I eat enough burgers to know that the big boys are 8 oz. and up, the average burgers 6-8 oz. and fast-food style burgers, i.e. Shake Shack (which I adore) and 5 Guys (which I hate), are a slim 3-4 oz. These are just the rules of the burger kingdom.

So when I spotted a 12 oz. burger on the menu at La Palette, both when I was browsing their online menu and also later on the menu in the restaurant, I’m pretty sure my eyes bugged out in that cartoon-y way, just a little bit. TWELVE OUNCES?! This thing has got to be just gargantuan.

And cheap, at $13 for a burger (add $1 for a fried egg) plus fries and salad. This sounds like an impossibly good deal; I had to try it. Sometimes, impossibly good deals do exist. Not sure I could do this alone, I convinced my friend to split the “Tudo” burger me: 12 oz. of top sirloin beef, melted mozzarella, mayo, boston lettuce, tomato and a fried egg.

We were half-way on our back to watching Top Chef when it dawned on me that we hadn’t even looked at it yet. Let’s see this thing. And … disappointment. My first though was, “There is no way that can be 12 ounces.”

Next, optimism. Outloud I said, “I wonder if there’s two patties? One on each side of the bun, like an open-faced burger?”

Then, realism sets in. “Nah, that’s just the egg,” my friend says, referring to the lumpy shape on the top half of the bun that, in the darkness, I’d been *hoping* was melted cheese obscuring a second patty — not because a burger needs that much beef, but on principle. But she was right. It was just the egg.

A block later we came upon a mostly empty Magnolia Bakery.

“Eff it, let’s get a cupcake to split, too,” I said.

Spontaneity is the key to my Magnolia Bakery strategy: If you happen to walk by and it happens to not have a hoard of tourists queuing up down the street, go.

Because they do make really great cupcakes: Light and cakey with a tall head of frosting, neither top nor bottom too sweet, Magnolia’s cupcakes are all about classicism: cake flavors are typically vanilla, chocolate or red velvet; the frosting either white or brown or lightly tinted in pretty pastel shades, with plenty of peaks and curves in which to catch traditional toppings, like sprinkles or chopped walnuts.

Half a cupcake (two big bites) was the perfect pairing to half a burger (about five bites); I’d even choose to do it again, on purpose. The burger was well-seasoned, well-executed, and generally a success — aside from the false advertising. It would behoove La Palette to fix their menu; it’s not like they’d have to lower the price.

La Palette is unassumingly located at the northern border of Kensington market, where one might not expect to find a classic French bistro.  It’s not fancy, but the food is great and the atmosphere is very charming.

Apparently this place is a gem of a dining location, offering a small wine list full of great values and delicious and authentic French cuisine.  I’ve only been there for brunch, and for that it’s proved to be pretty great.

On my first visit I opted for the croque madame, which was savoury and delicate.  It quite a while ago though, so I’ll focus on my more recent experience.  This weekend I went for the Omelette La Palette – with brie, roasted peppers, and something else that I can’t recall.  The omelette was not the best one I’ve ever had (plus I rarely opt for an omelette at brunch anyway.)  It seemed to be made with about 2 eggs and was not overwhelmingly filled up with stuff – hence me not even remembering what was in it.  My date, however, had the Pain Farci – thick challah French toast stuffed with fresh berries and mascarpone.  It looked amazing, and based on her enthusiasm tasted as much.  Additionally we had the grilled camembert as a first course (a multi-course brunch, whodathunkit?) which was a great starter.  It was served with grapes and an apple coleslaw.  Mmmm.  The coffee was also good, although not included in the price of breakfast which is a big pet peeve of mine.

On the service side of things, the Garçon was very nice and was patient as we spent about half an hour sort of talking and sort of deciding what we were going to have.  He basically told us we could wave him over when we were ready, but he would be by occasionally to fill up our coffees and waters in any case.

The décor is kinda fancy-French-restaurant and kinda Kensington.  Our colourful tablecloth was well-worn but beautiful, which I guess could act as a metaphor for the market or anything therein.  Additionally, there are a bunch of really beautiful French cookbooks lining the place which we flipped through while finishing up our meal.  There’s also a nice little patio that’s open in appropriate weather.

All in all, La Palette is a nice brunch location that I’ll return to, but not every weekend.  It’s a tad pricy and there are a lot of breakfast spots that I love which are closer to my house.  They do have good food and the atmosphere is very enjoyable.

La Palette is located at 256 Augusta Avenue, just south of College Street.  It’s open for brunch Saturday and Sunday only from 11 – 4.  If you need to call the restaurant for some reason (i.e. a dinner reservation) you can reach them at 416.929.4900.

Cafe la Palette

Great terrace for aperitifs and heated in winter.  Super tartines.

The head waiter Jean-Claude rules the roost and can be quite surly but a smile goes a long way towards wearing down his gruff exterior

Location:

43, Rue Seine, 75006 Paris
Metro: Mabillon
Phone: +33 (0)1 43 26 68 15

link to map

On reconnait la classe intime de Saint Germain à ce que même les samedis soirs les rues restent belles, les femmes stylées et les hommes austères.

