Paris. Bistro Paul Bert

I entered the Bistro 30 minutes before lunchtime closing, hoping they still had some food. I was alone at my tiny table, squeezed in with three older French people next to me. A Japanese couple was trying to order food using a Japanese magazine. The menu, brought to me on a blackboard, was simple, local, and seasonal, but I already knew what I would order - their famous pork terrine and Paris-Brest. And a glass of wine, bien sûr. The terrine arrived accompanied with gougere, pickled gherkins, and a bread basket, and when the dessert arrived, the waiter said, "Bon courage" (good luck). I slowly enjoyed the pleasure of eating it, piece by piece, while talking to French people next to me. I was inhaling the buzzy atmosphere. The cake was big, but oh – so good. I ordered an espresso, like everybody does, and it came with small and crunchy cannele (as if the Paris-Brest wasn't enough). The owner walked around talking with the regulars and giving goodbye kisses, while the others enjoyed a simple Saturday lunch. It was all I needed. The art of enjoying life.

18 Rue Paul Bert, 75011 Paris
Instagram: bistrotpaulbert

From a trip in year 2020