We were in Paris and had to try having lunch at one of
the Solidarity Cafés that Eva Longoria described on her CNN broadcast. It
sounded scrumptious with an atmosphere we may all want to embrace. There are
ten Solidarity Cafes throughout Paris providing a basic lunch with three prices
– full price, partial, and free. Each customer pays the price he can.In the Marais, not far from the Picasso Museum and the
Carnavalet Museum [of the history of Paris] I had found a listing for the
Cantine Collective on the Rue Francois Miron. One of the staff at the
Carnavalet Museum answered my American accented French escorting us part of the
way. (Many Americans say that the French are rude, but except for one or two
exceptions, I failed to see that on this trip. I just thought that I’d throw
that observation in.) Alors, on this pleasant street, the bright green
storefront invited us in. People of all types enjoyed their meals at sidewalk
tables or at tables inside the restaurant.
The menu was basic - one appetizer, 2 choices for the
main course, and one dessert. That day the main course was chicken cooked with
couscous and vegetables or a vegetarian dish with couscous and vegetables. We
had the deliciously seasoned chicken dish as we talked to the people around us.
Sitting at the next table, were two graduate students studying art in Paris.
The café staff chatted with the customers some of whom seemed to be regular
customers. Others may have been new to the café.
It is an experience that I’ll always remember. The
water was served in small cups designed by a local artist. We bought one from
them. Now I have it on a shelf in our living room where I can admire it,
remembering this experience that we were so fortunate to have had.
