Now we're in March, the real chill is gone out of the weather, even if today it's a little cloudy and some light rain is falling. It's not really a bother. This time of the year we expect rain. When its wet, Parisians just get on with it and tourists will always find plenty of interesting indoor attractions to grab their intention and keep them out of the rain.
If your on the move around the city and the rain is falling heavy, it is actually a gentle delight to slip into some pleasant cafe for a dry interlude. Find a nice table and with a coffee and cake or your favourite snack, you can just sit back at your ease while outside you observe the rain pattering away on the pavement. It is strangely comforting.
Everyone in Paris has their list of favourite restaurants, but I like many will judge on atmosphere and price. And with price it is important to remember that the charge in a Paris cafe can vary on where you choose to sit - cheaper at the bar, a little dearer at a table, and dearer still outside at a terrace table. It will also often depend on the location of the cafe.
Perhaps it is a surprise that I talk of atmosphere and price first and not the food. It would seem that this would be the first consideration, and the deciding criterium. Indeed, that is the case. But the point is that good food is a given and the expected standard in French cafes. If the food wasn't good, a cafe wouldn't even make it on to my favourites list or anybody else who possessed a respect for a decent meal.
By and large the fare in many cafes is fairly standard, and you can't go wrong. Hop from one to another and the espresso, croissants and pains au chocolat will taste as good ... and probably much the same. The plats du jour and accompanying deserts are a real treat, and you can tease your way from cafe to cafe looking at the different variations until you find a dish that appeals to you at the moment. You can be confident that it will be nice, and likely good value as well.
But be warned. You will get just what you are asking for. And if you are looking for rip-off prices glammed-up in the guise of pretense, or passable food plausibly presenting itself as innovative cuisine, you will find it at its seductive, slut-style best promising to please, but ultimately certain to disappoint. With some experience you will spot it a mile off.
Alas, one can't stay cafe bound all day as attractive a proposition as that might sometimes be. No. Duty and responsibility calls in the shape of a text to remind me that I am to review a new promotion for some excellent hotels near the Champs Elysees. Which of course is no problem. After all, it isn't really work when you enjoy what you are doing.
The rain has stopped. It is dry outside. No more excuses. Speedily then to our current deal .........
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