The large white buffet sits in front of you, with both groups of friends and lovers eagerly looking around at who's come to dine tonight. You’re welcomed into the charming dining room, which is more like somebody’s home, and kind of is as the owners live just below. It's as if you’ve come for supper at a countryside retreat, rather than in the middle of Belleville.
Here, it's best to reserve in advance. The fixed nightly menu is very popular, and we see why. Our starters consisted of chorizo, smoked ham, sausage, terrine, goat’s cheese and olive oil, as well as a large salad to share. This was then followed up with a Basque dish - simmered and garnished pork, with a rhubarb tart and fresh chestnut cream. And to drink? It's all about the wines from the south, like from the coast of Marmande.
You leave saying goodbye to the owners, your bag flled with patés and jams (it's also an épicerie) and promising to return very soon and have another delicious supper around the big wooden tables.