Food Post: Paris Délice

Délice is a French word for “delight”.  When I first saw this café I thought it odd that it chose a spot alongside McDonald’s and Jollibee, the 2 biggest fast food chains in the country.  I know that foot traffic is unusually high in this area because of its proximity to the Makati Central Business District, and Burgos Street (Makati’s hottest entertainment strip today), but will a French café get noticed by the Makati crowd who’s always on the rush?   Let’s check it out.

First off, I found it ironic that a café with a very French name was designed like a modern cafeteria.  I was imagining a Provence-styled cafe, with all-white walls, lots of natural lights, little potted flowers and rustic furniture.   The interiors aren’t bad but the colors and ambiance reminded me of work instead of relaxation.

A post in the middle of the restaurant.  Very distracting.

All breads and pastries are freshly baked at Paris Délice, with the ingredients imported directly from Paris.  The vegetables and dairy products used are sourced from organic farms.

Since we were there on an early Sunday morning, we ordered breakfast meals:  Croissant and Americano Coffee for me (P130.00) and Pain Au Chocolat and Cafe Latte (also P130.00) for AJ.

I love the freshness of our bread and coffee.  The croissants were very soft inside (that’s how I prefer them) and the coffee is strong and of perfect temperature.   I was very happy with this breakfast meal and I suddenly wished I brought a book with me to read while savoring each bite of the croissant and each sip of my coffee.   Maybe next time.

We also tried their Baguette Flambee (P125.00), which is a big slice of baguette bread with sauce au fromage, caramelized onions and crispy bacon bits.   It’s good but could use more bacon bits  =)

I checked out the other offerings at Paris Délice and they all looked good.

A fresh batch of the croissants we ordered:

Overall, I’d rate my experience at Paris Délice as just “fair”.   I liked the croissants and my coffee but I think I’d have enjoyed them better if I’m at the comfort of our apartment, reading a newspaper or a book.   I just think that the restaurant could still improve on its ‘look’ and ‘feel’ to give us, their customers, a complete French experience.   One that evokes a countryside feel.  One that would make workaholics like me  stop to smell the freshly baked bread, try it with freshly brewed coffee, and forget about the 9:00 a.m. meeting   =)

Paris Délice  |  No. 1 Juno Street corner Makati Avenue, Makati City  |  798-0740  |  contact@parisdelice.com.ph  |  www.parisdelice.com.ph