No stress cafe - Paris 9eme

While i'm at it I figure I might as well get a double update in ! Do not be fooled - we didn't eat two brunches in the same day although some sundays I wish I could. This week it was time to discover a new area as we hadn't ever ventured this far away from the 20th to eat, and as we had friends in town who were staying there they suggested we try a place near their hotel: No stress cafe : https://plus.google.com/103632836476593282190/about?gl=fr&hl=en 

The restaurant is situated just away from the metro Saint-Georges and 5 minutes walk from Pigalle, hidden a bit away. 

There were 6 of us, and we were set on benches like when we were at school, albeit with cushions. The restaurant has a nice atmosphere with light music playing. 

When we first sat down we were a little confused by the menu, as there was seemingly no mention of a brunch deal. This was until one of us happened to glance outside and see the menu that was planted on a chair outside, interesting concept !! The deal was a fairly standard one, 21€ for tartine, bread and pain au chocolat, followed by a main dish of salmon with scrambled eggs or hams with fried eggs and both with salad. This was subsequently finished off with a fruit salad, and a choice of tea, coffee or (exceptionally) hot chocolate and orange juice. 

The main dishes were very filling, and actually had a nice touch with a jacket potato and cream on each one. We were overloaded with bread and mini vienoisserie and most of us struggled to finish everything off. 

The service was fine, they left us waiting a short while as they got busier but they were ok overall. 

A solid 3 out 5 as well for this one. Would come back again if I was hungry ! 

Le Bouillon Belge

It's been a few weeks since we had a new place to comment on, and now all of a sudden we have two new places that deserve a mention. The first is Le Bouillon Belge : http://www.lebouillonbelge.fr/ . This place is located just off the Rue d'Avron, near Buzenval / Nation / Avron metros.

Normally better known for their beers rather than their food, the belgian influence on this brunch was still clear for all to see.

They have one deal, 15€ all you can eat and drink from the buffet, as well as one main dish prepared by the chef. The main dish is either salmon with scrambled egg and salad and a belgian waffle, or bacon with boiled eggs and a waffle too. This was a good start !

In addition to this, you have the choice of little plates / bowls of salad, tomatoes, spinach with bacon and some other dishes (can't remember all of them). These were all really good and unique. Coupled with unlimited coffee or tea, orange juice and bread, the overall meal was fantastic value for money. To finish off they have 3 different options for dessert, normally a chocolate mousse, some yoghurt and an assortment of cheeses.

In terms of setting it was maybe not the most attractive place we have eaten at, but I was surprised by the value for money and quality of food supplied. As we started to leave it was really filling up so I imagine the people in the 20th are trying to keep it as one of their secrets.

Easily worth a 3 / 5. 

Chez Lili et Marcel - 13th

For a change, a French brunch place that was based just next to Quai de la gare in the 13th. If we were to judge this place based on how busy it was, then on first impression only we would have given it 5 stars.

The restaurant is nicely laid out with long tables and plenty of space. They have a brunch menu which is not too pricey, as well as a standard menu which means that each person pays 15 / 20 € max.

Half of us went for the immense burgers, that looked absolutely fantastic on the plates next to us and came with potatoes / fries and salad. The burgers were huge and definitely good value for money.

The other half of us had the brunch menu which was fairly standard for brunch in Paris; starter of coffee, fruit juice and bread with jam, nutella and honey. This is followed by a choice of egg (boiled, scrambled or fried) with salad, potato and bacon. This is finished off with a yoghurt (plain or vanilla) and is very filling.

Overall for the food it was fantastic, however, the service was possibly the worst I have ever experienced. Our waitress made us wait 20 minutes before she took our order (there were 8 of us). After this, we then waited over an hour to get our food and despite remaining patient, when we asked if she could chase up our food she became very rude and unhelpful. The poor Parisien service really ruined the experience and if we had based the place just on food we would have been a lot more positive.

I give this place 2 out of 5 and that's a generous 2.

En Attendant l'or - 11th

On the corner of rue Faidherbe, not far from the metro station, 'En Attendant L'or' has a slightly unconventional look to it, but this should not put people off.

Once inside (or even outside on the terrace in the sun) you are greeted by a small bar, long table in the middle for big groups, and small tables (2 / 4 people) around the outside.

The overall concept is very simple and perfectly suited to the bar : One option for brunch @ 21.50€. For this you get one freshly pressed fruit juice, unlimited hot drinks, unlimited access to the buffet and one starting plate.

The opening plate was formidable, with scrambled egg, salad, chicken leg, salmon, and bread. Considering this was the same plate delivered to everyone else this was very filling and well prepared.

Afterwards we proceeded to the 'buffet area' where there was plenty of choice. Pasta, Couscous, Mozzarella, Tomatoes, Cucumber, Fried squid, and plenty of other options. One plate of this was filling but some of us helped ourself to a second!

For dessert there were small brownies, chocolate mousse, mini creme brulee and pastries. All delicious !!

The service was good (so rare in Paris) and the atmosphere was good, with quite a young crowd of people (mainly in their 20s early 30s).

I would give this place a solid 4 out of 5 and this is definitely one of the best and most filling brunches I have had in Paris.