My first stop in
Lyon, for the reason that it was the only shop open at 9 in the morning when I
arrived, was Paul.
I had first heard
of Paul through a friend’s Facebook post as she raved about their hot chocolate
in (I think) London (or some other European country). It had not landed in the
Philippines yet at the time (2011/2012) so I was ecstatic to have a try of
their pastries for breakfast.
I mean, look at this eye candy.
Pretty as this is though, it was quite a let-down.
The hot
chocolate, the croissant and another pastry I had … all underwhelming. It was
utter disappointment.
I told my French
friends about this and they all – separately – said, “Well, yes, because it’s
industrial.”
So Paul is to the
French patisserie what Starbucks is to the Italian café (I confess though that
I still like Starbucks as a reliable morning pick-me-up). IT was eye-candy for
sure. It was easy to spot, with a very determinative look. But it is no way
representative of what French bread or French pastries taste like.
The experience
here was waaaay different from having a bite at L’Enotre, which wins you over
in a bite.
Don't waste your time here if you ever find yourself in France. Just hit the one at SM Aura while you in Fort Bonifacio.
