For the Desveaux, the restaurant business has become a family affair: older brothers Baudoin and Grégoire run French canteen Pas Vu Pas Pris on Rue Saulnier, while in January 2015 younger brother Charles struck out on his own, opening Cheri Charlot on Rue Richer. Named for the butcher’s shop that once stood at this address (the boucherie or ‘bou-Cheri-e’ Charlot), the restaurant is essentially a gourmet delicatessen, selling sandwiches at boulangerie prices (€7.50 for a sandwich + drink, or €12 for sandwich + drink + choice of salad or dessert), but in a warm and polished space that feels like a proper bistro. The ambience is enhanced by Edison bulbs, white marble tables and meals served on slate tablets, while one wall of the restaurant is a grocery, stocking local produce (wines, Ardèche stews, smoked sturgeon rillettes), even Bauloise chocolate fondant and organic cookie mixes.
There are eight sandwiches on offer, all prepared on fresh baguettes, with the option to add toppings like pickles, onions or hot peppers. We liked the ‘Moz’, stuffed with mozzarella, white ham and pesto, though the ‘Gorg’ (gorgonzola, acacia honey, nuts) was sadly stingy on the cheese. Still, the chef was happy to add a bit more when we asked. Stop in on your lunch break or for after-work drinks (naturally, this French deli serves cheese and charcuterie platters as well).