Eat like you’re at the Olympics 🥐 (while still in Boise)

The 2024 Paris Olympics are here. Paris is the City of Light, known for designer shopping, historic sights, and of course, amazing food. Unless you’re traveling to experience the Paris Olympics yourself, I have a few ideas on how to make your taste buds feel like you’re there.

French pastries, quiche and treats

Janjou Patisserie – If you want to taste pastries that are similar to those of a French bakery and dessert shop, this is the place to go. Whatever you choose – a croissant, pain au chocolat (chocolate-filled croissant), quiche or a tart – it will undoubtedly be delicious and melt in your mouth. There is often a line out the door, so you can also pre-order on the Janjou website.

Gaston’s Bakery and Mill – For authentic croissants and bread as the highlight of any meal, head to Gaston’s. According to the Gaston’s website, chef Matthieu Choix moved from Burgundy, France to Boise in 2001 and started the famous Café de Paris downtown, but closed it to focus solely on the bakery. Gaston’s has my favorite ham and Swiss croissant in the city, and any of Gaston’s pastries will please even the pickiest of palates.

at Tavola – If you’ve ever been to an Eataly, a’Tavola is like our own mini version here in the City of Trees. To eat and feel like you’re in Paris, you can choose a slice of quiche, a pastry, or even a Croque Monsieur (a crispy ham and cheese sandwich). A’Tavola also has a wide range of takeaway items that make for a French feast while you enjoy the Olympics, including full-size quiches and a market full of European-themed foods.

Flourishing Bakery – When you think of macarons, head to this bakery in Garden City. Flourish Bakery offers these delicate meringue-based sandwich cookies in standard flavors like pistachio, chocolate, and salted caramel, as well as monthly flavors of goodness. In addition to macarons, Flourish offers a variety of other French pastry treats.

pancakes

The Crêperie Café – In France, crepes are not just a dessert; they can be a meal at any time of the day. The Crêperie Café has a varied menu of savory and sweet crepes. No matter your preference for fillings, there is a crepe that will satisfy your taste buds while giving you a taste of the French specialty.

Idaho Crepe Company – This food truck serves crepes, with a menu of sweet, savory, and build-your-own options. You can pick up a crepe treat from Idaho Crepe Company at the Boise Farmers Market or any event where the food truck is parked. Read more about Idaho Crepe Company’s upcoming events here.

Dine like a Parisian

Bacquet’s French restaurant – This restaurant in Eagle is authentic to French cuisine, as the chef, Franck Bacquet, is French. Bacquet is the perfect place to go if you want to try a classic French dish like escargots (snails in butter and garlic), French onion soup or duck confit while sipping a glass of wine.

The Avery – Michelin-starred chef Cal Elliott has created a menu and experience that exudes French elegance at The Avery. From weekend brunch to dinner, The Avery offers a wide range of French-inspired menu items, much like a French brasserie. The interior is beautiful and the experience will make you feel like you’ve taken a break from watching the Olympic action in Paris to enjoy a delicious meal.

Terroir Bistro – With a French bistro vibe, the newly opened Terroir Bistro has the ambiance and menu to help you dine like a Parisian. Menu items with a French focus include the country pâté, steak frites, leg of lamb, and chicken lyonnaise. Erin Banks Rusby recently wrote a story about Terroir’s plans for this new location here.

Roghani’s at Chateau des Fleurs – With a setting that makes you feel like you’re in the French countryside, Roghani’s has a menu that’s a testament to several French classics. The best part? After a delicious meal, you can stroll through the gardens of the Chateau des Fleurs, which will make you feel like you’re in another world.

Enjoy your meal!