Brasserie Bofinger was opened in 1864 and has a reasonable claim to being the first of the Parisian brasseries. It was quite tiny in those days, not much larger than a bar serving draught beers and charcuterie. Today it takes up the whole street of rue de la Bastille with bright red awnings embellished with a large gold "B." The rich dark woods, shining brass and banquettes are remarkable, but the focal point is the intricate glass dome above the main dining room. Bofinger seats 300 and each day a staff of around 100 serve over 800 dinners. Although tourists have found this brasserie, it has a reputation as a place where French writers, academics and politicians frequent.
I was taken with the fine wood doors and lace-curtained windows,
allowing only a slight glimpse inside.
Brasserie Bofinger,
5-7, rue de la Bastille
75004, Paris
Oooh, I love this shot! So mysterious. I'd love to pass through those doors and participate in the plotting of a robbery, assassination, or some other heinous crime...
ReplyDeleteWhat?! No forbidden photo of the interior dome? ;-) Tant pis...another reason we have to go back to Paris!
ReplyDeleteBut I do love this shot with the contrast of textures of worn wood, smooth glass and lace.
I've heard of this place. Wonderful glimpse of it.
ReplyDeleteIt just oozes in old world charm. You've captured it beautifully Genie.
ReplyDeleteSam
I'm with Holly ... let's go get some stealth interior photos (and sample some of their cuisine and vin as well)! Love the mysterious scene you have created!
ReplyDeleteYes, this brasserie has the look exactly of a place I would image artistic people would be drawn to, it looks like something out of a 1950's french movie in B&W Genie.
ReplyDeleteFrom the Place, B certainly stands out--but your writing makes me realize that I've never, ever been inside. Perhaps I should remedy this.
ReplyDeleteA charming place for sure.I like the angle in this picture, the curtains are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLéia
but it's very noisy for writers, isn't it?
ReplyDeletePeter, Mary, Ownen, JB and I gathered at the smaller version across the street last June for lunch. I didn't think to try and nose around this one and see inside though. I love the lace curtains!
ReplyDeleteV
Not only am I having Blogger issues, it appears that I cannot type/spell either... aaaarg! (later, mes amis)
ReplyDeleteThe lace curtains definitely would pull me in!
ReplyDeleteHandsome, Genie. Surely you fired off a few inside shots to show us soon.
ReplyDeleteLooks and sounds like such a great place! Love the lace curtains! Terrific capture as always, Genie! Have a wonderful evening, mon amie!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Sylvia
Lovely photo Genie. Beautiful entry and I love this photo in the black and white.
ReplyDeleteKris
I love brasseries, but was disappointed that many or maybe all the large, well-known ones have been bought by the Flo group. Some fared well; I still found Julien very good a year or two ago, but La Coupole was another story. Haven't been to Bofinger in years. Did you eat there?
ReplyDeleteSo it's the rive droit version of Les Deux Magots.
ReplyDeletePerfect, Genie—but you know that some interior shots are called for now. Maybe we could go together one of these days. Bibi is so right about the Flo group though. Last time I went to my fave Brasserie Balzar, the food was still pretty good but the service not so much. (You can only imagine how much I like being treated like an ignorant tourist, especially at a place that's been getting my business for 40 years!)
ReplyDeleteGenie, just happened onto your beautiful bog this evening. I'm actually visiting in Paris at the moment and I'm your newest follower. ;-)
ReplyDeleteLove the lace cafes. I am so wanting to visit Paris again. Just when i think I saw everything there you show me that there is so much more to see. Love visiting it again throu your pics.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful photo. It's so retro.
ReplyDeleteTout le charme de Paris dans cette devanture !
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful wood. Your B+W does it justice.
ReplyDeleteAnd when I was in Paris I ate there - TWICE. Their seafood was fantastic!
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone else besides me know how they keep the line for dinner organized? They don't take reservations....you have to wait....
I think it's supposed to be beautiful inside? You've got me curious now. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat shot and history.
ReplyDeleteDarryl and Ruth :)
Merci to all for the comments...
ReplyDeleteI have read that if you are staying in a very upscale hotel, the concierge will arrange for you to dine under the dome, but that will not be happening pour moi!
Alexa, alons-y!
Welcome, Sarah and Roseann!
Cross your fingers for me that Blogger will actually post my next post in a few hours... I may get up and check to see.
Bises,
Genie
Nice nostalgic decision, suited for the 100+year old place !
ReplyDeleteDefinitely on my list for my next visit in Paris! love this window as well.
ReplyDeleteMerci beaucoup pour le info, Genie!
I seem to remember that Bofinger came originally from Alsace? Oui ou Non?
karin
Now this is a spot I want to visit!!!
ReplyDeleteAdore this. Such beautiful textures and could we be anywhere but Paris!
ReplyDeleteFor some reason I find this place intimidating. Have never been able to talk myself into entering.
ReplyDelete