26 Mar 2013

cafe bouquiniste


Flanking the left bank of the Seine are les bouquinistes. Chocolate box like stalls that fold open to reveal hidden literary treasures, antiquarian etchings and rare prints. An eclectic gathering of souls and wares alike luring riverside strollers to bend just that little bit closer to leaf through a well thumbed tome.  At night they shut tight like clams and gone are the textures, the colours, the smells. Come the next morning the sellers turn the keys of their green jack in the boxes and a bounty of visual food bursts out.

To drive by Café Bouquiniste at night is to pass a sombre green Parisian book seller. With it's lights turned off all trace of the carnival inside is gone. However as sleepy bodies rouse and cast their noses to the air in search of coffee scent this little world comes to life. An ever evolving space where paintings are propped against vintage teapots. Dried blooms and leaves hang from here and there and a higgeldy piggedly array of books greet you at every turn.

I watch entranced as the beautiful girl behind the counter cuts slice after slice of a luscious raspberry cake. Not the stereotypical cloying ganache filled varieties often found in coffee houses but a moist crumbed round slathered with buttery icing that would be home amongst your Grandmother's morning tea offerings.  The cafe is buzzing with all walks of life and the staff dance to a quick tempo in order to satisfy their patrons' hungry bellies. Amidst all this flurry she plucks tiny fresh orchids from a mass and rains them over each and every piece of cake her hands touch. I am thrilled I ordered it.

A slab of marble atop an old crate forms the low table where we perch watching our babies devour fresh orange, apple, carrot and ginger juices. Around us is all bohemian colour, raw timber and cinnamon yogurt topped fruit salad. Swirls of vintage teaspoons, french literature and genuine smiles for our little people. A tiny doored little nook of this beautiful city where the atmosphere alone lowers your shoulders and curls the corners of your mouth. Quirk and character, simplicity and substance. Sublime.

Steph x

11 comments:

  1. My mouth is watering! Raspberry cake... Mmmmm... This cafe looks so delightful!

    Sophie xo

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  2. After reading Sophie's account of your day together and now this I can't wait to get back to Brisbane to do some much longed for exploring.
    Steph you really have such a magical way with words..you should seriously think about writing a book :)

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    1. Writing a book...what a beautiful thought dear Tammi (and so very kind of you to say!). Oh a potter around this old town would be magnificent :) xx

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  3. We used to live right down the street from Cafe Bouquiniste and I was a frequent customer right from the very day they opened their doors.

    That is where I first feel in love with raspberry white chocolate yogurt cake...their version with the creamy frosting is heaven.

    And how beautiful is your daughter's dress!

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    1. It is a gorgeous wee place and yes the cake is divine! Ta about my honey girl's dress...a Mumma made affair. Hope your week is a lovely one x

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  4. it looks divine. one to add to my loose collections of 'when i visit brisbane' x

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  5. What a quaint, warm and welcoming place! I love it. And I love your writing... you have a beautiful way with words!

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  6. Love the cute little top your little one is wearing. It's beautiful!

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  7. Your images make me want to drive to New Farm and order a coffee (not that I drink the stuff) just so I can enjoy the surroundings. But your words take me there.

    http://iliska-dreams.blogspot.com.au/

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  8. Don't the kids look so alike in their profiles here! Kellie xx

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Your words brighten my day! Thank-you so much for joining me on my adventure. x