Post by phread on Jun 8, 2007 9:04:09 GMT -5
Spring has sprung and is beginning to feel like it may actually stick this time (had a brief spring in April that was quickly erased by a lousey May) and all the lovely weather has us locals vying for that coveted spot at a lovely terrasse. I have a penchant for the one at the Cafe de l'Homme, but it was closed for a private event earlier this week, my regular, La Cigale Recamier, requires a few days notice and my co-diner, C, just happened to be looking through Paris Obs at the hair dresser's when she came across a review of Chez Lena & Mimile. The food sounded good and from the photo the terrasse looked ideal (not directly on the sidewalk subject to passing tourists and spewing buses, preferable boasting a tad of green). So we took the men folk and were off.
Mr. C was slightly concerned about the location, just off the rue Mouffetard, pretty much in tourist central, but was absolutely charmed by the unique location of this place on the angle of a quiet square. As we climbed the 12 or so steps up to the isolated terrasse he mumbled about an evening surrounded by tourists. However, as we arrived the predominant language was clearly French. Whew!
Service was a bit harried, but jovial. The staff was almost exclusively female, including the chef... a refreshing change from the male dominated parisian food-scene. The food was inventive and better than we had hoped for, given the location. We enjoyed a vegetable terrine that was remarkable, and the cod was so fresh it still tasted of the sea. The owners take great pride in their products listing the names of the artisans who supply their bread (Poujuran), pork products, pastries, etc and so on..... Over all a pleasant surprise at a location conveniently near the beaten path.
Mr. C was slightly concerned about the location, just off the rue Mouffetard, pretty much in tourist central, but was absolutely charmed by the unique location of this place on the angle of a quiet square. As we climbed the 12 or so steps up to the isolated terrasse he mumbled about an evening surrounded by tourists. However, as we arrived the predominant language was clearly French. Whew!
Service was a bit harried, but jovial. The staff was almost exclusively female, including the chef... a refreshing change from the male dominated parisian food-scene. The food was inventive and better than we had hoped for, given the location. We enjoyed a vegetable terrine that was remarkable, and the cod was so fresh it still tasted of the sea. The owners take great pride in their products listing the names of the artisans who supply their bread (Poujuran), pork products, pastries, etc and so on..... Over all a pleasant surprise at a location conveniently near the beaten path.