my kitch'n :: paris restaurant review

Jennifer Eric, owner of and head chef at My Kitch'n in Paris

When I was in Paris for Paris Vegan Day, my friend Aurelia told me about her friend's wondrous little vegan restaurant, My Kitch'n, located in the market in the up-and-coming Batignolles neighborhood. Jennifer Eric is the brainchild behind this plantalicious gem, emblazoned with her signature "sexy mouth eating raspberry" logo and decorated with a mish-mash of funky flea-market treasures, harlequin dishes, and bright hand-painted signs.

My Kitch'n – homey, like your kitch'n

Not every vista is cheerful, though; ironically in the covered Batignolles Market where the restaurant is located, Jennifer faces a butcher and shares her space with vendors who sell myriad animal products to the meat-loving French. In fact, the City of Paris was hesitant to grant her a lease because they doubted the financial feasibility of a plant-based restaurant in Paris [The covered markets are actually run by the city.]

Jennifer, prepping take out for hungry customers.

But happily, Jennifer has developed a loyal following, silencing the naysayers. When my friend Elisabeth and I stopped by to see her, a steady stream of customers rolled by. Some sat in the charmingly kitschy dining area and quietly devoured their meals. Others came to the counter and ordered plats à emporter [take out].

Creamy veggie curry

When I stopped by, it was unseasonably chilly and damp in Paris for October, so the curry with brown rice spoke to me. It warmed me to my soul – so creamy and comforting, perfectly seasoned and dotted with a rainbow of nutritious veggies. Jennifer only uses fresh, organic ingredients and whole foods. Born in Sweden, she cut her teeth at restaurants in Europe and in Dubai and also earned an MBA – helpful when launching a business.

My Kitch'n mobile

What about advertising? Word of mouth helps, but Jennifer has also emblazoned her tiny smart car with her signature, sexy lips logo. She's been know to park it strategically in front of burger joints and butcher shops.

Green juice

Elisabeth ordered a tall green juice, which was fresh and delicious.

Jennifer gave us a taste of her hearty quinoa pilaf, punctuated with veggies and creamy avocado dressing.

Raw fig tart

The grand finale? Elisabeth and I split the raw fig tart – so gooey and caramelly.....

...We washed it down with strong coffee. It did not last long.

Sweet aside: During lunch, Elisabeth also gave me a chocolate bar laced with intense black licorice. The flavor was so unusual – sort of like a sweet umami tidal wave in each bite. I loved it!

If you're in Paris, be sure to stop at My Kitch'n for lunch, a smoothie or a light dinner. You'll feel like you are supping in a friend's kitchen – or more aptly, kitch'n.

Fin.