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Ask a Local - Comedienne Julie Collas

Wednesday 28 Feb 2018 / Category: Ask a Local

This month’s 'Ask a Local' can't get any more local than a born-and-raised Paris gal - Julie Collas.
  
Julie is the Parisienne behind the first one-woman show in Paris – “Oh my god she’s Parisian!” which takes to the stage every Friday and Saturday at the Theatre BO Saint Martin. The show changes often as Julie finds new inspiration and anecdotes to share with her audience, always leading to new laughs. 

Once a lawyer by trade, Julie now delivers her comedy show in easy-to-understand English, challenging Parisian stereotypes with her hilarious takes on characters including a waiter, a metro user, a crazy mother in law, and even the French President. If you’ve ever wanted a unique insight into life in Paris from a real Parisian – this is it! 

We recently attended Julie’s show (which is just over an hour) and had a ball, so we wanted to catch up with her to find out what foodie tips she had for us in Paris. 

We attempted to grab a coffee at Buly Café on rue Saintonge, but given its popularity, bar seats were sparse, so we decided to meander around to BiBoViNo (because why have coffee when you can have wine?), the funky little wine address by one of our favourite markets - Marché des Enfants Rouges. This place is entirely dedicated to boxed wine - but don't judge yet! BiBoViNo was started by four sommeliers and wine-lovers, who have made their boxed wines not only affordable but great quality. There are around 24 varietals, so take a seat, order a selection of fromages or charcuterie, and embrace boxed wine in style! 

Now, back to Julie!

Julie Collas

Julie's Neighbourhood

Julie lives in the 17th arrondissement, close to the Arc de Triomphe (if you didn't know, the 16th and 17th are two of the biggest arrondissements in Paris - the 16th actually has two post codes!). It's an area in Paris that tends to be pretty residential, with typical Haussmanian propertries.

Like most Parisians, Julie shops at her local market - in her case that's the lovely Marché Poncelet. If you make your way to this area, you will find that there are a couple of bustling streets full of boutiques that spill out onto the pavement selling everything you can imagine including fresh flowers, seasonal vegetables, the freshest meats from the boucherie, and of course – fromage!

From Law to Laughs

Having spent a number of intense years in the professional corporate world in New York, Chicago and Paris, Julie realised that life is too short - so why not do what you really want to do? Always able to make fun of herself and see the lighter side of things after consulting with friends and family, she saw that her calling was in Comedy! Long story short, Julie decided to push forward, created her own production company, and launched the first one-woman stand up comedy show in Paris! Bravo Julie!  You'll find out much more if you visit her show!

The Sweet Side

She LOVES the Chou Pastry at Liberté Boulangerie and Patisserie, which is in the 17th, the first location being just near the Canal Saint Martin. It has a cool industrial look but with beautiful painted ceilings and marble counters.    

Julie's Signature Savoury Dish

Julie loves to make Petite Salé, a typical 'Grandma dish' that. It’s such a heartwarming dish, with green lentils, smoked ham, carrots, onions… it’s real comfort food. 

Le Brunch

If you take peek at Julie's Instagram account, you will find that she is either at a dinner party of some sort in to the wee hours (either hosting or attending), or she is checking out spots to eat. She is a big fan of Sunday Brunch so not far from Liberté, you will find her at Kasha in the 10th arrondissement - proclaimed as one of Julie's favourites, just a minute from the Canal Saint Martin. It's cosy and full of natural light, and they do fantastic crêpes (and cocktails!) 

Le Deal

So, the the deal is that we hope you discover Julie's show yourself*. She's one of the hardest working gals we know, and we are a big fan of anyone that is able to share, and of course poke a little fun at herself. Check out Julie's website here!

*worth mentioning that the laughs and language may not be appropriate for younger clients

FYI Addresses Mentioned

Maison Buly -  45 Rue de Saintonge, 75003 

BiBoViNo -  35 Rue Charlot, 75003 

Marché Poncelet - rue Poncelet, 75017 

Liberté -  39 Rue des Vinaigriers, 75010 

Kasha - 9 Rue des Récollets, 75010 

Central Paris Location

Last Minute Course Places

5 Oct 2024

  • French Macarons / Les Macarons : Technical 3-hour
  • For the serious Macaron lover. Three hours of intensive Macaron time - we will tackle two types of classic macaron shells and four types of classic macaron fillings!

  • La Cuisine Paris, 80 Quai de l'Hôtel de Ville, 75004 Paris     Time: 14:30 - 17:30
  • Price: €119.00     Availability: 3 places left

8 Oct 2024

  • French Baking Classes / Le Croissant & Breakfast Pastries
  • The 'Roi' of the Parisian breakfast table, Le Croissant ! Enjoy three hours of mastering this decadent, flaky, buttery French icon.

  • La Cuisine Paris, 80 Quai de l'Hôtel de Ville, 75004 Paris     Time: 14:30 - 17:30
  • Price: €119.00     Availability: 1 place left

8 Oct 2024

  • French Pastry / Les Choux, éclairs and more : Technical Choux Pastry
  • Intensive everything Choux Pastry, from Savory to Sweet! From the tempting and delicious éclairs and Paris-Brest to delicate savory Gougères!

  • La Cuisine Paris, 80 Quai de l'Hôtel de Ville, 75004 Paris     Time: 9:30 - 12:30
  • Price: €119.00     Availability: 5+ places left

9 Oct 2024

  • French Pastry / The Best of French Pastry
  • The perfect three hour experience for those that love the ‘best of’ classic French Pastries. Enjoy creating the delights you find adorning the windows of your favorite Paris Pastry boutiques.

  • La Cuisine Paris, 80 Quai de l'Hôtel de Ville, 75004 Paris     Time: 14:00 - 17:00
  • Price: €119.00     Availability: 3 places left

9 Oct 2024

  • French Baking Classes / Le Croissant & Breakfast Pastries
  • The 'Roi' of the Parisian breakfast table, Le Croissant ! Enjoy three hours of mastering this decadent, flaky, buttery French icon.

  • La Cuisine Paris, 80 Quai de l'Hôtel de Ville, 75004 Paris     Time: 9:30 - 12:30
  • Price: €119.00     Availability: 1 place left

Our Favorite French Table Grapes

Monday 16 Sept 2024

It is that time of year again when our market baskets are brimming with different bunches of grapes to enjoy! The grape harvest, referred to in French as “La Vendange,” typically takes place between late August and early October, depending on the region and the grape variety.
Today, we're getting into two of our favorite table grape varieties that would make a delicious addition to your cheese boards this season!

Read more

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