4th Arrindissement | Vegetarian Experiences in Paris

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La Taverne du Nil - Lebanese on Ile St. Louis

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Ted

on July 13, 2008

in 4th Arrindissement, Ethnic, Lebanese, Meat Eating Friends, Turkish, boulangerie, popular and vegetarian-friendly

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Vegetarians that don’t eat at Lebanese restaurants are missing out. While much of Lebanese cuisine is centered around lamb, it is also filled with Mediterranean vegetarian options.

Gridskipper, a travel web site describes the special connection between France and Lebanese culture

Those in the know will visit Paris for excellent terroir cuisine to be sure, but they will also know to look for certain regional fare such as Meditarranean food. In that category (a diverse lot ranging from North African to Greek and Jewish cooking), Lebanese cuisine is a heavy hitter and a favorite amongst the locals. Narrow historical ties between the two countries (Lebanon was a French UN mandate from the end of WWI until WWII, earning Beirut the nickname of “Paris of the East”) have led to a steady influx of Lebanese immigrants into Paris, which of course has translated into a vibrant and bountiful restaurant scene.
Best Lebanese Dining in Paris: La Taverne du Nil

I visited this restaurant with a meat eating friend. We chose the Mézzé platter at 43 Euros to share family style. This is a selection of 9 small dishes. There was an assortment of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, from Hummus to sausage. We simply asked the waiter to bring a variety of mostly vegetarian and a couple meat dishes. You could also request purely vegetarian or vegan options. They have enough to chose from.

While this is a collection of small dishes, it certainly was not a small meal. The platter was seemingly bottomless. It’s a pricey meal at 43 Euros, but not a bad value. The food is fresh and well prepared. The service was great, the environment was great for conversations, and the location is central.

La Taverne du Nil: 16, rue Le Regrattier (4e); 01 40 46 09 02; Metro: Pont-Marie; Lebanese restaurant

Overall: 4.5/5
Location: 5/5
Taste: 4/5
Service: 4/5
Vegetarian Friendly: 4/5
Vegan Friendly: 3/5
M.E.F. Friendly: 5/5

Bubbles Dietbar near the Marais

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Ted

on July 9, 2008

in 4th Arrindissement, Fruit, Vegan Friendly, cafe, salad, soup and vegetarian-friendly

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Cicero spoke about the guilty of conscience:

Guilt is present in the very hesitation, even though the deed be not committed.
Cicero (Marcus Tullius Cicero)

Bubbles Dietbar’s healthy outlook made me feel like a downright felon tonight. It probably also makes many others feel the pang of guilt as they walk past this tiny cafe of diet goodness. It’s bad enough that I have to pass it as I walk over to Falafel Alley.

Bubbles even sits next door to an American style Diner! How could someone possibly eat a stack of pancakes with eggs, bacon, toast, hash browns, and coffee while next door is this quaint cafe filled with healthy food?

Fortunately, Bubbles Dietbar was closed tonight. I was able to walk straight by to King Falafel to grab an overflowing falafel pita. This is actually the first time I’ve seen the cafe. Its bright green awning would normally catch my eye. So, perhaps this is a new restaurant for Paris.

Their online menu shows a plethora of vegetarian soups, salads, sandwiches, and desserts. They are conveniently located near the St. Paul metro. I’ll have to find a new route to falafel alley or I may find myself pressured into eating something healthy when I’ve got my heart set on something else.

Bubbles Dietbar: 4 rue Malher (4°) Paris; 01 40 29 42 41; Metro: St. Paul, Bastille, Chemin Vert; Soup and Salad Bar; Free Wifi

Piccolo Teatro in the Marais is now closed

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Ted

on April 6, 2008

in 4th Arrindissement, Vegan Friendly, restaurant and vegetarian-friendly

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The Piccolo Teatro was a small, romantic restaurant in the Marais district. After reading reviews on the internet, I was anxious to try it. Unfortunately, this restaurant’s web site states they are closed and in fact the place is for sale.

This restaurant was featured on Gordon Ramsey’s television show. He tried to give the owner a new chance to succeed. Alas, this wasn’t successful. I’ve posted this information to let people know the status, there are plenty of outdated mentions on other sites.

Piccolo Teatro: 6, rue des Ecouffes (4°); 01 42 72 17 79; Metro: St-Paul; Closed Restaurant

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Thai Classic - Friendly Thai food in the Marais

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Ted

on March 30, 2008

in 4th Arrindissement, Asian, Meat Eating Friends, Thai, restaurant and vegetarian-friendly

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Some cuisines are more likely to offer vegetarian options than others. It is difficult to find a good veggie option at a German restaurant, whereas Indian cuisine is filled with tasty dishes. Asian food is hit an miss, it is next to impossible to find veggie Pho, yet Thai and Korean are rather easy.

I have tried a few Asian restaurants in Paris and their options have been limited. I even found an Indian restaurant with little for vegetarians. So, it is with great relief that I stopped off at Thai Classic in the Marais district.

I knew I was going to be in luck when the fixed price menu featured a vegetarian option. They also offer 8 vegetarian plates and 5 starters. Take your pick from the standards: Tom Kha soup, spring rolls, glass noodles, red and green curries with tofu, and stir fried veggies.

I ordered the fixed price menu. It starts with an aperitif, then follows with a bento-box like tray with egg rolls, fried rice, and salad. The food is delicious and satisfying. I also enjoyed the hospitality.

I arrived just after they opened and before the main crowd arrived. I shared the restaurant with a couple from New Zealand and the owner visited during the meal. Parisians typically eat in restaurants after 8 p.m.. Early diners will usually find less crowds, more attention, and a quiet dinner. You’re also more likely to have tourists to talk with.

This restaurant has a lot of competition for your vegetarian dollars. It sits near the very popular La Victoire, Falafel alley, Potager de Marais, and many italian and french restaurants with vegetarian options Try this restaurant when you are craving some Thai food. It also features a full meat menu, so your meat-eating friends will enjoy it as well.

Thai Classic: 26 Rue des Lombards (4°); 01 48 87 22 04; Metro: Hotel de Ville, Chatealet-Les Halles; Thai Restaurant

Overall: 4/5
Location: 5/5
Taste: 4/5
Service: 4.5/5
Vegetarian Friendly: 4.5/5
Vegan Friendly: 4.5/5
M.E.F. Friendly: 3/5

Le Pain Quotidien - Marais bistro and bakery

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Ted

on February 11, 2008

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

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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.