La Vie Doggie

What a marvelous idea, and what a long time it’s taken for it to become a reality here in Paris.  The domestic pet, namely the dog, has been a mainstay in la vie parisienne for a very long time (one need only to look outside at most sidewalks to see the evidence).  But aside from dirtying up the city’s sidewalks (Paris has reinforced its fines for such offenses, and the jury is still out as to whether it’s effecting change), having a dog here is a way to make a statement, whether it be fashion, cultural, or just plain fun.  With Mon Bon Chien, making that statement just got a lot more interesting.  “Dogs have been part of the family here for a very long time, but no one has really given much thought to them ,” observes Harriet Sternstein, owner and operator of the charming little doggie-boulangerie Mon Bon Chien on the rue Mademoiselle in the 15th arrondissement.  The decidedly American value system regarding the treatment of a domestic pet as an equal member of the family  is catching on here quick, as is evidenced by her swiftly-developing business (open since June).  Entering her cute and purple-walled neighborhood shop, one can find anything (and  I mean anything) for a four-legged companion.  Browsing the aisles sparks many great gift ideas, for both before and after the holidays: doggie nail polish, chew toys and stuffed Hanukah dreidels, dogbone lollipops, and the much talked-about but little purchased Dog, eau de parfum (yes, it’s been said that people have worn it, too).  That extra French influence can be found in some of the doggie clothing, which is truly one-of-a-kind and of the highest quality.  One Marais-based designer has even crafted the perfect kit for the truly fashionable dog-walker – a doggie scarf, doggie sweater and matching human purse (all three will set you back upwards of 400 euros)!  But the feature of the bakery, and much more affordable, of course, is the gourmet dog cuisine made on premises.  Ms. Sternstein is an award-winning patisserie chef (having won top honors in the US), and that coupled with a background in medicine makes her quite qualified to comment on what your dog should be eating.  What’s more, all that is made here has that west-coast American touch: Mon Bon Chien sells health conscious food for the animals, with no sugars or preservatives added.  And since she uses all-natural ingredients, Harriet confirms that you can sample what you feed your dog too!  Reading the various flavors made me hungry (first time that’s happened in a pet store): Foie Gras, Bacon, Garlic and Cheese, Peanut Butter… yum, for your puppy, and you!    Harriet read the incredulous look on my face (the same that is surely on yours at present), and mentioned that she had had a woman in earlier that day who was such a fan of the foie gras biscuits that – get this – she was going to serve them at her Christmas dinner, and only tell her guests afterward where she got them.  That’s what I call nouveau-cuisine!  Also of note: Healthy (affordable) cat food shipped in from Italy. In the back, there is an award-winning grooming salon where you can get your poodle a great new coif.   Mon Bon Chien Biscuiterie Gourmet / Salon de Beauté12 rue Mademoiselle 75015 ParisMetro : CommerceTel : 01 48 28 40 12Hours : Tues – Sat 10.30 am – 8 pm Copyright © Dan Heching