When it’s literally freezing outside (0°C) and you have some free time during lunch, what better idea than to go to HAND (which stands for Have a Nice Day. See? The French can’t get enough of the English language). Anne had gotten me all excited for this place after she tweeted the link to a fantastic New York Times review called “A Hamburger in Paris“. Indeed, everything about this place is inspired by American culture with a charming vintage touch. The décor is simple, with aptly blue and red painted walls and a menu entirely in English. The staff was extremely friendly, a breath of fresh air I might add, and the prices reasonable. They’re open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner, except Sunday and Monday evenings. Beginning in January, they will begin offering a brunch on Sundays.

H.A.N.D.

Festive xmas trees just outside the restaurant
  
So, what about the burgers?

So, the burgers. I like the selection but it wasn’t the best burger I’ve ever had. I ordered the veggie burger which actually didn’t come with a veggie patty at all but instead a pile of grilled vegetables topped with melted mozzarella and sprouts, squeezed between a toasty bun. The second I cut into the burger and picked it up almost all of the veggies came tumbling onto the plate. It was a mess to eat and therefore lost points in my book.  The homemade fries were on the soggy side and there weren’t nearly enough of them. Despite being tasty, I still think that the organic burger at Super Nature is by far the most succulent I’ve ever tasted in addition to being the most original – with sprouts and a quinoa cake on the side. Often they substitute the quinoa cake for homemade, non greasy, sweet potatoes fries. Either are delicious!

So chez H.A.N.D. it’s the cozy deco and attentive staff that take the cake. Oh cake! The next time I go back, after the inevitable holiday binge fest I’m anticipating and after I return to a comfortable, less bloated size, I will test one of their many American inspired treats: carrot cake, cupcakes, pecan pie, apple crumble, and cheesecake. They also serve milkshakes but in my experience, the French manage to find ways to screw them up. Perhaps next time I’ll try out their banana shake and report back. ***Have since been back and tried the carrot cake. Divine. 

I’ll share the awesome eco holiday decorations on rue de Richelieu and down by Palais Royal

 Poubelle (trash can) made out of recycled bottles!