I recently found myself having to defend my anti-brunch position to an Englishman who disagreed with me vehemently in spite of the fact that we were sitting yards from a mound of material evidence that amply supported my case: A dilapidated buffet.
(Said Englishman also likes to rouse this American by taking credit on behalf of his country for having “invented” the United States of America. I know.)
A mere week later I was forced to reconsider my hardline, unilateral stance while sitting under a shelf stacked with jars of Marmite, enjoying perfect scones and waiting for my eggs, bacon, and roast tomatoes (to-mah-toes?) at Le Bal Café.
It turns out that the Brits did invent brunch, or at least the word, and now two former Rose Bakery cooks are working on perfecting it at Le Bal. Scones, yes, plus kippers, kedgeree, pancakes, porridge and Welsh rarebit, not to mention tête de cochon on toast and a boudin noir terrine.
“Real bacon,” sighed my friend Phyllis happily, cutting into a curly slice. I pierced the shimmering yolks of my eggs and mopped up the mess with toast. If only all brunches were this good.
I’d go back, too, not just for the food, but for one of the best cappucinos I’ve had outside of Italy, crafted by an American barista. Coffee lovers take note.
Alas, when what seemed to be a busload of people arrived and were practically breathing on the perfect cheesecake Phyllis and I were savoring, I was reminded of one of the main reasons I avoid brunch: The crowds. If you agree with me then get to Le Bal early or risk having your foot rolled over by a stroller.
(That’s pram to you, Englishman.)
Le Bal Café 6 impasse de la Défense, Paris 75018, +33 (0)1 44 70 75 51. Weds-Sat 10 am – 11 pm, Sun 10 am – 7 pm.
Did you get a peek at their normal menu as well, the ‘modern British’ cuisine? Be interested in your take on that
Well I am British .. so thought I would just google the word “brunch” …
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brunch .. reading it says that the term was introduced in Britain 1896 and other sources say it was a reporter for the New York Sun …
and according to this website Brunch was conceived by a wealthy businessman in Missouri, USA ..
I do come over to Paris to see friends now and again ,so might just go and have a try .. !
I came over here via a link someone put on Facebook.
oops second link
…http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Which_country_invented_brunch
Looks great! How are the prices? My biggest problem with brunch in Paris is that it’s usually ridiculously overpriced.
Adrian – I did look at the other menus, and would definitely go back for dinner. What I liked, in general, is that they seem to pay attention to detail (rare at the brunch hour, no?), and I’m guessing this carries through to other services as well.
Anne – Thanks for the info. I’m going to credit the Brits, if only for narrative purposes
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Camille – The prices are fair, I think, particularly considering the quality. The bacon and eggs were €12,that perfect cappucino was €2.50. You can see more on their site.
http://www.le-bal.fr/fr/category/mh/le-bal-cafe/menus/
Excellent! Thanks!
p.s. Went to Tholoniat today, not only does the stuff look great, but they have the nicest saleslady in the world!
Amazing how hard it is to find really well-prepared coffee, even in Europe. The cappuccino looks fantastic. Must try it.
Patrick – The barista’s name is David Flynn, and yes he is the best of only a dozen good baristas in Paris. Parisian coffee is slowly getting better with the likes of Le Bal, La Caféothèque, Alto, and soon to open Coutume in the 7th…
Channa – Thanks for the coffee intel. If only some enterprising barista would set up shop in my quartier…
New Zealand where I live enjoys a thriving cafe/brunch culture with outstanding baristas and wonderful brunch food. I have not visited Paris but am interested in your post.
Bonnie – A friend who has visited NZ often waxes poetic about something called a “flat white”. I wish a barista culture would develop here in Paris… sigh.
Hi Barbara, thanks for the idea. I think I will suggest this on Sunday for rdv brunch…..Rein que pour le flat white. It looks pretty authentic !
I must go back for a piece of that cheesecake…