Tag Archive for 'marais'

Stuart Friendly Restaurant in the Marais

Published
by
Ted
on June 4, 2008
in 2nd Arrindissement, Vegan Friendly, cafe, popular, salad, soup and vegetarian-friendly
. 0 Comments

How can you pass up a restaurant that bills itself as “Le premier Restaurant, Brunch, Salon de Thè non-fumeur et hètero friendly de Paris!“?
Stuart Friendly restaurant in the Marais

Stuart Friendly is a friendly restaurant just off of Rue Montorgueil in the Marais district. Their menu is filled with light, fresh, seasonal dishes. There are several options for the vegetarian and vegan visitor.

I didn’t have a chance to eat here the night I discovered it. However, the portions looked generous, the food looked great, and the customers looked happy and satisfied. I guess that makes for some friendly eating.

Stuart Friendly
16, rue Marie Stuart (2°)
01 42 33 24 00
Metro: Les Halles
Restaurant

Related articles

Thai Classic - Friendly Thai food in the Marais

Published
by
Ted
on March 30, 2008
in 4th Arrindissement, Asian, Meat Eating Friends, Thai, restaurant and vegetarian-friendly
. 0 Comments

Thai Classic restaurant in the MaraisSome 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

Published
by
Ted
on February 11, 2008
in 4th Arrindissement, Vegan Friendly, boulangerie, organic and vegetarian-friendly
. 0 Comments

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.
Dinner at Le Pain Quotidien in the Marais
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.

Le Pain Quotidien
18-20, rue des Archives (4°)
01 44 54 03 07
Hotel de Ville
Boulangerie, Bistro
website: LePainQuotidien.com
  • Overall: 5/5
  • Location: 5/5
  • Taste: 5/5
  • Service: 4.5
  • Vegetarian Friendly: 5/5
  • Vegan Friendly: 4/5
  • M.E.F. Friendly: 5/5