Sunday, November 18, 2007

Restaurant Chartier


Here it is, Restaruant Chartier. The original name that you can see above the entrance is Bouillon Chartier. In their own words: "At the turn of the 19th century, the idea was to serve for a very small price a real hot meal to the blue collar and the people of the neighbourhood: the well known "bouillon", a mixture of meat and vegetables." So, it's not a fancy place, but that's not point here. You are in Paris. This place feels like Paris now mixed in with Paris 100 years ago. It's a fabulous space lined with huge mirrors with a giant sky light and polished brass racks for your coats and bags above your head like on a train.
The food was plain and French and tasty and filling. The waiters were lightening fast and took our order on the paper covering the table.The Wine was a house wine with their own label and a good time was had by all. I learned about this place from a neighbor before my visit to Paris in 1989 which was all too short and didn't include a stop at Restaurant Chartier. So to be able to make it this visit was a treat I had been waiting for a while! It was a Saturday afternoon and the friends we were staying with finally had time from their busy jobs to get out and see some Paris.
Really, if you are in Paris, Restaurant Chartier is worth a visit. It's living history!

1 comment:

lady jicky said...

I tried to get there but it was closed!
Never mind, if I am lucky to go to Paris again, I will try to find out their opening times and go. Looks like you had a great time.
Love that doggie, reminds me of mine and my husband is the one he waits for to come home too. Might have something to do with the fact that he walks him???? LOL