On a sunny and cold day M, the BF (beau-fils) and I were seated at a table ronde by a window from where we could enjoy the beautiful murals that cover the soothingly soft green walls. They date back to the original restaurant in 1925.
On a sunny and cold day M, the BF (beau-fils) and I were seated at a table ronde by a window from where we could enjoy the beautiful murals that cover the soothingly soft green walls. They date back to the original restaurant in 1925.
Once seated our server offered a selection of fresh-squeezed juices and choice of coffees-for me an excellent cappuccino. Mimosas were available a la carte and we were happy to imbibe.
Next up baskets of baguettes, pain de mie and viennoiseries-croissants, pains au raisin and pain au chocolat to enjoy slathered with butter and fresh confiture or honey.
Just a prelude to fluffy omelets, oeufs à la coq and velvety scrambled eggs with fromage topped by bacon or smoked salmon-sorry no bagels. Yogurt followed to prepare us for a chocolate cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and crème de pastiche-creamy pistachios over a silky chocolate base.
Being natural shmoozers and in M’s case a dedicated oeneophile we queried Nicolas about his wine selections that featured many from around the world including Zinfandels from California and a Syrah from Morocco discovered by Alain Graillot-he kindly incorked a bottle and placed it on the table for our pleasure.
The BF had just returned from Mexico with a pack of little Cohibas so we sat outside in the bracing air and puffed away-I tried to conjure up a a cognac but Nicolas was too busy to notice us.
A delightful and relaxing way to spend three hours.
Dinner
Situated across the street from L’ Institut Arab, this 50-seat bistro caters to the quartier by day and turns into a food lovers destination by night with seasonal menus of creative riffs on classic dishes.
I was treating my graphic designer to dinner and we were welcomed with a coupe de champagne and a large shot of sweet potato soup with coconut as an amuse-bouche. I had visited Baptise in the kitchen and the cannelloni stuffed with salmon mousse on a bed of guacamole was a no-brainer and for Susan a confit de lapin with cream of parsnip and popcorn.
For the main event I had the incomparable Saint-Jacques d’Erquy from Brittany with a mousseline d’artichaut à l’andouille in a parmesan emulsion while Susan had a large pavé de veau cooked to rosé perfection served in cocotte with spinach and endive with nut oil. A Menetou Salon 2009 was fine companion.
Susan’s bitter chocolate soup with coconut milk, wasabi foam and coconut flakes was proclaimed fabulous as was my panna cotta with orange flower and a blood orange muffinette.
The formule of entrée, plat and dessert clocks in at a modest 36 euros.
25 Rue Jussieu 75005
Tel: 01 43 54 93 02
Metro: Jussieu
