Paris bourgeoisie life - day 2

Day 2 was all about shopping and eating.

From the Republique area you can walk to Les Halles-Chatelet which is a major shopping hub. They have all the international brands we're familiar with like H&M, Zara etc. 

Yours truly also did my extensive research on the top food blogs (source: http://www.budgettravel.com/blog/10-top-paris-food-blogs,10701/) and came up with a list.

Therefore according to David Lebovitz, travel forums, tripadvisors etc., Bouillon Chartier is where we should head over for traditional comfort food! 

It truly lived up to its expectations! the pork stew was the best dish I had in Paris! (combining my weakness of traditional + comfort food = bull-eyes hit).

Food aside we also had a very delightful mexican family who sat next to us with an adorable toddler. I was pretty amazed that senor santos (if i remember correctly) is able to speak 3 languages (spanish, french and english) fluently. Their daughter Camilla was so charming even the toughest French smugged waiter melted. He was in such a good mood that he even attempted to chat with us in broken english combined with sign languages and gave us a free bottle of water (non-tap).

Bouillon Chartier with fantastic homely meals

they update and print a fresh menu daily

After our 2.5hours lunch we headed down to Galleries Lafayettes, a local departmental stall. You can find them all over France but the branch at Hausmann is famous for its interior and food hall (in the building next door joined by an internal bridge).

Shopping time

Stunning glass dome

Also where I had more macaroons and chocolates as snacks...

Pierre Hermes!

Galore of macaroons!

I probably mentioned that the Marias district is full of excellent and affordable restaurants.
L'ilot was recommended by various blogs and restaurant reviews for its fresh seafood.

Delicious starters: salmon cream cheese spread and fish soup (i love it!) and my cerviche as main!

Salmon and scallop tartare

Another 2.5hours meal with wine and a happily filled belly to conclude the day ;)