Bernachon chocolate (she’s the only person outside of Lyon that is allowed to sell the stuff) and Henri le Roux’s Caramel Beurre Salé, salted butter caramels from Brittany. Mmmmm…salted butter caramels.

That’s it for now. Miss you lots.

Love,
Kat

P.S. I booked Le Meurice for Saturday. We need to be there at 7 a.m. I don’t think I’ve ever had to get dressed up for breakfast before:)