American food takeover
We now live in the district near Paris’ Place Victor Hugo. It has long been one of Paris’ most chic quartiers (districts), with stylish French restaurants.
But recent years have seen American snack restaurants gradually take over the area.
My favourite is “Homer Lobster”, which serves delicious lobster rolls and many variants on this theme. You can eat inside, on the street side seats or have a takeaway. Please don’t be shocked by the friendly and excellent service! Our local is at 106 Av. Victor Hugo, 75116 Paris. But they now have many other branches.
Next door to Homer Lobster, and part of the same company, is “Janet by Homer”, which describes itself as the “Best Deli Town”. This claim is well supported by the delicious pastrami sandwiches and other similar dishes.
Another excellent outfit on the pastrami theme is Chlew at 66 Av. Victor Hugo, 75116 Paris. Chlew is my favourite for pastrami, although it is closed on Saturdays to be “kosher”. Another not to be missed is Schwartz’s Hot Dog, billed as a little brother of Schwartz’s deli, at 122 Avenue, Victor Hugo.
This new American district in Paris has a nice Starbucks at 90 Avenue Victor Hugo, as well Joe and the Juice at 92 avenue Victor Hugo.
You will not be surprised to learn that a French outfit, “Cojean”, serving vegetarian and other healthy snacks, has slipped into the area at 102 Av. Victor Hugo.
Quite frankly, this Americanisation of the food scene in Paris is hardly surprising. Most French cafes and bistros are offering the tired old fare — croque-monsieur, omelette mixt and steak frites — with often mediocre quality and sloppy service, that they were serving when I first came to live in Paris almost 40 years ago!