Bad Paris Recommendations

[@LesFrenchiesTravel]

Thank you for this video. Funny enough, we rarely get recognized in restaurants. I don't think we're on the radar screen of Parisians restaurant owners. We also don't tell them we're coming. And we always pay our bill.

[@JaySwanson]

Rumor has it Antoine is #1 on Paris' Dine and Dash Most Wanted List 🏃💨

[@LesFrenchiesTravel]

@@JaySwanson lol....you'll never catch me!!!

[@pandafragrance]

@@LesFrenchiesTravel disclose your obvious paid ads, Frenchies. No reason to delete your snarky reply to me.

[@erinmh]

I trust "Jay recs" because it's so very apparent that you've made a concerted effort over the years to build community and relationships in Paris. Your love of the city of light is what makes people want to experience whatever it is that you're experiencing.

[@JaySwanson]

I really do love this city. If I can be a good citizen of it, I'll feel like I've done my job.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

I just get full body chills when I hear a place described as ‘Instagrammable’. I just know I need to avoid it.

[@JaySwanson]

😆 It's become a way of saying "Well it looks nice at least."

[@thedavidguy01]

My wife and I will be visiting Paris in a few months. We have visited Paris many times but this time we will be visiting with our sister in law and nephew who have never been before. So we will be going to all the most famous places, places we typically skip, plus Notre Dame of course. We don’t need any help on where to visit but we will definitely be using your guide for coffee and food and I am hoping to sneak in a few lesser known places just for a little variety, another useful part of your guide. I have absolutely no concerns with your integrity.

[@l.m.m.tucker6998]

Love the authenticity on this channel. ❤

[@JaySwanson]

I appreciate that!

[@l.m.m.tucker6998]

@@JaySwansonyour authenticity sets you apart.

[@GreigHowlett]

Thanks Jay! Since I downloaded your PDF guide the summer of 2021 I have followed you since. Every time I watch one of your posts I FEEL like I’m back in Paris. Returning in May and just purchased the new guide. I know your advice and guide will help make our trip as memorable as the last one! Cheers Mate!

[@JaySwanson]

Thanks for your support! 🥂 Have a great trip!

[@WavyCurlyGina]

In Jay We Trust ❤ Thanks for all your hard work and dedication to helping people love Paris as much as you do 😊

[@amourflower9893]

First of all Happy new year, I enjoy your positive attitude in discovering Paris, Each time you make a video its about some new spot, and I love that, plus I am one of those people who loves to walk around and discovery the city. I strongly believe in mom and pop places to eat and shop, so your videos and guide is exactly the kind of guide that makes me what to explore the city even more. Plus each time I visit Paris I want to try something different. So thank you

[@JaySwanson]

My pleasure! And happy New Year!

[@andyshacks7812]

As someone who’s always reluctant to give recommendations, I can well imagine how difficult it is for you to put together your guide. But at least people know you’re honest in your opinions based on your particular tastes and can then make their own decisions. Thanks for a really interesting video. Will be using some of your recommendations in June ! 👍

[@joanieflake1479]

Hey Jay fellow Washingtonian here. We ❤️ Paris! That’s why we’re coming back! appreciate your honesty especially when it comes to Paris recommendations ‘cause sometimes under the radar places make for the most memorable !!!!!😊 Keep up the good work 🤙🏼

[@abrushwithtravel]

Been watching for years and have trusted your recommendations. I’m always dropping your channel on the Rick Steves travel forum when folks have questions. I also state that you actually live in Paris, compared to those that just spent 24-48-72 hours in the city. Looking forward to my month long stay this October.

[@JaySwanson]

I hope it's a fantastic stay, and thanks for all the support 🥂 I really appreciate you

[@ps4402]

We had been coming to Paris annually for years, but not been since the pandemic. My own Paris guide (Excel spreadsheet) has over 500 entries. We both have culinary backgrounds and my husband was also a green coffee buyer and roaster. We will be buying your guide for our upcoming trip, as your recommendations seem to align well with our tastes for quality food and coffee. I'm sure there are many new places to explore since our last visit. Thanks for all you do!

[@JaySwanson]

I hope I lead you to only great places! Be sure to hit Fauna while you're here for coffee ☕

[@ps4402]

@JaySwanson thank you!

[@RadioNul]

I lived in Paris for a couple of years, and i just walked around and found stuff I liked, as Jay did. Similarly, I probably missed out on a lot of French classics in this way, but I also found a bunch of great stuff that I would have never found if I had only gone to all the famous places.

[@JaySwanson]

the best way to explore!

[@TravelwithLizzie]

Thanks for taking us around town! Fills the gap temporarily until I get to come back to Paris 🥰

[@scottibass]

I do the same, I live in Paris through Jay until I come visit myself

[@charlesblack1086]

Thank you for realizing how much people depend on recommendations from you and others who live in Paris. I’m not surprised by your integrity because it seems apparent from your honest nature in your content. Please know we appreciate it and it is very helpful.

[@kueller917]

I'm always impressed at the scale of such guides. I could probably write a _really_ good guide for my neighborhood. Cause there's places in this area I've been to many times, have tried almost the entire menu, I could explain in depth the strengths and shortcomings. But I could not do that for the whole city.

