June 28, 2014

At The Café

At the Café

Every Wednesday afternoon you can find me here. Sitting against the back wall, watching the world drift in and out, picking out the locals from the tourists, listening to the banter between the waiters as they rush around taking orders and flirting with the attractive women and men, making up stories about the people sitting together.

It's warm outside. Why is that poor kid wrapped up in a jacket and scarf?
Everyone at that table has got to be Italian. Except for the guy wearing baggy jeans.
He's been talking on his phone and ignoring his dining companion since the moment they arrived. No wonder she looks so bored! 
Those two are definitely American. And they must not realize that some of us can understand every word they're saying. 
What an adorable dog!
The couple in the corner who can't take their hands off each other either just met last night or are having a red-hot love affair.

Together...But Not Together

Café Serré

I also stop here because they make a mean café serré. 
Which isn't an easy thing to find in Paris. Or anywhere, for that matter.

Every time I go into a coffee place in the States (I'm not going to name names, but it's always the kind of place that takes itself pretty seriously) and ask for a ristretto, a coffee drink that any self respecting barista could make with one hand tied behind their back, I get confused looks, followed by one of two questions: "A what?" or "Is that it?"
Which always amuses me.
I mean, all I'm asking them to do is make a very short shot of espresso, which I don't mind having to explain if necessary. And which is less work than almost anything else they have to make, other than maybe a cup of tea.

Would it be better if I ordered a skinny sugar free vanilla decaf latte with no foam? (yes, that's a rhetorical question)

Seeking shade. (Not complaining though!) #lovethisweather #Paris

At the Café

So every Wednesday afternoon I order my serré and settle in for an hour or two of non-stop entertainment.
Spending time at a Parisian café...there's just nothing else like it.

Santé! #France

Le Café


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9 comments:

Amanda said...

There is nothing like our favorite little pleasures in life.

Sharon said...

Or any French café! Why is people watching so addictive? I'm sure I've given people far more interesting lives than they have!

Vannessa@Luxuria said...

What a gorgeous place to while away the hours and people watch.

Mardi Michels said...

Love this post Jennifer! I too spend hours people watching at cafés in Paris!

Jennifer said...

Nadège
You are so right!

Sharon
I don't know why it's so addictive, but I do love it...

Vanessa
It has a great atmosphere!

Mardi
Thanks! I'm sure you do too. :)

Bradford said...

Cafe Charlot, at the corner of Rue Charlot and Rue Bretagne. So that was you I saw there? Small world! And full of jokers! I've never been to Paris! Some day, yes, some day... and thank you for creating this little stage and giving it a story and some life.

Charming Paris Apartment said...

Fave Parisian activity is by far people watching from the banks of a good café!!!

JudyMac said...

I'm sure the Parisians could quickly peg me for the American flaneur wannabe that I am, but I can assure you, when I get to the cafes in September I'm going to be watching right along with the best of them. :-)

Jennifer said...

Bradford
It is! Well spotted. It's a great neighborhood café. (though it can be TOO crowded sometimes!)

CPA
I can spend hours doing just that.
:)

Judy
Enjoy your time in Paris and in the cafés!