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EARLY BIRDS

Oldie but a goodie. Fondation seems to be a place where friends meet. That local spot where people know they can go and be cozy and have a delicious flat white while strolling in the Marais. While it’s not usually on my coffee shop stop ins due to location, we made it out one morning for a special lady‘s birthday. I took a few pictures that morning, and the more I look at them, the more I think they’re worthy of sharing, as it was indeed the perfect little pre-work get together (psssst Fondation is one of those open at 8am places, which is curiously not as easy as you would think in Paris!)

Fondation Café
16 Rue Dupetit-Thouars, 75003
Open everyday, weekdays from 8am

AT CREAM

Cozy coffee spots are all the hype in Paris at the moment. And although at times it can feel a bit less Parisian that one would hope, it’s shaping what Paris is becoming in many ways.

I remember what it was like when we ONLY had La Caféotèque… it’s so nice to have some early morning options for a yummy espresso or damn good flat white. Cream is up in the 20th, the perfect stroll from Belleville – gosh I love that neighborhood.

Cream has bright wood and a comptoir at the back. Stool seating, bench seating… there is quite a bit of space. It’s very bright, even on a gloomy day. The letters C-R-E-A-M make an arc across the symmetrical entrance from the street. It really is quite cute, in my eyes. The only thing missing is a chai tea latte for those that don’t drink coffee (I popped by with my Paris partner in crime, Anne, who went with a hot cocoa). If you’re around for lunchtime they’ve got wraps.


50 Rue de Belleville, 75020
Tél:
Open everyday

LE CAFE CHEZ FONDATION

This place’s green coffee cups has become a staple of the Parisian coffee scene, I know. They are all over Instagram of expats and Parisians. Bref, but for a good reason, this little café is just right for a morning coffee, afternoon coffee and cake, coffee to go… just good coffee any way you like it.

My new thing is keeping my eyes peeled for places I’m able to go to before work. Believe it or not folks, a lot of “cute” or “trendy” or “cozy” places open at like 10am… which isn’t ideal for the workin’ girl! Luckily for me and anyone else with a full time job, Fondation is one of those open early places where you can start your day off right, opening at a whopping 9am!

Oh, and if you haven’t already, read Lindsey’s epic write up on coffee in Paris.

Fondation Café
16 Rue Dupetit-Thouars, 75003
Métro: Temple (3)

SNACK TIME @ BOB’S

I had known about Bob’s Juice Bar and Bob’s Kitchen from when I first arrived in Paris. It was sort of staple of something I knew was American. I will admit I never went often as whenever I randomly passed it or planned to go, it was always closed for some reason. Bref. When Bob’s Bake Shop opened, this was a whole new ball game in my book. Expats in Paris sure know how exciting it is when Thanksgiving rolls around because many shops sell their pies for Turkey Day celebrations. I for one was just excited to be able to get pie all the time.

Aside from the pie thing, I was also excited about it being somewhere NOT in the 11th. All of my favorite things I find group in one area. It’s not a BAD thing it’s just something I’ve noticed. I like when peeps get risky and open outside of the trendy spots of the time – cough – the Canal Saint Martin or Oberkampf area. Bob’s chose to open up north in one of my favorite places to stroll since my Lamarck Caulaincourt days, by the Marx Dormoy metro stop. North of my Indian cantine Chettinadu, the Esplanade Nathalie Sarraute is up against the tracks of Gare de l’Est, sandwiched between those also of Gare du Nord. It’s one of those randomly modern areas that is sort of becoming a new sort of trendy thanks to some snazzy restaurants and a youth hostel, but is definitely like a small pocket of trendy in a rather unique part of Paris that is the La Chapelle quartier. Bob’s Bake Shop graces us with its presence here.

A diner in the true sense of the term, Bob’s Bake Shop offers quality food without giving too much of a shit about the overdone awesomeness of the interior. So many places look the same these days. What I love about Bob’s is that it is what it is, and it is wonderful. No subway tiles and wood finishings and inconvenient table arrangements, like in so many other restaurant or cafés popping up around the city. It is spacious, comfy and feels just right – is that my inner American? Table booths line up the window, and the cafeteria-like set up displays everything they’ve got to offer: homemade bagels, cakes, pies, cookies, salads…. the works.

Stop in for a coffee or juice and a treat, or for a sane lunch with a delicious lemonade with a pal (like I did, with my homegirl Ylenia). We went with a open faced bagel sandwich with hummus and pickled veggies on top. Long story short: friendly staff and delicious food. An authentic American spot in the city. I will admit though, I am secretly awaiting some banana cream pie.


Halle Pajol – 12 esplanade Nathalie Sarraute, 75018
Métro: Marx Dormoy (12)
Tél:

CH-CH-CHAMBELLAND

Funny enough, when I went to Chambelland for the first time when my mom was in town (she prefers to eat gluten free when she can), I realized it is literally across the streets from one of my first Parisian apartments in 2008. The neighborhood has certainly gotten some spunky places and it never seems to stop. Chambelland has a precious little patio, and when you walk in, it’s a breath of fresh air, with sweet and savory treats and adorable deco.

I adored their brownies, that are moist and delicious. We also gave the cookie and lemon tart a whirl which were equally as yummy. I’m thinking next time I’m going to have to give their sandwiches a try. If you’re staying in at Chambelland, top your order off with a cuppa filter coffee for an afternoon pick me up (I seem to always need one of those).

A new staple to the neighborhood, and one of the somewhat small handful of gluten free friendly places in Paris.


14 Rue Ternaux, 75011
Métro: Parmentier (3), Oberkampf (5/9)

in PARIS

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