[@kanchimomu4494]

Me and my friend are visiting Paris in April. We both have been there before and I have been there few times. This time we won’t be doing touristy things but just enjoy the city & experience like local. I/we are looking forward to use your pocket guide. I have already read the pdf part & it definitely was very informative. 👍

[@stedoesstuff]

Great video and channel. I won't be going to Paris any time soon but I love your video style and engaging delivery! I can learn a lot about how to make KZbin videos from watching your content.

[@woozerk]

Love that you use the word "goobers" - don't hear that often anymore! Will be in Paris for the 6 or 7 time this summer and have been grateful for your recs (especially coffee! spot on). Would love to hear more about interesting local shops/artisans and those nice lunch menus ;)

[@JaySwanson]

I plan to find ways of digging deeper for sure!

[@marcooth]

I love this. I'm a real spreadsheeter when it comes to planning my travel, and this includes Paris that I've been to countless number of times now (largely because I'm always there over the weekend and opening times mean you need to slot it all in). I partiucularly appreciate going to places I can't get in London so I overindex on trying to get traditional recommendations. I like to get personal recommendations and then manage planning by cross referencing to see who else is recommending a place, and then also very much see what else they recommend. Plus I have some places in Paris on my BAD LIST and if I see someone recommending or going to those then I immediately do not trust their other recommendations. (NB: The chicken nuggets at Baby Love are insane).

[@erikat5678]

You are so genuine, Jay! It’s what has kept me coming back! 🇫🇷 That and your visualizations of the angry French chefs. 👨‍🍳👿 😂

[@amyspeers8012]

Years ago, there was a great local Indian restaurant ear us. It was in a strip mall, the place was not great and they had horrible service…but the food was cheap and delicious. We would get it to go and take him home. I miss that place,

[@JaySwanson]

sounds delicious

[@roykenyon886]

A+ Jay

[@JaySwanson]

🙏

[@LisaQuan]

Always enjoy the skeptic pov from you Jay. I'm usually wary of people who consistently say this or that is great.

[@buckybarnes3803]

I'm a small business owner like you, and you worked hard all those years without recognition and earned your authentic influence. You should develop a fee structure to offer the establishments looking for your professional endorsement. To offer you a free meal which is like $5 to them, is a cheap one-sided gain. Your video may give them years of potential exposure. For example, $100 for a mention, $250 for a feature, and $500 for a deep dive. I think businesses would line up for that kind of social media exposure. You can still be authentic, but the Jay Swanson brand is real and is worth it. IMHO

[@brucejacquesStick]

Another great chat, my trip 5 to Paris may be delayed to September, keep up the good work. Hopefully I'll slip a quick trip in before that , despite the 26 hours of flying. It's always worth it for me.

[@FrenchMartini]

OMG, every pedestrian video about Paris recommends Shakespeare & Co. Why does anyone come to Paris and want to stand in line at a English language bookstore?! Last January we, unfortunately, went to Stohrer based on recs in videos. It was disgusting; the best patisserie that we went to has never been featured in any video I've watched (and I've watched hundreds of them).

[@JaySwanson]

often time it's the unnamed local corner boulangerie/patisserie that's the best!

[@efone3553]

Please like and subscribe to Jays videos. He really does care about quality content. I know because i have been going to Paris and following his advice for the last 2 years. Don't forget to download his guide.

[@EvanYeahMe]

I think you can keep it simple when a place buys you a meal, drink or coffee, just say it. It is as if they are a sponsor. Something like “thanks X for having us here to today and buying us dinner”. You can then release a video about what is good about the place or go silent with no video if they place was not good. To me this lays all the cards on the table like you have always done with us.

[@lizalou2018]

Truly enjoyed the video; as usual!!! Side note…what was the breaded ‘ball’ you dipped in the sauce (14:22)?

[@JaySwanson]

Panipuri 🔥🥰

[@gingerdean1521]

It is Indian

[@shinyshinythings]

You’ve got a network here Jay! Patrons and fans who are living in Paris. Send us out there incognito. Personally I’m willing to try every vegan and/or gluten free place in town. (Sacrifice is noble innit?)

[@cfef86]

Is the guide only food focus?

[@JaySwanson]

the guide is primarily food focused but also offers advice on museums, parks, walked, and lesser known experiences

[@MikeOBrien1945]

I don’t think that I could ever be in Paris and be on a diet.🥂

[@JaySwanson]

Not my favorite combination 😆

[@MikeOBrien1945]

@@JaySwanson Yeah…but ya gotta do what yo gotta do. Hang in there…

[@PerfumedByTheSea]

Love the Hunger Games idea. Maybe they could do this for types of transport being cancelled or late!!

[@JaySwanson]

😆

[@PokhrajRoy.]

The thing about the chefs…I didn’t know that was a whole thing.

[@JaySwanson]

Can be

[@jeffreyshort4531]

Wife & I will be there for a few days a month from now. Maybe I'll get a random Jay sighting... :) I don't necessarily care about whether a creator gets free/discounted stuff ... as long as they mention that. Sort of when you click on an affiliate link As for recommendations, it is like any other guide -- for example, Rick Steves ... when he (or his team) write something up, it is based on their thoughts/experience at that time. Maybe if it was only one visit or several...

