She Dines: A Taste of Paris in Detroit
“She wanted to die, but she also wanted to live in Paris.”
Not sure about the whole dying thing but I certainly would love to live in Paris! If Paris were a person, it would be a she - an exquisite she - a woman of effortless style, cultural awareness, and an ability to create sheer loveliness. She is clearly the esteemed patroness of the latest eatery in Detroit’s West Village - La Bohéme. This cutie pie of a café is perfect for getting my French fix until Madame Paris and I are officially besties.
Salad, china, pastry and art gallery at La Bohéme by April Eileen
I had the pleasure of meeting one of the proprieters, Jean Jeannot, when I stumbled in after grabbing tea from Sister Pie. “La Bo-em!” I exclaimed. “I’ve been meaning to get here!” Jean congratulated me on my near-perfect pronunciation before telling me that the café was closed and directing me to the hours on the door. I grimaced but was delighted. I hadn’t been rebuffed by a Frenchman since I asked for an English menu at a restaurant in the 5th arrondissement. #menudenied #figureditout #foodwasfantastic
What kind of foodie would I be if I let a little thing like shop hours stop me from partaking of la nourriture? I vowed to return and return I did and this time, I didn’t even have to use my 2nd grade French speaking skills to have a great experience. I soon noticed all of the details that make La Bohéme so quaint and charming - flower-shaped smoked salmon, ornate teacups and silverware, and two clocks on the wall to ensure that guests know the time in Detroit and Paris. They have a light breakfast and lunch menu with yummy French fare, a solid tea selection, and several pretty pastries (I couldn’t resist the Marie Antoinette). Also, if you take a peek downstairs, there is a small gallery (surprise!) that’s currently displaying Emmy Perryman’s photography.
La Bohéme’s got a little something for everyone so if you’re ever in Detroit and up for a little taste of Paris, check it out and tell me what you think.
UPDATE: Sadly, La Bohéme is no more. C’est dommage. Mark Kurlyandchik of the Detroit Free Press has speculated that the notoriously competitive restaurant market may have reached a saturation point in Detroit. Over the past several years, fellow foodies have watched with delight as the Detroit food scene expanded at light speed. Unfortunately, many restaurants have not been able to sustain themselves in the frenzy and have had to close their doors. Perhaps this is the story of La Bohéme. Regardless, it will join other formidable establishments in the annals of Detroit’s restaurant renaissance history.
Love in all things,
April Eileen
