What a wonderful surprise in Paris. First, let me say that I'm the kind of traveler that wants to a) avoid chains, and b) avoid anything other than the local fare. So why did I end up in Cosi in Paris, and why am I raving about it?
I ended up in Cosi in Paris completely by accident. It's disguised. We were simply walking down side streets on the way to Notre Dame looking for an escape from the heat, and lunch. I wanted something French, actually. But everywhere it was one after the other of the same cute little street cafes, lovely enough, but would consume an hour, drain us of Euros, and deprive us with the usual expensive tiny amounts of water in Europe. I just wanted a sandwich shop--fast, reasonable cost, and with something to drink. There was nothing---until suddenly there was this cute little place, open to the street, with friendly smiling employees inviting us in and cool sandwiches listed on the wall. Maybe it was the smiles (they don't do this much in Paris). Anyway, we all thought "great!", let's go here. We ordered, went upstairs, searched for WiFi, found it, and I noticed the access point was called "cosi...." something, only then did I realize what we had done.
I am raving about it because the prices were great, the atmosphere was great, and the food was also great. Even the free Wifi worked. The sandwiches almost passed for European sandwiches, just more creative and interesting. Quite delicious! Anyway, I felt mixed feelings about spending our Paris lunch slot in an American chain restaurant, but really you barely even realize it and the experience is top notch.
The amazing bonus is nice, friendly, smiling people. Kind of an oasis in Paris! read more