[@JaySwanson]

Yeah, the evolution of places makes for the biggest challenge over time

[@PokhrajRoy.]

8:27 Lmaooo but that’s a great idea

[@philippliskin9196]

I'm always afraid someone's going to run off with your camera

[@michaelme1548]

I look to videos to help me understand how things work and how to get things done. I do not look to them for reviews. The way I see it is that’s just one person’s opinion. I can get on a Facebook group and find out a lot of people’s opinions.

[@JaySwanson]

Opinions are indeed plentiful

[@RH1812]

No caffeinated, but yes to drunk..and free food. Also, gorgeous skies

[@JaySwanson]

I miss the sun already

[@dianegenx]

You are absolutely not the guy to recommend Paris highlights to the virgin traveler...or to the Instagram traveler. You're really the Rick Steves for the 20s.. As Rick Steves was the real deal for the 90s.

[@Nubianette]

I’ve watched videos from a few younger, French content creators. They don’t seem conflicted about getting free stuff. It’s been explicitly stated, they show other diners a bit, and they say they have an agreement that they’ll only publish a review if they liked it. So, supposedly, if they don’t like it, they don’t mention the place. 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@JaySwanson]

That's more or less how I operate. I think drawing an even harder line like that would be beneficial

[@DevilCruz13]

The streets look pretty empty. I’m guessing this is a good time to actually visit Paris?

[@JaySwanson]

It has definitely felt uncrowded the last couple of weeks. A few friends have made comments about it - kinda odd

[@udmlaw02]

No Cooper today 😢

[@JaySwanson]

He wasn't allowed in some places I had to go 🐶

[@agyos]

Merci!

[@JaySwanson]

De rien!

[@ADAtrips]

Hei-Jay, Enjoyed the Vlog. I dont feel you have to "say" this food was free... You could make a "commercial" out of the free place? Some of the channel that I follow do that. We (follower) know it is a commercial and know it keeps the lights on but .... Question : Why the camera? Was it a prop (props are ok) or ....? It would of been nice to see the pictures if so. Looking fwd to 2025. 🌴🌴Aloha

[@JaySwanson]

Out filming for a Paris in my Pocket video 📷

[@pandafragrance]

These pitfalls are true of all reviews in all hobbies/areas, unfortunately. Once free things come into play the reviews tend to skew overly positive. When they aren’t disclosed you get into real scummy behavior (we see you one very large Franco-American travel KZbinr) where bad places are recommended in semi-obvious marketing content.

[@rc9272]

👍😎

[@charlottechambre8049]

Is this ALL food? Nothing in the title suggests that. Waste of time.

[@JaySwanson]

If you think food is a waste of time, you might be in the wrong place ;)

[@charlottechambre8049]

@@JaySwanson So, you can't read either. Maybe that is why.

[@akikomonroe4746]

I totally agree with you. This is what’s happening with Le Frenchies channel and Facebook page and not just with restaurants. They also don’t live in Paris 😂

[@MikeOBrien1945]

Honest question: how did you determine that they’re eating free and just shilling for the places?

[@akikomonroe4746]

@ they seem to constantly recommend the same places over and over , over saturate with American tourist. They legally don’t have to say that their meal was free. I’ve never interviewed the manager of the restaurants they recommended but perhaps next time I’m in Paris I will ask. My other point is valid that they don’t live in Paris

[@MikeOBrien1945]

@@akikomonroe4746 Ah ha…fair enough. You have more experience with their videos than I do. I’ll be more skeptical of their recommendations. And, yeah, I think that they did mention once that they lived somewhere out if the city. I think that some of their “how to” videos are well done and have merit. Thanks fir your response 🥂

[@LesFrenchiesTravel]

Ha...we live in the Paris suburbs, we don't get paid by restaurants (ever) and we make videos for visitors so our choices for eating establishments reflect that. 😁

[@LesFrenchiesTravel]

​@@MikeOBrien1945thank you 😁

[@giglambert8787]

@JaySwanson Adorable and energetic Jay, Great Video 😃

[@JaySwanson]

Glad you enjoyed

[@bigbitebones]

Happy New Years Jay, awesome video as always. I would have included the star of the show though aka “Cooper “ 😂 The place you got a cortadito is probably Cuban, especially because of the “pan con tomate “, which is an emergency quick snack or if you’re in a budget or live in Cuba and there’s nothing else 😢. I for one have done it, but for the first reason 😂. Keep them coming, my family and I really enjoy your videos.

[@greengaea5566]

@jayswanson love you and Cooper especially !! but Cortado, where we thought the coffee was great, and went back the next day the Spanish girl working the next day was abusive & very very very sad to say racist, I could never recommend them or go back there for that

[@jojobrown2504]

Trusted restaurant recommendations of a few KZbinrs who live there 😂 never again. “Everybody sees it, so everybody does it”…so true! Back in the city next month 🥹.

[@JaySwanson]

Here's hoping I don't lead you astray 🙏