Cafe Food

It’s been a whirlwind week, squeezing in a buying trip to Paris, as well as a complete overhaul of our shop and café.
Paris was an adventure. The car was stuffed to bursting point with new café furniture but all Pierre seemed interested in on our return was the food.
“So what did you eat in Paris?” he asked enviously, trying hard to hide his anger at being left behind.
“During the day we ate some wonderful café food – charcuterie platters, goat’s cheese and tomato on toasted pain de campagne – just like at French Living”
“Yuk, I don’t like goat’s cheese” added Nina, in an attempt to show that they really had not missed out on much.
“And what about at night?” continued Pierre
“Well, we ate some delicious meals just like the dinners you eat at home” I explained comfortingly, trying to ease the envy.
And it was true. We chose unsophisticated restaurants that served real tasty food with no flamboyant pretension. Nina and Pierre seemed happy with that.
And so from a beautiful Paris we returned to a dusty, unrecognisable shop and café, filled with joiners, electricians and plumbers.
“Oh my goodness, this will never be ready for next week” I exclaimed in horror at the chaotic destruction of my precious café.
The next few days felt like I was playing a role in one of those make-over programmes where the count-down begins, the problems accumulate and everyone is thinking this will never be ready on time.
But as in all these TV formats, miracles happen. The shop and café opened on time, with the fridges bursting with cheeses, hams and salamis, baskets brimming with croissants, brioches and baguettes and customers flooding back in to take a look.
Unfortunately at home, the fridge was empty.
“Oh well, you’ll just have to come to French Living for lunch” I declared.
“Do children go to your café?” asked a curious Pierre
“Sometimes. Now we have more room, maybe more children will come in” I added optimistically.
Being an astute eight year old, Pierre’s concern was not the space. He was doubtful that his school pals would even try French filled baguettes as a quick lunch-time option.
“I’m having the salami comte baguette, with salad and vinaigrette” quipped Nina confidently
“I’m having a charcuterie platter like you had in Paris” said Pierre throwing me one of his cheeky grins.