K- I don’t buy lunch very often as I usually make it at home and bring it with me. Sometimes I will eat out with friends and on occasion, when I’ve forgotten my lunch and left it on the kitchen counter, I will go out and buy something but I’m usually not too happy about it – until now.
La Maison Paul has opened up a shop at Farragut North, 1000 Connecticut Ave NW, which is a couple of blocks away from my office. So I’m quite excited to forget my lunch as it gives me an excuse to pick up a Sandwich Atlantique with smoked salmon, lettuce, lemon cream spread, fresh tomatoes on a Paul sesame baguette. The baguette is nice and crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside just like it should be. The salmon, lettuce and tomatoes taste fresh – no fishy taste here – and the lemon cream spread adds a nice finish and doesn’t overwhelm.
I’ve also picked up a baguette to bring home as well as the eclairs that taste like a bit of chocolate heaven. The first time I had one I only bought one and shared it. Now, I don’t share, I’d rather buy two!
At lunchtime Paul does become crazy busy so be prepared to wait, order online or get their earlier or later.
Okay… I wrote the first part of this post and forgot to take photos as I was so enthusiastic to tuck into my lunch. So, I went back another day but decided to pick up something later in the afternoon to take home for dinner. Sadly, I was a little disappointed. There was only one eclair left and one Sandwich Atlantique, which looked a bit tired. I decided rather than one eclair and sharing it, I’d try a blueberry tart. I also asked if there were any other Sandwich Atlantiques (my heart and stomach was set on this type of sandwich) and was told that was it. As I was handed it, I looked it over and the lettuce and tomatoes just looked like it had been sitting there for quite a bit (although in the photo it does look much better). I asked if I could have another and they said it would have to be made in the kitchen – I said I didn’t mind. I’m almost certain I got the same sandwich in another bag. The lettuce was still a bit wilting and there was very little salmon. It wasn’t bad but it wasn’t the amazing sandwich I had previously had.
My advice – at least at Farragut North – go in the early afternoon, you have a better, wider choice with fresher sandwiches.
@Paul_USA has locations in Georgetown, Foggy Bottom, Penn Quarter and now at Tyson’s Galleria in McLean!
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