Paris Friday April 19, 2013

Today we went for lunch at Breizh Cafe, a Breton creperie where we ate three years ago .  At that time we were renting an apartment just across the street in the Marais.  That apartment was a fifth floor walk-up for which we decided we are way too old.  But it was a great apartment and great location.

We arrived just after noon and the place was packed.  We had no reservation - who would have thought you'd need one for lunch - and they directed us next door to a small shop which got its food and drink from the original restaurant by carrying it outdoors between the two places.  The little shop sold specialty items  from Brittany such as buckwheat pasta, butter, smoked fish and cider.  It had one wooden table which was not a table but rather a solid cube so there was no place for your feet and legs.  It had room for six people around three sides.  Seats were backless crates standing on end and it was suggested that we put our coats inside the crates.  Definitely an informal arrangement.  Not the most comfortable but certainly fun and it turned out to lead to good sociability.

The crepes were as varied and tasted as good as we remembered.  And we tried a buckwheat beer from Brittany which was quite good.  After a bit a couple came in for lunch who were obviously American.  We started talking. They were from St. Louis.  Then two French women sat at the other two places and we all began to talk.  It Is interesting to me how sometimes you meet people and things just click so that you find lots to talk about.  It is as if you are all on the same wave length.  Anyway one of the French women was especially friendly and ended up taking my email address so that she could send us info on her favorite trestaurants, both French and Asian which she did later that day.

After lunch, Harley went back to the apartment and I walked up Rue du Temple looking for jewelry supply shops.  There were many of them, but most were wholesale only.  I did find a couple one of which had everything imaginable.  I loaded up a basket with beads and findings.  I saw some other things I'd like to have gotten but thought it better to check my total so far since they only took cash.  Ouch.  My total was pretty high so I offloaded some things and made do without the beads I would have liked.  Maybe I'll go back next week.