What I’m Craving: Chocolate Chip Cookies from Eric Kayser in Paris

Two months ago I had a quick trip to Paris.

And now, I can’t stop thinking about a chocolate chip cookie.

A chocolate chip cookie? Not a macaron, a croissant, or a lovely little tart? In France?

I had good intentions in France, I really did. I went in search of a buttery, crusty croissant or a pain au chocolat with sticks of chocolate tucked inside. That was my goal when I saw Eric Kayser’s La Maison Kayser (various locations around Paris, one in NYC, and in Asia, too), but when I saw the chocolate chip cookie, I couldn’t resist. I know David would have told me to get some bread (he talks a lot about Kayser on his site), but I couldn’t fit a loaf in my day bag. :)

This dark chocolate chip cookie with walnuts has had me thinking about it since — it was the perfect blend of crunchy and almost caramelized edges and the big chunks of Valrhona chocolate mixed in with what I believe were walnuts, or pecans. I believe it was also slightly salted though I can’t be sure. In any case it was incredible, and though it was only 10am I thought seriously about having another but I couldn’t dally.

The pain au chocolat I picked up out of reflex? It was a pass…not as flaky and buttery as I’d hoped, and perhaps a tad undercooked. Thankfully I had an incredible consolation prize in the form of that cookie.

Perusing the Maison Kayser site I noticed they’re pretty much all over Tokyo, where I’m heading to later this week. Coincidence? Maybe. :) If you live in Tokyo or love visiting, I’d love some tips about places to eat – I won’t have a ton of free time but I’d love to explore a bit. Leave your tips in the comments!

That’s what I’m craving. What about you?

Check out some of my savory cravings, like Quail Eggs and Sobrasada from El Celler Can Roca or Fried Artichoke Chips from La Boqueria in Barcelona.