HOW TO EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF PARIS AT HOME

Whether it’s dining à la parisienne or baking baguettes under the tutelage of a master baker, there’s a raft of ways to enjoy the French capital without crossing the Channel Words: Connor McGovern

You might not be able to achieve Paris’s famously no-nonsense service in your dining room, but you can still enjoy a taste of the French capital at home. Deli Français delivers Gallic goodies, from duck rillettes to lobster bisque, across the country, while Londonbased La Fromagerie can deliver a fondue’s worth of French fromage, as well as wine and charcuterie, to your door.

But if you’re after some restaurant fare, Côte at Home brings its menu of brasserie classics to you, with dishes including beef bourguignon and chocolate fondant. There are set menus and vegan options, too, as well as a pantry offering such luxurious kitchen additions as apricot vinegar and fleur de sel.

The sweet-toothed will be longing for the dainty delights of Parisian patisseries, but master patissier Pierre Hermé has a range of luxury treats available for home delivery. His signature macarons are a classic choice (don’t miss the new caramelised pistachio flavour).

Meanwhile, the team at Questions Pour Une Fine Bouche hosts virtual cheese workshops for groups of 10 or more, offering the chance to learn more about this cornerstone of French gastronomy through team games, quizzes and tasting notes, all with a hearty cheeseboard sent ahead of the soiree.

Paris is well-known for its love affair with all things artisanal and, with extra time on your hands, why not forge your own edible French creations? Apollonia Poilâne — CEO of the lauded chain of bakeries in Paris and London — offers a masterclass in baking bread, while Cook’n With Class has brought its Paris-based cooking lessons to the web, with guided classes covering all the basics of French cookery, including the ‘mother’ sauces.

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