It didn’t take me long to get comfortable in London. I became a master of the Tube. I knew my way around town without getting lost. And I fell into a daily routine. One of them was grabbing a tea and a sweet at Paul.
Paul is a family owned French Patisserie, that can be found all over London. I discovered Paul while walking back to my hotel . I had just finished a meeting, was tired, hungry and desperately needed a cup of tea. A big picture window with these amazing and sinful pastries caught my eye and I immediately was drawn in. One step and I felt like I was in Paris. Wooden counters with pasties, tarts, quiches and baguettes on display and the workers wearing chef whites and hats. The cafe in the back was bustling with people enjoying cafe au laits and other savory treats. I got in line and prepared for my special treat.
Of course I wanted something sweet but needed food too. “Don’t eat so much now”; my head is telling me. “Dinner is in a couple of hours.” I decide to grab a slice of Sicilian style pizza and a cup of tea. Then I see it. Fresh Apricot tart. Mmmmm. I have them wrap up my tart but decide to take my pizza and tea on the run. By the time I got to my hotel, my bag was screaming – APRICOT TART, APRICOT TART. So I rip open by box and savor my treat.
Picture a flaky crust that was a cross between puff pastry and filo dough. The filling was this decadent and creamy pastry cream with sliced apricots on top that were tart and sweet at the same time. And to top if off, a dusting of powdered sugar on top. Sacre bleu!
I visited this cafe almost every day. Just being inside made be happy and smile. So it was appropriate that on my last day, I would visit Paul one last time. What did I order? My usual…tea and apricot tart. I decided to enjoy it while sitting in Trafalgar Square.
My time in London was fantastic and leaving is bittersweet. The people I met, the food I ate and the places I discovered will be etched in my mind forever. I absolutely LOVE this city and it will always have a warm place in my heart. So good-bye for now but……. Cheapeats will be back soon.
Happiness, $25 and under.