Country Burguers sur Grenade

Passing through the neighborhood after a stroll through La Campagne à Paris, we stopped here for a refreshing drink. We went in as tourists and left with a story. I went to order at the counter, and Alex, the owner, served me. Three Perrier lemons, two Evian lemonades, and two Americanos: €24 for the table. The walls are covered with photos of him surrounded by faces from the entertainment and political worlds—it's hard not to want to ask questions. I did, and we ended up chatting at length about his career and his life. A real character, and quite a story. So yes, you have to know what you're getting into. The brasserie has remained unchanged for over thirty-five years, and I brought the bottles to our table myself. It didn't bother me for a second, because that's precisely what makes the place special. For example: where elsewhere they might put a drop of syrup at the bottom of my son's glass, here Alex handed me the bottle and let me pour it as I wished. Authenticity, an owner who takes the time to talk. It's increasingly rare, and that's precisely why it's so memorable.