J’aime Paris!
No one can talk about a place in Paris without talking about the history of this 2000 year old city! France has undergone an economic development and prosperity. The Paris we know, owes everything to this leader’s contribution towards modernism, Napoleon III, nephew of Napoleon I.
The very first modern city of the world created by Paris Préfet and urbanist George Eugene Haussmann. And so, began the story of the wonderful things and places we still enjoy in 2017. Our favorites in jewelry, Cartier, Van Cleef and Arpels, Boucheron. Followed by palaces such as the Ritz and Grand Cafe De La Paix. Department stores like Printemps, galleries Lafayette. Luxury brands such as Louise Vuitton. With these ever-changing reforms, people of Paris evolved bringing in a new social class to feed them in these new districts, a new type of restaurant emerges “BOUILLON CHARTIER”. Bouillon means ‘cheap’ (though there is nothing cheap in Paris!) Alore, I couldn’t resist myself but to visit this so called “canteen” and I found myself waiting in queue to get escorted to my table. (It was a kind gesture extended by my host Alix to take me here.)
100 and still counting since its inception in 1896, couldn’t believe the age old tradition still ticks on with the native Parisians and people from all over the world too! Thriving with energy, bouillon’s motto is to provide a decent meal at an affordable price. And they sure do along with giving customer good service, they earn their brownie points! Getting our well-deserved seats, I couldn’t wait to start pounding Alix with my questions! The ambience, the environment, the decor all reminded you of the pre-war 1900‘s! (one that you would see in movies.) This place must have seated famous faces and historians and many more anonymous of the generation.
An erected set out of an unforgotten era, the admirable sideboards to keep your hat and suit and the elegantly dressed servers frenzy made the clock turn back. My order was noted down on the table cloth, which I found very amusing. Soon I am sipping my KIR, an aperitif, a tradition to honor, is followed by an appetizer of poached eggs and mayo, ummm DELICIOUS! Flowing in the banter, I didn’t realize that I had finished my glass of red wine and was on my mains — Poulet and Pasta! (I am a chickeneterian!) Couldn’t end a meal without satiating my sweet tooth, I was recommended Rum baba, Chantilly cream for dessert.
Scooped it down in moments!! (I had to swipe everything quickly, people were waiting in line to get their seats.)
Calculations done in front of you, meal paid for, we had to make a headway to the door waving a goodbye to history, for a second I forgot I was in Paris on 9th arrondissement.
In all its uniqueness, culture, tradition, Bouillon Chartier has preserved its history! Be ready to be transported back in time for a meal with your family at none other than Bouillon Chartier!
Log on to www.re-meh.com for more such experiences.
©All Rights Reserved. No part of this blog may be reproduced and/or copied by any means without prior consent from Reshma Mehta.
