When traveling I want to see the real deal, where the locals go, to step off the beaten path and taste the daily life.
Sure it is good to see the sites, but after a day or two I want to be part of the scene. I guess that is why when traveling I enjoy going to the market, or a local cafe, or a brocante, or having my hair done in places far from home... I feel like I am entering into the atmosphere of what makes a place tick.
Our friend Patrice and Nathalie have a restaurant in Marseille where the locals hang out. It is a ten minute walk from the port of Marseille in a neighborhood that is off the beaten path of tourists, but certainly of the daily path of the locals.
Every morning at seven the first wave comes in for their quick cup of espresso...
Petit dejeuner: Coffee, tea or hot chocolate
Two pastries (croissant, pain au chocolat, or a tartine (baguette with butter and jam) and
a glass of Fresh squeezed orange juice for 4,80 Euros.
Lunch is a set menu on the chalkboard as well, whatever is fresh and delicious at the market. Today's menu was lamb, or fish, broccoli gratin, salad, and dessert for 9,80 Euros.
Must have their homemade chocolate with Speculoous and at lunch have the homemade flan for dessert.
Nathalie and Patrice are our neighbors, though their business is in Marseille.
A cafe/restaurant: Les Bars du Moment
19 rue du Docteur Escat,
Marseille, 13006
They are open Monday through Saturday,
Seven to Four.
Even if you don't speak a word of French you will feel like you are their new BFF in the first five minutes. They are salt of the earth kind of people.
What is one of your local favorites?