2008 February | Vegetarian Experiences in Paris

Monthly Archive for February, 2008

Parisian Sweet Bar, a small, friendly cafe at Park de Bercy

Published

on February 28, 2008

in 12th Arrindissement, cafe, salad, Vegan Friendly and vegetarian-friendly

. 6 Comments

They say that location is everything. This small cafe in the Bercy neighborhood would make a killing in more popular areas. It’s a charming cafe operated by people that are passionate about the food and service they provide.

It’s conveniently located for those walking to Bercy Village, Parc de Bercy, or the Cour St. Emillion metro (#14). It’s tucked into the side of an anonymous building and looks toward the elevated train tracks and Notre Dame de la Nativité de Bercy

I stop by to get my morning coffee and love the selection of salads, soups, smoothies, and lunch items. It’s a shame I don’t work nearby to enjoy their lunch time offerings. Of course, this really isn’t much of an excuse. They have pre-packaged lunches just waiting for you to pickup on the way to work.

Their menu is stacked with vegetarian and vegan options inspired by seasonal fruits and vegetables. Here’s a sample of their menu:(as of Feb. 2008)

Carrot salad with coriander and dressing
Lentil salad with red onions and coriander
Vegetable plate with zucchini, eggplant, leeks, and fennel
4 different vegetarian/vegan pasta dishes: Vegetarian, Mushroom, 3 cheese, and tomato/pimento
Brie, arugula, and walnut sandwich
Seasonal market vegetable soup and tarts
Fruit salad with mint syrup
Fruit smoothies
Fresh fruit
Teas, coffee, water, and more

Lunches range from approx. 4-7 Euros. It’s affordable, friendly, and an oasis of vegetarian options in this neighborhood.

Parisian Sweet Bar: 10 rue de Dijon, Paris 75012; Metro: Cour St-Emillion; 01 44 73 40 44; parisiansweetbar@9business.fr; Hours: 8h-18h Monday to Friday; Accessibility: Outdoor patio with easy access, small step to interior, no bathroom service

Overall: 4.5/5
Vegetarian Options: 5/5
Vegan Options: 5/5
Value: 5/5
Location: 3/5
Service 5/5
Wheelchair Friendly 3.5/5

Maoz Paris – Falafel and more

Published

Ted

on February 25, 2008

in 5th Arrindissement, popular, restaurant, salad, Vegan Friendly and vegetarian-friendly

. 1 Comment

Maoz is more than a tiny falafel stand on the edge of a Greek/Mediterranean restaurant row. It’s more than a place to grab a cheap, tasty bite in Paris. Maoz is a cult of food personality. Its loyal fans practically plan their vacations around this stand’s availability. Lucky for Paris, there’s one in a great location.

Maoz was started by a couple spending their sabbatical in Amsterdam. They decided to open a small restaurant with an Israeli theme. This stand took off and they’ve expanded around Europe and are beginning to land in the United States.

Not far away from Maoz is Rue de Rossiers, the Falafel Alley in the Marais. The food is arguably the same quality and value.

What makes Maoz different?

It’s on the Left Bank, closer to the universities. More uniquely, Maoz offers a “salad bar” for you to customize your sandwhich instead of getting one prepared for you.

Maoz is very close to another vegetarian classic, Le Grenier de Notre-Dame. Maoz is cheaper, faster, and more fun. But you can’t eat Falafel every time…

Maoz Paris: 8 rue Xavier Privas, 75005; Metro: Saint-Michel, Cite, Cluny – La Sarbonne; 01 43 26 36 00

Overall: 5/5
Vegetarian Options: 5/5
Vegan Options: 5/5
Value: 5/5
Location: 5/5

Le Grenier de Notre-Dame

Published

Ted

on February 18, 2008

in 5th Arrindissement, organic, popular, restaurant, Vegan Friendly and vegetarian-friendly

. 3 Comments

Once upon a time, a small vegetarian restaurant opened on a small street devoted to butchers. The irony couldn’t have escaped them and their growing clientele. Wheat and soy proteins have replaced the ghosts of cows, lamb, and fowl on this alley behind Notre Dame.

I decided to visit Le Grenier de Notre-Dame after reading several reviews on Happy Cow, a vegetarian travel site. The reviews were mixed, so I had a back up plan. Practically next door is Cafe Panis, a sister restaurant to Chez Prosper and Lili et Marcel. I figured I could always grab a great salad at Chez Panis if Le Grenier did not pass muster. I can wait on Cafe Panis, Le Grenier was a great restaurant that served unique vegetarian food.

