Travels in France: Charcuterie @ Café le Petit Pont - Paris

Sopressata. Prosciutto. Country Pate. Parmesan cheese. Soft cheeses. Crusty baguette. Sprigs of arugula. Tomato confit?

Charcuterie can be presented with a wide variety of meats cheeses, spreads, and pickled products. The art rests in the presentation, however. And while in France, I would be presented with plenty.

Literally, I was to have 24 hours in Paris before we were to jet off to Athens, Greece. My first day ever in Paris. My first day on the European continent. A reunification with my youngest daughter, @noexpatations, and her husband, @pouasson, after six months apart.

After meeting me at Charles de Gaulle airport, tears, joy, a long embrace, we whisked off on a whirlwind tour of Paris. The Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triumph. It was one of those days that seemed to stretch the very bonds of time.

It was a cold, drizzly March day in Paris. Intermittent snow punctuated Winter's argument that he was not done with us yet. We were on foot, but warmed by the excitement of being together. The bitter French cold, as aloof and sometimes cynical as the Parisians themselves, could not freeze our fervor to endure and explore.

The Spire of Notre Dame

In retrospect, one of my most heart-wrenching regrets is not venturing into the medieval Cathedral of Notre Dame. Just across the river, we were tired, cold, and hungry. We had been considering a cozy spot to break bread for some time when, while reaching the eastern edge of the Petit Pont (The Little Bridge of Paris), under the shadow of the Spire of Notre Dame, we saw the Café le Petit Pont. Offering shelter, rest, and the promise of good French food and wine, we took our leave and found a spot within to rest and refresh.

This photo, taken from my seat inside the cafe, is all that I would experience of Notre Dame on this trip. And although I would spend a few more days in Paris after our return from Athens a few days later, we didn't make it back to the Cathedral. And while I vowed, and eventually fulfilled, an oath to return to her on a future trip, fire claimed much of the beauty of this 800 year old church in the interim.

In the USA, we'd call the Café le Petit Pont a 'hole in the wall.' In the summer, the Café would double in size with all of the outdoor seating. But on this March day, sleet precluded even the heartiest tourist the slightest opportunity to dine outside. So what one is left with is a modest interior of possibly 20 tables, arranged, hopefully, with a view of the outdoors. The river Seine. The Petit Pont Bridge. And if you were lucky, a strong sightline on the Cathedral of Notre Dame. And as you can see, I was lucky in Paris that cold, March day.

Le Charcuterie Board

It was a simple, but delectable board. Served on a plain plank, draped across rustic, oaken tables, the meats and cheeses were left all the responsibility of entertaining.

This serving proved deceptive. When the charcuterie was first brought out, I thought there was no way there would be enough for all three of us. But the meats and pate are so rich, your stomach soon surrenders despite the eyes desire for more conquest.

I do not recall the wine I chose, but it was such a lovely, iridescent plum color. It paired perfectly with the meats, and did not overmatch the cheeses. I noted just how elegant the wine and glass appeared against that table top, however.

I have to imagine that the main draw to a charcuterie board is more than the food upon it. It is the act of congregating together. Of pecking away at the cured meats and cheeses, while sipping wine, enjoying the company of others.

There is no rush. No race to eat your share. It is a small feast of friends. Converging to converse over wine, cheese, meats, and other small spreads and flavors. The art of being together in France is punctuated by their food and wine, but the French remain the main characters in their own, savory story.

Located on the bank of the Seine, just past Place de Petit Pont, Café le Petit Pont is worthy of your attention. Although dressed up to attract tourists visiting the Notre Dame, there appeared to be a fair share of locals dining there, which is an excellent indication of quality.

After our stop to break bread and wine together, we pushed back out into the French freeze and continued our tour of the city. We turned away from the river, and to the limited shelter of the narrower streets to hide from the wind.

More adventures awaited...