While on vacation in London in May 2016, I planned a day trip to Brussels and a day trip to Paris. Due to an error on my part, I missed my train back to London, but was able to catch train to Paris from Brussels the night before I had planned to arrive in Paris with no change of clothes. So I ventured out from my hotel on the 19th of May in second day clothes. Oh and I don't speak French. I found the Parisians to be welcoming people, none more so than at this exceptional restaurant. One way I planned restaurants this trip as I had never ventured out of the states before is if Anthony Bourdain has eaten there. He had eaten at Au Passage. So after venturing via Metro to Montmartre, I tried to find Au Passage. Despite getting directions from several Parisians, it took me forever to locate it. When I arrived around 1:30 p.m., I found it vacant. Eventually Dave came in from another room and said they are no longer open for lunch. (Anthony Bourdain had stated they had great lunch specials when he ate there, but that's been several years ago). Dave (who's from Texas) was able to assist me with narrowing down my overly ambitious list of planned activities as well as recommending lunch at another nearby place on my list. He even prepared a cappuccino for me. He also let me charge my dead iPhone and let me know that Au Passage opened at 7:00 and I could possibly eat there at the bar before leaving to catch my 9:00 p.m. train back to London. I did just that and what a great choice. The whole staff, including but certainly not limited to the owner and Dave, took exquisite care of me: the owner explaining the menu to me in English, vibrant wines, serving me four exceptional tapas-style plates in the span of an hour. My first two tapas were amazing fish cakes and a beef plate. My server went above and beyond when I inquired if I could get one more plate plus dessert before I had to leave in 30 minutes. She worked with the chefs to do just that. See pictures I'll be sharing soon. I can't wait to return. I think of the staff often and fondly since I've returned to the states. I'll be returning to London, Brussels & Paris in April 2017. However, this time I will be planning on staying overnight in Paris so I can enjoy dinner at this lovely restaurant (with a reservation this time) at my leisure on my first day in Paris.

Thoroughly enjoyed my evening at 'Au Passage.' Unfortunately, the first service was all booked out when I called but we managed to get in on the second service which was fine but many of the more interesting items had already disappeared off the menu. Would definitely recommend reserving in advance. The atmosphere is great, really friendly staff and I love that you can watch what's going on in the kitchen as you're waiting for a table. Great place to hang out, share food and make friends.