Placid seems like nothing special at first: a classic spot for shooting back espressos that respects the norms of the genre (exposed stone walls, Scandi-cool furniture, Edison light bulbs). But in reality, it’s a coffee shop that stands out from the crowd thanks not only to the beans (Placid Roasters) from barista Alex Martins (ex-Mokxa), but also the Asian cuisine by Adrien Fabius, a former graphic designer whose pho soup made with beef broth, rice noodles and a triple dose of black Angus steak (strips of flank steak, cubed shank and meatballs) reinvigorates as much as it satisfies. A real treat, which we paired the other day at lunch with some greasy cassava fries dipped into either homemade sriracha or curry rémoulade, followed by a good slice of pan-fried brioche, with whipped coconut cream and spiced pineapple. Other options served à la carte include banh mi sandwiches, lemongrass chicken curry, chocolate banana bread, etc. // A.S.
FEELING THIRSTY? Espresso (€2), filtered coffee (€4) and a few natural wines – including an Alsatian white from Julien Meyer (€5 a glass) and an Hérault red from Catherine Bernard (€31 a bottle).
PRICE: Pho €16, à la carte €20-31.
