Caléo Café

The dishes arrived. Roasted carrots with cumin, paprika, hummus on one side, roasted pear toast with shallots and goat cheese on the other

It all began at Comptoir Florian. As I watched a woman order enormous bags of tea, I thought about the equally large family that must be waiting for her at home. She was clearly a connoisseur, meticulously selecting each flavor she intended to take with her. In talking with her, I understood that Zoé wasn’t there to supply her entire family with tea but rather for the loyal patrons of Caléo Café, located just a stone’s throw away.

Reflecting on that touching moment, we stepped through the door a few weeks later. We settled at the counter, near the window, for a carrot, apple, and ginger juice (€4.80) with Zoé. She told us about her childhood at the Ultime Atome – her father’s restaurant, followed by her jobs in the hospitality industry, and the opportunity that eventually presented itself here, in this neighborhood she loves so much, leading to the creation of Caléo Café.

The dishes arrived. Roasted carrots with cumin, paprika, and maple syrup, hummus, and hazelnuts (€13) on one side, roasted pear toast with shallots and goat cheese (€13) on the other. It’s a burst of sunshine. Behind this monthly changing menu is Paul, who honed his skills in more upscale establishments before wanting to return to the familiarity of a neighborhood place. We finished with a coconut cappuccino (€3.40) and a slice of lemon chia cake (€3.80), fresh as can be to end on a high note.

As we unhooked our Cowboys, left on the small square opposite, we observed the tables outside. Spring was beginning to show, and this terrace felt like an invitation to return, which we will certainly do, very soon.