This restaurant has changed adress : 126 avenue parmentier, Paris 11e
A sweet little canteen that puts sustainability to the fore, Bloom sits on the Rue de la Forge Royale just behind Bastille, in the shelter of a park. Done out in second-hand furniture, the space feels a bit like a charmingly dilapidated classroom. Behind it all is Pauline, who make sure that the menu is made from 100% organic produce from certified local producers, cooks the homemade meals and serves customers, all without batting an eyelid.
The lunch menus cost between €12 and €15. We tried some toothsome salads topped with grilled goat's cheese and toast, then vegetarian lasagne and a main dish of meatballs. The dishes are generous, inventive and well-presented, made by someone who knows that the details matter. On Thursday and Friday evenings, as well as the daily menu, you can rock up for a beer (we like the Vexin or the Gâtine, €4.50), a glass of wine (€4) or a bottle of cider (€9), while snacking on pâtés, cakes, vegetable tarts, goat's cheese and other nibbles. At weekends, all this goodness goes in service of brunch (menus at €19 and €23).