Paul believes in the old-world view that eating well is good for our well-being, even if you’re doing a classic croque monsieur (pork not chicken), with a side of crispy bacon, but they also have masala egg bhurji and egg-white omelette just in case.
The vibe
You walk in to a black frontage, echoing the look and feel of their 33 outlets abroad.
The cafe, with full-glass windows (overlooking a parking area, sadly) and a grey-and-oak interior, first opened in the town of Croix, in France in 1889.
Started by agricultural workers Charlemagne Mayot and his wife, the idea is to feed people until their bellies are full.
The music at Paul is low, and the staff friendly, making it a perfect place for long conversations. And coffee.
Do try
Grilled Salmon
The meats that are all imported: the salmon from Norway, the lamb from New Zealand, so you know you’re getting the best. The Pommes Vanilla Spritzer that’s filled with little bits of apples and herbs is refreshing, while the Grilled Tiger Prawns with Sauce Romesco and Butter Veggies had the salivary glands going. However, all veggies are sourced locally.
So no tweaking of dishes, I ask. “When we curated the menu, we did not keep it 100 per cent French. Rather, our dishes have European flavours,” says Executive Chef Lokesh Jaiswal.
Skip
This isn’t the place to go after a whisky-soaked evening, because you’re not going to get spice-laden anything. It’s also moulded itself to an Indian palate, perhaps to ensure there’s a resonance here, so don’t expect the same menu here, as you would in the original.
Go with
The idea of a European casual dining experience with an extended breakfast (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.), and alcohol between 12 noon till 11: 45 p.m. It’s a tranquil mall stop when you’re shopping, and want to escape the sale crowd. You could also pick up bread on the go (cheese benoiton) with French butter, no less.
Space bar
Spread across 3,000 square feet, the restaurant can seat 150 people.
How much?
₹1,500 for two (sans alcohol)
Reach
Ground floor, Ambience Mall, NH 8, Sector 24; Closest metro: Moulsari Avenue, on the Rapid Metro.
