The formerly itinerant Pressing has now found a permanent address in Paris’ 10th arrondissement. The joint offers a choice of four “next-level” paninis, bursting with great ingredients and produce, alongside the chef’s ‘panini of the day’. Today, we have ‘le Thomas’, a combination of pork belly, snails, horseradish and parsley. “That’s good – I sense you’re daring,” comments the waiter as we order (something he says to every customer who goes for the same sandwich as us). The panini is perfectly cooked: crispy outside, melt-in-the-mouth inside, and the delicious pork belly is perfectly accompanied by the snails which are boosted by the horseradish.
Also on the lunch menu, a choice of soup (such as carrot, coconut and curry), a mushroom or coleslaw salad, and a crème of yogurt, pear, crumble and nuts for dessert. In the evening, tantalising dishes feature alongside the paninis – like the “beef ravioli with broth and mushrooms” (€10) or the “pork rib, accompanied by a well-seasoned jus and roast vegetables” (€29).
The décor works well with a big bar area, high chairs, and wildlife-inspired wallpaper. We don’t really have anything to criticise Pressing for… apart from its formulaic ‘trendy’ demeanour – from the name of the place to the way the menu describes the food to the waiters, all clad in beanie hats and aprons knotted at one shoulder. The down-to-earth meets trendy concept feels a tad contradictory.
TRANSLATION: LEONIE CATER