I’m about to share with you one of the very best parts of traveling around Europe. Is it getting to pass the Duomo in a taxi casually en route to the bank? Or walk Westminster Bridge to run an errand? Or pass a Roman aqueduct while driving in France? I mean, that stuff is cool- but I have to tell that it pales in comparison to the joy I find in getting to see friends we have made along the way in various settings around this lovely continent. When we travel for work, we often get the chance to spend an hour or two with friends over coffee and it’s become one of my favourite things to do. Coffees in Iceland, Sunday roasts in England, and you know- brunch in Paris.

When we were in Paris a few weeks ago, Tyler & I got to meet up with our friends, Ron & Kathryn, for a morning such as this. It started with a last minute Instagram message the night before around 10 and by 9am, we were hopping off the Eurostar and grabbing a cab to meet them. Something about the ease of it all makes us feel a bit more at home living so far away from our families, I guess. It makes big cities and foreign countries feel, well, less foreign.

Anyway, we met up near their place on Saint Germain (so fancy, I tell you) just beside the Luxembourg Gardens at Treize. I’d been wanting to go for a long time, but it wasn’t until I mentioned I would have a massive suitcase with me that Kathryn told me not to worry, because “it was owned by an American.” Perfect. So they didn’t bat an eye at my giant accessory on wheels and they definitely knew their way around a Parisian-by-way-of-the-Delta brunch menu.

We had the best time sitting out in the May morning weather. People passed by and we just sat talking and smiling at the occasional American that would pass us on the way in.

The coffee was great- even the almond latte needs to be mentioned because it was so smooth and creamy. The homemade biscuits are great (though, I wish I’d had some jam if I’m really being picky) and Tyler demolished his pecan-crusted fried chicken and waffles. All in all, it hit the spot for these Texpats needing a little love from back home… even though they were all the way in France.

Treize definitely gets the Aspiring Kennedy stamp of approval. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, the food is delicious, the setting near the Luxembourg Gardens ideal for meeting up and having a nice place to stroll afterwards, and have a strong feeling that I won’t wait all that long before I’m back.