Paradis Lost

My company's office moved down to the Union Square area back in October. While Union Square is great for commuting purposes, in terms of snacks, there's really not much in the immediate area.  There's things way in the west village, and way in the east village, and in Chelsea, but really not much aside from Max Brenner (not a favorite of mine).

When the office was in the process of getting set up, Justin came all the way from California to both get the place up and running, as well as cross some cookie spots off his must-try list.  Justin stumbled upon Paradis, 2 blocks from the office, which had a sign on the door that said NYC's best cookie.  He picked it up and said it was pretty good, and worth checking out.  So of course, a good 6 weeks later, I finally made it down there!

I tried the brownie the first time. At first bite, it tasted a little bit like Jell-O pudding.  I didn't think I was going to like it, and was kind of disappointed.  But then I tried it again a few hours later, and it tasted much better.  It was light and chewy, and had a layer of powdered sugar on top.  I don't think I would get it again, but it was okay for the moment.  The food there was actually REALLY good.  I had a quinoa salad with kale, fennel and butternut squash. Every time I've gone there I've had great lunches, so I'm definitely a fan of the food.
The story of Paradis is super cute too.  This American girl named Kim was studying French cooking in Paris, and met this French butcher, Mickael Paradis.  They fell in love, got married and opened up Paradis-To-Go.  Now they operate the cafe, serving French/American food with a rotating daily menu and delicious baked goods.

I had to go back to try the cookie, and luckily the next time I went they were giving out samples!  The cookie was amazing - super doughy and chocolatey, and crumbled in my hands.  I went back with Danielle a few days later to split one, and we absolutely loved it.  Luckily, since Paradis is right near the office and within eyesight of our gym, we can pop in there every day to be healthy and get a salad, or be unhealthy and split one of their amazing cookies.  Definitely add this place to your must try cookie list!


Paradis (http://paradistogo.com/about.html)
114 Fourth Avenue (off E 12th Street, diagonal from Crunch gym)
Open Monday-Friday, 7-7; Saturday 9-6