Merce, the Muse and Moi

Merce Muse of the recently opened Merce and the Muse café in Paris pronounces her name like the French word for thank you, namely « merci. » An appropriate moniker since, after visiting her café for the first time today, I just want to say, “Merci, Merce!” Finally – an American café in Paris that’s actually, well, an American café in Paris and a far cry from places like Coffee Parisien or Joe Allen serving up greasy diner-like American fare. The new petite shop on the rue Dupuis in le “Haut Marais” (the très chic part of le Marais and my current favorite neighborhood) offers good coffee (and, may I add, delicious tea), freshly-baked scones, muffins (or, as the French call them, “les moo-feenz”) and cakes plus quiche, sandwiches and creative salads for lunch. The café feels like a New York coffee shop with a cool vintage look – old magazines, a typewriter and books (including Daphne du Maurier’s “Rebecca,” an excellent choice) are spread out all over. A winding staircase leads to the second floor kitchen where Merce and her team make their homemade food every day … well, every day but Monday when Merce and her muse take a break. The café opened just a couple of weeks ago, but is already the talk of the town, or at least the village of the Haut Marais crowd. I definitely plan to go back soon - you might say I like Merce beaucoup.
So merci, Merce, and thanks for muffin'!

Here's a scene from the café (special thanks to videographer Nikita Croissant) :