Local Expert
Kate Cyr
Originally from a small town in upstate New York and most recently living in New York City, I transferred to Paris for work in April 2007. I'll admit it: I came to Paris convinced that no city could…
Originally from a small town in upstate New York and most recently living in New York City, I transferred to Paris for work in April 2007. I'll admit it: I came to Paris convinced that no city could compare to New York. But little by little, day by day, Paris is winning my heart as I discover its beautiful art and architecture, its fabulous food and the unique attitude of its residents. I'll share these winning discoveries here.
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Le Tais: Please don't go there....
It's my job as a local expert to share with you the places and events that make Paris special for me. Sometimes, though, I just don't want to share. I don't want to tell you about Le Tais because I don't want you to go there and make my wait for a table even longer. But for you, my dedicated readers, I will make the ulitmate sacrifice.
Le Tais is a neighborhood bar and restaurant in the far reaches of Paris in the 20th arrondissement. They host musicians some nights during the week, but I'm not writing about the music. I'm not writing about the atmosphere either, though it is lively on weekend evenings, or the crowd which is a mix of old-school locals and young students spilling over from the bar scene on nearby rue Oberkampf. I'm certainly not writing about the decor dominated by a large flat-screen tv, or the drinks menu (if you don't like wine hopefully you like beer.) No, I am writing about Le Tais for just one reason:
FREE FOOD
On Friday and Saturday evenings, Le Tais serves couscous free with your drink order. Order a reasonably priced (wine from 3 euros a glass, beers from 2.50) drink from the bar while you wait for a table. By the time you're seated, you'll probably need another as you wait for the server to bring a family-style plate of couscous, a tureen with a vegetable broth and a plate with one piece of lamb for each person at your table. There's no choice here - if you don't get what you want you had better want what you get. It's not gourmet and it's not for vegetarians, but it's a lot of fun. I wouldn't come here for an evening of quiet introspection or a romantic date but rather at the start or end an evening of bar-hopping with a big group of friends along rue Obkerkampf.
Le Tais
129 bvd Menilmontant
Metro: Menilmontant