Bits and Pieces – France

Bits and Pieces IV.

 

Le Nemrod – Paris: More on the traditional side, this French bistro provides platters that satisfy the customer. The food we had was not outstanding though; it did not really trigger a need-to-go-back-there thought in my mind. It does, however, introduce an affair with the fondant, which is habitually wed to vanilla ice cream.

 

Breizh Cafe – Paris: A Breton creperie on the Michelin Guide, it rightfully states that it makes crepes differently: “La crepe autrement”. They use organic buckwheat and stone-milled wheat flour in their recipes to create their signature taste. The ham and cheese crepe was great, and the Japanese influence could be seen in the matcha ice cream. However, the best crepe was undoubtedly the sweet crepe I had; what could be better than vanilla ice cream and Salted Caramel syrup? That is definitely a rhetorical question.

 

Coquelicot – Paris: Do you want fresh bread, French pastry, or maybe breakfast? Well, you can do all three at Coquelicot. At the risk of sounding like an advertisement, I did want to showcase the selection they have. Located in a lovely area in Paris called Montmartre, this patisserie/boulangerie/restaurant, dating back to 1978, was our destination for a wholesome breakfast. I enjoyed the food and sitting outside on the pavement. When we were done with the tea, eggs, salmon, ham, and cheese, I needed to satisfy my sweet tooth with a huge meringue from inside. So, after all the Salted, my Caramel was placed into a paper bag and I nibbled on it as we walked around in the beautiful city of Paris.

 

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Le Pain Quotidien – Paris: I have already talked about how I like to go to Le Pain Quotidien anywhere I travel if I am in the mood for a casual setting; Paris was no different. We had a hearty breakfast that enabled us to begin our day energetically.

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Le Pain Quotidien – Bruxelles

Le Pain Quotidien is one of those places where you like being in irrespective of the food taste. It is a homey eatery which is good for a casual brunch. There are many branches around the world but wherever you are, when you step into the cafe, you feel the same feeling of warmth. Le Pain Quotidien is a “bakery-restaurant” that originated in Brussels, so having brunch at one of the locations there makes it more special. I really liked the one in the Sablon area; it has an adjacent space that lets the sunlight in through a glass roof. A crucial idea that they have in their eateries is the common wooden table which obliges you to sit next to a stranger as you have your meal. However, you do also have regular tables if you need more privacy. I am a brunch kind of person, so I will enjoy my hot chocolate and eggs; especially the “oeuf a la coque” (boiled egg with a delectable runny yolk at its center). In general, the platters are hearty. Though not spectacular, the food still has me hooked and I will keep coming back for more.