It felt nice to have an afternoon alone. The incessant grayness and rain was really starting to wear on me so it was invigorating to spend the afternoon walking around in the sun until I literally got blisters. It was definitely worth it.

My initial plan was to walk to Breizh Café (‘la crêpe autrement’…, also one of David Lebovitz’s faves), THE crêpe restaurant of the marais that specializes in buckwheat crêpes using organic ingredients, a modern interpretation on the gastronomical classic from Brittany. The concept even traveled to Japan where they have another location, in addition to the original restaurant in Cancale, Brittany.

Unfortunately for me, they were packed and I would have had to wait an hour to be seated alone! My stomach was rumbling and I started to get a hungry headache so I had to trek on. It’s on my restaurant-to-do-list.

Instead, I was going to hit up some falafel but the lines were around the block. Too hungry for that. So I turned to my favorite NY-style Jewish deli on rue des Ecouffes, Schwartz’s Deli.  With 50’s America inspired plaques and photos along the walls and your classic Coca-Cola napkin holders as you find in diner’s, Scwartz’s has great, simple food available for take out as well, with an extremely friendly Jewish staff (minus the Sri-Lankan guy who takes care of take-out orders). I love everything about the place and have yet to have a bad meal. Since I was alone, and the place was packed, I sat at the bar and read the newspaper. It was brilliant, I loved every second of it. The barman who took my order was so nice I thought I was in another country. I ordered the veggie burger and previously ordered the salmon burger which was excellent. Their pancakes look great as do their omelette’s and bagel sandwiches. What I love most about it is its über cosmopolitan feel, attracting Jews, non-Jews, Parisians, tourists, gays, straight couples, kids, you name it. Everyone had a good time.

Now for the rest of my walk/window shopping. Spring is definitely showing itself early as people were out having a good time on terraces. Moods change completely when the weather is pleasant in Paris and it’s infectious. Finally, the highlight of the day by far was finding MINT MILANOS in a Monoprix. That is THE cookie that defines my childhood. Totally trumps the chocolate chip cookie.