I’ve traveled to many countries and always enjoy vegetarian alternatives to local dishes. Soyrizo at Ranchos in San Diego, curry vegetable popovers in London, Mock duck in thai restaurants, vegetarian Ghoulash,… I couldn’t pass up the vegetarian cassoulet for dinner. I didn’t know what to expect. It must have white beans and baked with tomatoes and bread crumbs. But what else will replace the fat and meat normally found in a cassoulet?
The dish was a filling, baked vegetable dish with two types of protein: tofu and seitan (a wheat based protein). It also had tomatoes, peppers, and lots of white beans. I have to admit the seitan was a bit strange for me. It’s the first time I have tried this tofu alternative. I would have prefered something a bit more substantial in the mix, such as roasted brussel sprouts or potato. But, alas, the dish was exactly what I had hoped for: a stick to your ribs, filling, novel dish that stands out from the week of salads and cheese sandwiches that somehow find their way into too many meals.

I also had the vegetable soup as an entree. This was also a hearty soup with strong vegetable flavors and a unique topper. I couldn’t quite place the vegetable floating on the top of the soup. It reminded me of baby carrot greens. The soup was also served with a dense whole-grain bread.

The couple next to me were in Paris to celebrate their engagement. They too had found the restaurant via reviews at Happy Cow. Their meal started with an avacado dish that looked surprisingly unique to someone that grew up in Avocado country. The avocado skins were re-used as containers for a blend of avocado, tomato, and yogurt. They were quite pleased with the dish.

I wouldn’t rate this too high for your Meat Eating Friends. They’ll be impressed by the selection of vegetarian dishes, but not the taste of seitan. It’ll probably make them think twice before trying another of your recommendations.

It should be noted that Le Grenier is a small, tight restaurant. Enjoy the company next to, behind, and in front of you. The service is very fast and courteous. Reservations would be helpful during busy periods.

I skipped the dessert, but they have the traditional items: chocolate mousse, fromage blanc, fruit tarts, etc. They also feature normal coffee and a decaf coffee-alternative. Personally, I’d suggest going next door to Cafe Panis and try their tarte chocolate with creme anglais or the berry crumble. I’ve eaten more than my share of these dishes at their sister restaurants. You are also just around the corner from the Berthillon ice-cream store. just look for the line of people in a small street of Isle St. Louis. Berthillon ice-cream is worth the hype and there’s nothing like buying it from the source.

Le Grenier de Notre-Dame: 18, Rue de la Bûcherie (5°); 01 43 29 98 29; St-Michel, Cite; Vegetarian Restaurant

Overall: 5/5
Location: 5/5
Taste: 4.5/5
Service: 5/5
Vegetarian Friendly: 5/5
Vegan Friendly: 5/5
M.E.F. Friendly: 1.5/5

Le Pain Quotidien – Marais bistro and bakery

Published

Ted

on February 11, 2008

in 4th Arrindissement, boulangerie, organic, Vegan Friendly and vegetarian-friendly

. 1 Comment

I first saw this restaurant on a cold rainy Sunday. The place was packed and people were waiting under umbrellas for a chance to sit down. Luckily tonight it was slow and I have throughly enjoyed the peaceful evening.

Le Pain Quotidien sits in the heart of the Marais. It triangulates BHV, the grand department store and Quetzal, a popular old gay bar. There’s a steady stream of pedestrians with a soft cacophony of voices and laughter.

Le Pain Quotidien’s attention to details makes this small boulangerie/bistro a real winner. Everything is presented beautifully and with careful attention. I sat outside in the patio where I was provided not only a space heater, but also a small blanket for my lap.

The tables and chairs are simple, yet comfortable. Which explains much of this restaurant’s charm. I especially appreciated individual grinders for sea salt and black pepper, not to mention a nice bottle of olive oil on every table.

The menu is rather short, it features a variety of tartines, salads, and casseroles. Much of it is either meat or cheese based, but there are a few salads for the vegans. There’s also a selection of pastries inside and a small store of organic items.

I recently visited a vegetarian restaurant that featured great food but disappointing bread. Le Pain Quotidien took this organic, whole wheat, daily bread to a whole new level. It was soft, flavorful, and served as not only the foundation for the tartine, but a critical part of its texture and flavor.

I ordered the Tartine with chevre, pears, and honey. It was served with a nice salad and melon. I followed this with a pot of mint tea. The flavors were clean and distinct.

My only criticism is the service. While it was very friendly, the staff ignored the few of us in the outdoor patio. I didn’t mind too much, as i enjoyed the opportunity to relax and catch up on writing cards and working on the computer. Bring a book or a friend to fill the time before appearances.

Le Pain Quotidien is a wonderful addition to my list of restaurants. I will certainly return in the future.

Note: This is a chain of restaurants in Europe. This review is specific to the Marais restaurant and may not reflect on all of them. The branch in the London train station certainly doesn’t have the same atmosphere or food quality. However, it does feature some nice muffins and coffee/tea.