Ok, sooo, I'm not the New York Times, but what the NYT doesn't have is a 10Euros and under Dining experience with a twist. After becoming a regular at Vassula's Place I realised how I accidentally became a resident of Montmartre and all its vices. Vassula's Place is perhaps at the top of my list of vice for those out-of-the-way, tourist-less little places, not to be seen or heard from for a couple of hours while I have my lunch/dinner in what I consider my favourite Greek joint. Yes, this place is a "Joint". This Joint, Vassula's Place, isn't for everyone. Vassula's Place has hardly what I call ambiance or decor. If you like comfortable seating, don't eat here! Loud Greek music at times, don't eat here! A pompous, but lovable Vassula, don't eat here! The local clientele from the Hood (quartier), don't eat here! But if you appreciate authentic Greek indulgences. I mean, to eat and drink like a Greek, with a gusto knowing you'll be well taken care of and well fed by Vassula. This is YiaYia's food. (grandma)
I stumbled upon Vassula's Place one evening while visiting an artist friend in Montmartre (What else?).Vassula's Place or Chez Vassula is a Greek Traiteur (Deli) in the NOT so heart of Montmartre. My attitude on this particular evening was to avoid the world's friend's and families by walking the back end of Montmartre to the metro station, Lamarack-Caulaincourt. Needless to say it took me two hours to get to the metro station after I spotted the Greek Flag posted on the storefront of this tourist-less street. I thought, "Greek Flag on A tourist-less street? Kool, but a bazillion tourists are behind me & just around the corner!!!" As I approached I noticed a group of four gathered outside the storefront sipping on espresso cups and smoking cigarettes, a common Parisian occurrence. "Kalispera", (Good Evening) I blurted out in Greek to the group. Then what followed felt as if an avalanche of sounds fell on my head. I met Vassula. Vassula was rattling off in Greek and then mixing Greek with french, all confusing in a social microsecond where I understood it to be. "Greek coffee is the best! Have a sip!", Vassula said. Alors, I grab the cup and made a discovery. The Greek coffee had a peculiar colour for coffee and then took a sip. For an early evening it was the best coffee I had in my life!! It tasted like Greece. It tasted like Ouzo!! Now, I understand Greek a little better. OOOpa!!!! Hela! (Come)
I am Looking for the Brave Few who care to join me on an Ouzo Excursion. Email If interested.
Vassula's Place
15, rue Andre Barsacq
75018 Paris read more