Although I have loved this particular trip, I will say that it has been a weird one: decided upon last minute, then spending much of it in London rather than in Paris—and during our brief moments in Paris, we somehow felt more than content to simply be outside, just walking around and seeing the familiar sights, not really going inside anywhere. But it fit our mood: we really weren’t up for reservations, lines, crowds, expectations. I think that on our next visit we’ll be in a much different space, and totally up for big museums & exclusive restaurants—but this time? Ummmm no. It’s been a year, so just… no.
However we (Sam lol) did find a place we really wanted to go to for lunch!
Pain Vin Fromages: Bread, Vine, Cheese. Hard to argue with a name like that. So we struck off down the familiar Rue du Rivoli, simply taking a left out of the hotel and walking for a couple of fascinating miles. I just love hiking through the city; I also love taking the Metro, this place is totally a win/win!!
Even with (off-line) Google Maps, finding a place in a foreign city is always a bit of a victory, especially when one is hungry!
We have a long history with delicious fondue in Paris… one of our favorite restaurants ever was the Swiss Chalet, which was down the main street towards La Madeleine. Unfortunately, it unexpectedly closed a very long time ago, but we’ve always remembered it fondly (and missed their insane servings and the raclette!!) So when we found a competent-sounding fondue place still here in Paris, it was a no-brainer.
The place just reeks of authenticity: located down a minuscule side-street; tiny tables; few staff; chalk-written slates for menus; giant cheese map of France on the wall—no question, this is the real deal!
And to start things off, they give you the big giant Map ‘o Cheese!!
On a cold November day, how better to begin?? The cheeses had obviously been carefully chosen, we had potatoes for weeks, and even stumbled upon a fantastic red wine!
I guess part of the point of a great fondue restaurant is to never, ever let your patrons leave hungry. Well, “hungry” was the least of our worries after all this… but, ever the over-achiever, I rose to the occasion to have dessert. An incredible, drool-worthy dessert…
We are finally completely warm, completely stuffed… but completely not napping lol we have our final afternoon and dinner to enjoy in Paris, and we’re not gonna miss them!
Leave a Reply