Obviously, the busiest merchants today were the ones selling Champagne, Foie gras and oysters. Especially for the oyster merchant as an apprentice had to be trained in urgency to open help opening them. Oysters are a weird delicatessen for the foreign novice, but a way for many to celebrate the last dinner of the decade.
Wish you all a Happy New Year !
Leica M9 with 35mm Summicron IV at F2, 1/125, ISO200
Bits of food and bits of life in Fauchon’s mosaic wall, one of the most famous delicatessen shop of Paris (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M9 with 35mm Summilux Asph at F1.4, 1/10, ISO640
This girl found in the metro almost looked like a student of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft. Maybe she had just missed the train, leaving Harry Potter and his group begin new adventures without her ? (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M8 with 28mm Summicron at F2, 1/90, ISO640
One of the true French culinary experience is the Sunday breakfast with a basket full of bread and lots of mermelade to spread on it. So when in Paris, rush to the next “Pain Quotidien” and ask for their famous brunch. You will maybe share a long table with other guests but the croissants, chocolate spreads, cheese, salads and new encounters are definitely worthwile in this friendly atmosphere. You might even get a big smile from the cashier. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M8 with 28mm Summicron at F2.8, 1/180, ISO320
Leica M8 with 60mm Hexanon, 1/250, ISO640
On Sundays, one of the Parisians favorites is to head to le Marais and the Jewish neighbourhood (Pletzl) to enjoy a great lunch. Only problem is the crowd and long waiting lines to get a Falafel Sandwich. It did not seem to delight these girls, probably drooling over the wonderful smell of the fresh food. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M8 with 28mm Summicron at F8, 1/250, ISO160
It is quite a unusual sight to see a baker walking around the Notre Dame place with a tray of freshly baked bread. But it was a common scene this weekend during the Paris Bread Fair. You could see a live bakery and the whole process of making bread. A bit like a movie was being shot, and with a main actor, a Devilish baker (see below) ;) (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M8 with 35mm Summilux Asph at F1.4, ISO160
Leica M8 with 35mm Summilux Asph at F1.4, ISO160
La tête de goinfre (Greedy pig head) is a wonderful neighbourhood restaurants close to Pigalle (16, rue Jacquemont). One of these few “bistrot” where food is authentic, affordable and the staff very friendly. It is specialized in meat products, especially pig and beef. The house special is the huge rib roast for two people whose savour is wonderful. And if you have some room left after it, do not hesitate to try the White Chocolalte Mousse, a must ! (click on picture to enlarge)
Epson R-D1 with 35mm Summicron, ISO800
The Barrio Latino, one block away from La Bastille, is the Temple of Latin music in Paris. It serves food, mainly a mix of Cuban and Tex-Mex but music is what they are best at. The site is impressive; a large dancefloor leads to the majestuous stairway that in turn leads to the three floors restaurant whose design is almost reminiscient of an old amphiteater. Many tables have a view overlooking the dancefloor that is always crowed by the many couples engaged in curly figures. If you are a beginner, paid courses are offered early in the evenings and if you are a salsa journeyman, you will always find someone to share a dance. Just like this girl last night, awaiting for the next partner on the stairway. (click on picture to enlarge)
Epson R-D1 with CV28mm Ultron M at F2, ISO1600
In Saint-Germain, you will find a Korean restaurant called Gaon. This tiny place proposes mainly barbecues served on a grill integrated to the table, allowing you cook your meat to your own taste. Staff is friendly, prices on the cheap side and the minimalist decoration pleasing. A good location for a quick but nice meal close to the downtown touristic locations. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M8 with 35mm Summicron, ISO640
A few blocks away from the Eiffel Tower on Avenue de Suffren, you can spend a nice moment at the Thé aux 3 cerises (”3 Cherries Tea”). This very well decorated restaurant serves a great mix of salads, soup of the day, quiches and great home made desserts such as the famous Tarte Tatin or crumbles. With a little luck, you can even enjoy your meal in cozy sofas which will undoubtely tempt you to go for a little nap afterwards. Prices are a bit on the expensive side yet worth the quality, location and experience. (click on picture to enlarge)
Leica M8 with CV15mm at F4.5, ISO640
Leica M8 with CV40mm Nokton at F1.4, ISO160
Brasserie Lorraine is one of Paris’ famous brasserie. Though it translates literally to “brewery”, traditionally it relates more to a restaurant where you can find quick food and alcohol. In this case, Brasserie Lorraine is a luxury stop which is specialized in great seafood. Unluckily, the service has not been up to the reputation lately, so much that last time I left after 30 minutes unattended. The reason could be that the cooks were all outside having a smoke …
Leica M8 with 28mm Industar-69 at F2.8, ISO160 (click to enlarge)
If you are looking for a decently priced restaurant (menus at €15) on the touristic street “Rue Mouffetard”, don’t hesitate to enter in “Au Petit Bistrot”. You will get a surprising French cuisine menu with some Greek influence. The decoration is cozy and the tables lit by candles at night. Definitely a place where you get good value for your money, contrarly to many restaurants located on touristic routes.
Leica M8 with 35mm Summicron, ISO640
View picture location on Google Maps
(click to enlarge)
On the 46th of Rue Martyrs, close to Montmartre, you will find a very special and rare place : an English bakery where the food is simply excellent. Enjoy the English breakfasts, cakes, tea, pastry of even have lunch in this small bakery with minimalist decoration in the heart of a busy neighborhood. It just leaves me wondering why I never find this kind of food when I travel to England 
Leica M8, 35mm Summicron at F2, ISO640
(click to enlarge)