Lunch at La Collective Parisienne

Bill and I discovered the restaurant La Collective Parisienne by accident, while strolling though our beloved Marais.

Now we feel the pride of ownership. A Toronto friend rephrased this for us. He said, "Is that your local?"

Bill had noticed a menu written on a window. The food looked interesting and the price of a three course lunch was 12 euros. We went in and were invited to sit.

Nice place. Airy. We arrived at noon and were among the first to arrive. Within a half hour the room was full.

Later, we learned from the internet that the place is staffed by its members: a combination of professionals and volunteers. That might account for the improvisational air.

A first course of zucchini in vinaigrette. Simple and good.

On another day a first course of tomatoes in vinaigrette, enlivened by fresh herbs and dried flower petals.

Bill and I never tire of watching chefs at work.

Claude plating today's main course: chicken on rice.

And here is the main, set before me, on its pretty plate.

Another main: merguez (North African) sausages with an Israeli stew. That's a poached egg on the right.

For Japanese Day, last Friday, another member became chef, cooking a main of marinated tofu with mushrooms.

In a small room, with tables close together, it is easy to fall into conversation with adjacent strangers.

Blessed is the meal that ends in coffee.

Another pretty plate bearing a small slice of spice cake sprinkled with powdered sugar and flower petals.

One day recently was Italian Day. We conversed in Italian with our server. When I went to pay, she cautioned me, "Don't go. We have a surprise."

A regular customer, a professional singer, stood and belted out a stirring rendition of 'O Sole Mio', to rapturous  applause. Lunches to be continued.