WHAT: Café Charlot

WHERE: Paris: Le Marais

WHEN: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Late Night Daily / Sunday Brunch (dubbed “the best brunch in Paris”) – I give you lunch…

LEGIT[IMACY]WHY: I’m French and go to France yearly to visit my family. I’ve eaten my way through Paris (in some of the best and worst restaurants — although there are more of the former), so when I stepped into this little cafe and immediately fell in love, you know it’s what’s up. 

THE DISH:

WHAT TO ORDER: Salade de Chèvre Chaud (aka Warm Goat Cheese Salad). If you don’t know, now you know…and you’re welcome. This is one of my favorite things to order in Paris (why don’t they make it here yet?) and while plenty of places make it, this one is by far THE BEST. Also, the Smoked Salmon Club (w/ fries duh — they’re French afterall). This is a beautiful French take on a classic American sandwich. And they do it well! Lastly, a café. You can’t end a meal in France without one.

WHAT TO KNOW: The French equivalent of Pellegrino is Badoit. It’s the best sparkling water in the world and comes in lightly bubbled or heavily bubbled options. Opt for the lightly bubbled and you won’t be disappointed — if you happen to be there around the Holidays, you’ll even likely get a Christmas themed bottle. Score!

WHAT TO SKIP: Everything we ordered was deeeee-lish so I got nothing for you here. Sorry I’m not sorry.

WHERE TO SIT: Inside, outside terrace, the bar — there’s not a bad seat in the house.

WHO YOU’LL SEE: True Parisian locals and a few tourists. And you’ll no doubt see some hot French couple making out as the Parisians do.

WHO TO BRING: Date, friends, family. You should bring anyone and everyone. The place isn’t thaaaaat big so I wouldn’t go in a group of more than 6 — the French aren’t the most accommodating.

WHAT TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE YOU GO: This is both a place where you can grab a quick bite or sit and chat for hours. Great ambiance with surprisingly nice (for France) staff in one of the hottest areas of Paris. You wouldn’t just stumble upon it (it may have taken us a long walk with many twists and turns to finally find it) so definitely know where you’re going. My only regret was not trying brunch or coming back at night.

WORD OF THE DAY: L’Addition – aka check please! (look at us teaching you new foreign languages)

EDDR LIFE LESSON: They say it’s not the destination that matters but rather the journey — and we realized that in some instances, the destination is just as important and enjoyable. Especially when the journey involves beautiful old buildings and cobble stone streets and the destination involves an awesome café with delicious food.

A² FINAL THOUGHT:  First things first, get yourself to Paris. It’s one of the most amazing cities in the world. Second of all, get yourself to the Marais for some shopping and take your lunch break at Café Charlot. If you happen to be staying in the area, definitely check it out for breakfast and late night as I’m sure those meals will be just as on point.

Dreaming of Croissants (I mean Paris),

Alie