On se retrouve à l’écume des pages entre les lignes et les pages des poètes qui nous ont précédés en ce bas monde. On vole un vers d’Eluard avant de filer à la Palette.

L’un des plus vieux bistrots du coin, une terrasse élégante, si proche et pourtant si loin du harcèlement vulgaire de la rue de Buci… Ici on boit un verre, on salut les bébés loups aux dents de laits. On discute, on pause, on hésite à carêsser une jolie joue. Il faut attendre.

Pour l’audace il faut monter l’échelle de Jacob. Cacher dans l’antre, on peut se rapprocher. La tourbe du whisky japonais autorise tout… mais chuutut ! Il est cinq heure…

Beautiful sunny day in Saint germain des Prés, the very hype Rive Gauche : having a late brunch at the Armani cafe with friends. I taste the famous sugarfree dark chocolate ice cream, so delicious, what a great flavor ! Same comments for the Parmeggiano and the bread. And excellent fresh pasta said my friends. And so rare in Paris trendy spots, the Italian director is really a nice person .

Et c’est reparti après une longue absence de mon blog chéri. Direction Saint Germain des Prés, sous un soleil estival : brunch tardif à l’Armani Café avec des amies. Me laisse convaincre par la fameuse glace au chocolat noir, une merveille sans sucre à l’arôme entêtant. Le Parmeggiano et le pain y sont aussi à mourir. Et les pâtes, excellentes à ce qu’il paraît. Sans oublier le directeur originaire de Lombardie, un homme charmant.

Armani Café : 149, bd Saint-Germain 75006 Paris, Phone / Tél : 01 45 48 62 15 , Métro Saint Germain des Prés

Next stop, Le Bon Marche : enjoying the fashion young designers level and  the amazingly beautiful windows decorated with mini colorful lions, elephants, giraffes, dinosaurs and hippopotamus (click here to see all the pictures). Congrats to Mr. Merchandiser : it’s absolutely beautiful and it brings good vibes. In a coming post, I will present you my gourmet shopping at the Epicerie Fine (for my NY people: our Dean Nad Deluca). Wow!

L’arrêt quasi rituel au Bon Marché, espace jeunes créateurs et dernières vitrines fleuries de lions, éléphants, girafes, cignes, dinosaures et hippopotames miniatures multicolores (cliquez ici pour voir mes photos de ces superbes vitrines). Bravo M. l’artiste merchandiser, c’est simplement beau et ça met de bonne humeur. Prochainement un shopping gourmandise à la Grande Epicerie.

Le Bon Marché : 24 rue Sèvres, 75007 Paris, Métro Sèvres-Babylone.

La Grande Epicerie : 38 rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris, Métro Sèvres-Babylone. Open / ouvert : from Monday to Saterday / de lundi à samedi, from / de 8h30 to / à 21h. 

Just for the pleasure of the eyes, the famous pastry shop of the Macarons superstar Pierre Hermé. Next door: the Khiel’s shop that looks like the one near Union Square in NY! A bit of Big Ap in Paris babe! I’m found of Khiel’s hair masks. And for buying 30 % less, cosmetics sold in chemistry: City Pharma. At 38 rue Madame: I discover a new shop near APC’s, Swildens.

Repérage incognito chez la star du Macarons, Pierre Hermé : non je ne succomberai pas! La boutique Khiel’s mitoyenne, avec ses faux airs new-yorkais, me rappelle celle près d’union Square : j’ai un faible pour leurs onctuex masques capillaires. Et pour des produits de soin en para pharmacie à -30%, City Pharma (exe Pharmacie Fouetty). Mention spéciale rue Madame, où j’ai repéré la boutique Swildens (38 rue Madame) près d’APC : vous savez les nus pieds frangés façon “Pocahontas le retour chic” que vous ne quitterez pas de l’été.   

Pierre Hermé : 72 rue Bonaparte 75006 Paris, Phone / Tél : 43 54 47 77, Métro Saint Sulpice

City-Pharma : 26 rue du Four, 75006 Paris. Métro Saint Germain des Prés ou Sèvres Babylone. From monday to friday / du lundi au vendredi: from / de 8h30 to / à 20h00, saterday / samedi from / de 9h00 to / à 20h00.

Khiel’s : 72 bis rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris, Phone / Tél : 01 55 42 03 06, Métro Saint Sulpice

Sir Paul Smith, I do really love your conceptual windows ! Recently I’ve discovered in London the Paul Smith bargain shop for men : 30 % less on previous collections during all year.

Chez Sir Paul Smith, vitrines conceptuelles, j’adore, ,j’adore, j’adore ! Messieurs, j’ai découvert récemment à Londres, la boutique Paul Smith à moins 30 à 40 % toute l’année sur les collections précédentes.

Paul Smith : 22, boulevard Raspail, 75007, Phone / Tél : 01 42 84 15 30

Sorry, I can’t extensively show you all my favorite shops in this superb area: just a couple of snap shots when I go for a walk. Many boutiques I like are missing like the renovated new one of Sonia Rykiel. Here: at Alexandra Sjofer, luxury umbrellas to act like Catherine Deneuve in the “Demoiselles de Rochefort “. Easy choreography: turn your umbrella up and down, from time to time hiding your innocent face behind it! And as “we worth it”, some wow siren shoes at Monsieur Christian Louboutin.

