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I lived and worked in the sixth district for almost two years, and it’s plain to see why this area is so popular with tourists, particularly Americans. Many of the well known Paris films are based in the area and the reputation is known for things as diverse as jazz to philosophy.
Lunch: Sandwich at Cosi - 54 Rue de Seine, 75006 Paris 01 46 33 35 36
We’ll start with a ‘lightish’ lunch. I must have worked in at least ten different places making sandwiches in Paris, and this was the first. I had no experience at all but Drew took me on because I quoted AA Milne to him. Thanks Drew!! Now Cosi is an institution as well as the ‘patron’. He has even opened up a more formal restaurant called Fish across the road (in case you want to linger). Back to Cosi- the concept is homemade Italian bread, fresh salad fillers, and high quality ingredients with delicious home made desserts. The bread is from an authentic recipe that Drew won in a poker match (apparently) and it’s delicious. Also with Drew’s passion for wine you’ll find some very interesting choices available by the glass or the bottle. You can sit in and listen to the opera or take out and wonder round St Germain- the choice is yours.
Having spent some time in Paris over the summer, I’d like to recommend a film that I found to be a real breath of fresh air - “Les Triplettes de Belleville” – Belleville Rendez-vous. I don’t want to spoil it for you with any revelations on the plot, just let’s say cartoons aren’t just for kids and this one has a great punch with its visual and narrative content. Check out the official website- http://www.lestriplettesdebelleville.com
Aperifit: La Palette, 43 Rue de Seine, 75006 Paris 01 43 26 68 15
This place oozes Parisian style with an original décor dating from 1902 with the most stunning ceilings. This a great hangout, outside or in. The terrace is wonderful in summer as you can watch the world go by. You’ll be mixing with students of the fine arts college; the local gallery owners and tourists. Jean Francois and his wife run the place with an attentive eye and efficient air. It’s perfect for an aperitif although you can snack on a plate of charcuterie if you wish. Jean Francois is a great friend of Drew (the owner of Cosi) and a keen swimmer. I used to ‘bump’ into him at the piscine de Pontoise. He was also a friend of Francis Bacon… if you can get him to chat- he’s a fascinating man.
http://www.metropoleparis.com/1997/70609223/palette.html- I found a very interesting article on the web with some interesting facts about the bar.
Dinner- Le Relais de l’Entrecote, 20 Rue de Saint Benoit, 75006 Paris 01 45 49 16 00
I went here ‘en masse’ with a rather crazy Anglo/French family in August- I had offered this place as a suitable choice for dinner. It was about 35° and tempers were already flared due to a mismatch of shoes, cobblestones and lack of sleep. I rushed ahead and managed to get a table for eight- a feat in its own right. The great thing about this place is that there isn’t a menu- there is one thing on the menu so no choices need to be made. You get a green salad, followed by steak and chips (pommes allumettes) with the renowned sauce (nothing can tempt the recipe out of the kitchen so don’t even try it). There is a homely feel to the place as there are second helpings if you so desire. We had a slight battle of wills between our waitress and the head of our party- and am not sure who was victorious- albeit to say- we all left happy. Wine is available by the glass or bottle- nothing fancy but compliments the steaks very well.
Drink after Bar du Marche, 75 Rue du Seine, 75006 Paris 01 43 26 55 15
Our multi- lingual party went on to have a drink at this place on Rue du Buci- there was a certain note of contempt in our ‘party’ voice as the eight of us sat down and all ordered different cocktails, but she was proven wrong as the order was entirely accurate. Our only complaint was the overwhelming August temperatures we were experiencing. The bar is a real fun spot- it has a fantastic location with an optimum people watching facilities- as the Rue du Buci is pedestrian there is always a lot going on. I would describe it as trendy and offbeat but in traditional setting.
Imo
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