Lazare Hoche

Paris

This is the symbol of my current area - the 9th district of Paris. Originally opened in 1879, the biggest renovation took place in 1926; the magnificent gold Art Deco 'bas-relief' reflects the sun on surrounding streets. This theatre also hosted one of my favorite TV Shows from the 90’s called “double jeu”.

Known more as 'Colonnes de Buren'. A highly controversial art installation created by French artist, Daniel Buren in 1985–1986. It’s found in the inner courtyard (Cour d'Honneur) of the Palais Royal in Paris, France. Unusual sight in the city

The Lebanese restaurant of my aunt - featured in the guide michelin - is a family food display, with generous portions, a warm atmosphere and a lot of personality. Located in a very random and residential area, this place is not the usual tourist trap; it's a secret weapon. It's what we love best - Lebanese gastronomy.

Back in the 9th district of Paris, very few people know that there's a Tunisian food scene here. I’m obviously from Lebanon, but Tunisian food is kind of a non-hidden love affair. Some of them, open since the 70’s, are still going and proud. La Boule Rouge has got it all. A true favorite of all the kemia enthusiasts and couscous nerds. The homemade tuna meshouia is the real deal here. No fancy vibes here or “wanna-be hipsters”, but a very comfortable family feeling as soon as you enter the place.

For record shops, it's pretty much around the center-east side of Paris, where you will find all types of stores, with great selections. My favorite one is this one; Melik, the owner, is one of the finest listeners and selectors of the city.

This is a cultural explosion in Paris. It's thrown on a Thursday night in the infamous Pigalle area. It’s an extension of all your fantasies at once; curated by the mighty DJ Dorion. The vibe is mind blowing, the music selection and people are eclectic, the performers and the show are authentic and fine-tuned.

Legend is the party of DJ Deep in Paris since 1997. It's the purest NYC House vibe you can get in Europe. This shot is the infamous, Kerri Chandler, doing what he does best in Rex in August 2019.

Paris with DJ, Lazare Hoche

Marseille

Chez Gilda is a laid-back fry-up spot for dinner. Come here for roadside prawns in pastis, octopus and mangetout, the Mediterranean whitebait. They also do a good panisse (chickpea flour fries) – just make sure you take loads of harissa and cumin on the side as you gotta self season. Once you're done here, go to Pasarelle over the road for a bottle of affordable natural wines. The owner is iconically the double of David Bowie.

I live off Pizza Enervée at least three times a week. Pizza by the slice for €2.50 and the slice is a quarter of the pizza. Hungover, drunk or just hungry – it's there for all your moods. Their white bases are a winning underdog. Speed is not on their side though, so if it's a big queue have patience.

This sweet Afghan spot between Les Réformés and Longchamps is run by a mother and son. Marion does the lunchtime cooking, while Romain gives his mum the night off and does the evening service himself. It's a simple question of "beer or wine" and "meat or no meat," but what you get is a delicious and substantial plate of home cooking. If you're hungry there's always more, it's real hospitality.

My favourite patisserie orientale in Marseille. A traditional Tunisian Jewish bakery, David always has a really warm smile and knows what I'm after before I walk in the door. The potato and caper brick with the slice of lemon is the one.  Pick up a fricassé and sweet treats while you're there for the perfect spread on weekdays. Make sure you get fricassé sandwich (not to be confused with the one pot chicken dish). You'll find them in most corner patisseries in Noailles, served with a sweet mint tea or just to take away. Made by overfilling an oval-shaped doughnut dough with confit tuna, boiled egg, potato and olives. Always say yes to the spicy harissa, they will ask spicy or not spicy. Take the spicy option.

Little Italian; beautiful cooking and really good people, probably my favourite restaurant in Marseille. Don't miss out on the tripe if it's on the menu.

A classic seaside fish restaurant but it's as fresh as it gets. Go for lunch, you can pick a whole fish from the counter or take a pizza away and go have a wander round Les Goudes. There's a sweet little port, Croix de Cap Croisette, that's good for swimming if you follow the road round from Chez Paul to the water.

Head to Livingston on a Sunday or Monday. When a lot of other places can be closed, you can have a lively wine and dine using some of the best producers in the south of France. JB's vegetables really have been touched by Midas and Val's cooking is very distinctive and considered. He's one to watch.

I love to sit here for my morning coffee or dose of afternoon sun and people watch. Probably my favourite all day spot in the inner city, and it's guarded from the wind when the mistral is blowing.

The Best Restaurants in Marseille, Chosen by Chef Megan

Sarah Ben Hafsia 

Tunis 

Stop by to do some shopping at this flea market

Known for its fruit pie served with green tea.


This is a second hand store for design artefacts and vintage pieces, located at the owner's terrace in Radès.

Grab a seafood plate at this restaurant in my favourite area, La Goulette, which is known for its architectural gems and avenue full of restaurants. Watch 'A Summer in La Goulette' by Férid Boughedir to understand the full experience of the area. 

A old hotel that comes on top of a hill and has a very beautiful sunset on the northern suburb of tunis. Also known to only serve beer with olives and peanuts.


It is known for being touristy but it's definitely a must-see for its view, the art galleries, the architecture and the "bambalouni", a sweet famous tunisian donut. 


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