Exclusive Kat: Wine and Dine

Friday, February 14, 2025

Food & Drinks: In My Happy Place ~ Akira Back Paris

I am truly blessed that I get to go to Paris a couple times a year. I know it can be cliché but somehow no matter what is going on or how the weather is the trip always is filled with magic and beautiful memories. My first time going to Akira Back was in April 2023. I came with my dog Chicky to help my little brother tour his future (now current) university. During our few days there a friend of mine came to visit and I happened across this restaurant and they had availability at the sushi bar for the two of us. That's precisely how my love affair began with returning again and again each time I'm in the city.

I loved sitting at the sushi bar, seeing the art form of how they prepare and plate the sushi and many of their cold appetizers as well. Definitely gives you ideas of what to order, get next time or develop some order envy from the dishes that pass by. This post has some of the dishes I've tried over my trips from the beginning to just a couple of weeks ago.

I truly encourage those that love delicious food, great ambience and impeccable service to visit Akira Back in the Prince de Galles Hotel. They also have an amazing bar that serves its own menu in an equally beautiful setting where you can enjoy sitting in the interior courtyard surrounded by lushes plants and feel the sun.

Akira Back Paris, 33 Av. George V, 75008 Paris, France

_ Food Review _

Food Review: Authentic Italian at AppetitO RistorantE

An evening at AppetitO RistorantE with one of my NY besties was just what the doctor ordered. After the madness of New York Fashion Week, its great to relax and catch up over an appetizing meal and tasty cocktails. This Italian gem is located in mid-town only one block south of Bryant Park. As soon as you enter you can feel the warmth of the atmosphere with the dark wood, exposed brick and beautiful portraits.

We decided to start the night with cocktails, which is always the start of a good night! As we sipped on these delicious martinis (mine was the espresso, I needed caffeine asap) we began to peruse the menu trying to narrow down what starters should we order. The winners were the Crostini de Mozzarella (fried mozzarella in tomato sauce, tasted like heaven) & grilled calamari (it was one of the specials, not sure of the Italian name; but equally delicious). After the two we decided to take a break (with wine) before entree time. Up next we decided to share a small plate of the fontina tortellini (other one of the night's specials) along with the Petto di Pollo Appetito (bestie) and my dish Risotto ai Frutti di Mare! One of my favorite dishes is risotto and I love seafood, absolutely the perfect choice for me. My friend thoroughly enjoyed the chicken dish, it was juicy and flavorful. The night can't end without a dessert or at least a cappacino, I'm all about dessert, so I shared the tiramisu and he got a cappacino. The ultimate ending to an exquisite meal.