Impossible de vous présenter toutes les boutiques qui me plaisent dans ce quartier, en voici deux-trois snap shotées au gré de promenades, d’autres incontournables manquent à l’appel, comme celle nouvellement rénovée de Sonia Rykiel. Ci-dessous : chez Alexandra Sjofer, de luxueux parapluies pour jouer les « Demoiselles de Rochefort ». La choré : bien faire tourner non stop le parapluie que l’on baisse et monte selon le tempo, l’œil rond. Et parce que nous le valons toutes bien, des chaussures de sirènes chez Christian Louboutin.

Alexandra Sojfer : 218 boulevard Saint Germain, 75007 Paris, Métro Rue du Bac

Christian Louboutin : 38-40 rue de Grenelle,75007 Paris, Phone / Tél : 01 42 22 33 07

Cause we also have a great brain and an amazing aesthetical taste, two fine arts bookshops : L7, the select bookshop and publishing house of Karl (Lagerfeld) and Taschen.

Et parce que nous avons aussi des cerveaux et un sens esthétique, deux librairies pour amateurs de revues d’art pointues et beaux livres : L7, la librairie et maison d’édition de Karl (Lagerfeld) et Taschen.

Librairie 7 L : 7 rue de Lille, 75007 Paris, Phone / Tel : 01 42 92 03 58, Metro rue du Bac

Taschen : 2 rue de Buci, 75006 Paris, Métro Odéon ou Saint Germain des Prés

Taschen is in front of one of my favorite terrace in rue de Buci: a bohemian arty café, nicer than the very formal tourist Flore, where waiters are absolutely awful! Stop being so nostalgic! And if you still want to live the post card: a “picturesque” café, La Palette, why not… Not really my cup of tea.

Taschen fait face à une de mes terrasses préférées, rue de Buci : un café arty bohème bien plus sympa que le très touristique et guindé Flore, où les serveurs sont absolument insupportables. Arrêtons toute nostalgie! Pour un café « pittoresque », La Palette, pourquoi pas… Pas vraiment ma tasse de thé.

La Palette : 3 rue de Seine, 75006 Paris,  Phone / Tél : 01 43 26 68 15, Métro Odéon ou Saint Germain Des Près

Looking at this pizza scooter and I know : I want a pizza, si si una pizza ! I won’t tell you at the Santa Lucia restaurant (recommended by a Roman friend)  pizza is as great as the Michele’s Napolitan ones in Napoli (thin pastry and fresh tomatoes and basilico and virgin olive oil and basta). But it’s good and expensive and the service definitely misses the Southern warming.

Le déclic, le scoot pizzaloïo : si una pizza ! Je ne dirai pas que la pizza du Santa Lucia, recommandée par une potesse romaine, rivalise avec la sublime napolitana (pâte fine, tomates, basilic, huile d’olive et basta) du cultissime Michele à Napoli : mais c’est bon, plutôt cher. Et l’endroit manque vraiment de chaleur.

Santa Lucia Restaurant : 22, rue des Canettes, 75006 Paris, Phone / Tel : 01 43 26 42 68, Métro Saint Germain des Prés

Ze detail (“ze” is our funny Frenchie way to pronounce “the”)! Yes I’ve been walking around since my childhood without never ever paying “any” attention to the Dragon, could you imagine? Unbelievable, I know! And this street is named “rue du Dragon”! Shame, shame on me!

Ze détail ! Hé oui, tellement traîné mes Converses dans le quartier depuis des lustres, sans avoir jamais remarqué le Dragon ! Un comble rue du Dragon ! Shame on me !

Relax this not a new cosmetic and perfume  line called « French boudoir », it’s just Master Ladurée  taking care of our traveler Macarons. Special mention to the very charming Ladurée Madeleine for having a tea time. So my dearest, it’s time to leave you.

Non ce n’est pas une nouvel ligne « Boudoir » de cosmétiques et parfums, juste Maître Ladurée qui s’inquiète pour nos macarons voyageurs. J’aime beaucoup le cadre désuet du Laduré Madeleine pour un thé. L’heure de se quitter.

Wait please ! Have you noticed how the really good ideas are expressed at the same time in different places in town ? Babe, that’s what we called here “the trend” : Catherine Malandrino, 10 rue de Grenelle (75006) and Colette, 13 rue St Honoré (75001). By the way, I shot the pictures of  both the same night.  

Notez avant, comme les vraies bonnes idées s’expriment au même moment en des lieux différents de la capitale, ça s’appelle l’air du temps : Catherine Malandrino, 10 rue de Grenelle (75006) et Colette, 13 rue St Honoré (75001). Photos prises le même soir. 

Some other posts about Paris Districts / D’autres articles sur les quartiers de Paris :

Paris : Le Marais

Paris puzzle 2: Haussmann, Montmartre…

Paris puzzle : shopping @ Palais de Tokyo…  (concerning the trendy part of the 16th Arrondissement / la partie fun du 16^ème)

Paris: République, Bastille