Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
€27-34.50, menus from €33; noon-2pm & 7-11.15pm Tue-Sun; Pont Marie)
With its old-fashioned lace curtains, wood panelling and beamed ceiling, this posh old-style
address in a 17th-century building smacks of charm. Its excellent cuisine is equally tradi-
tional: think escargot, foie gras, sole, or
ris de veau
(calf sweetbreads) with morels and
tagliatelle.
TRADITIONAL FRENCH
MON VIEIL AMI
jour €15.50, menu €47.50; noon-2.30pm & 7-11pm; Pont Marie)
Alsatian chef Antoine Westermann is the creative talent behind this sleek black neobistro
where guests are treated like old friends (hence the name) and vegetables get royal treat-
ment. The good-value lunchtime
plat du jour
(dish of the day) is a perfect reflection of the
season. Dinner is served from 6.30pm - handy for those seeking an early meal.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
CAFÉ SAINT RÉGIS
Hip and historical with an effortless dose of retro vintage thrown in for good measure,
salads & mains €14.50-28; 7am-2am; ; Pont Marie)
- as those in the know call it - is a
deliciously Parisian hang-out any time of day. From pastries for breakfast to a mid-
morning pancake, brasserie lunch or early-evening oyster platter, Café Saint Régis
hits the spot just right. Sunday brunch jostles with happy hour (7pm to 9pm) for best
crowd-packed moment. Magazines and newspapers to read, charismatic waiters in
long white aprons, and a lovely white ceramic-tiled interior top off the appealing en-
semble.
DRINKING & NIGHTLIFE
Drinking venues on the islands are as scarce as hens' teeth. They do exist,
but use them as a starting point as very few places stay open after the be-
witching hour of midnight.
WINE BAR
TAVERNE HENRI IV
