aixcentric

If only the authors of guide books who drool over Provencal markets with such glowing, romantic prose could witness the scene today!  The few brave traders in the cours Mirabeau were packing up by 11, such was the wind; but this unlucky one didn’t strike camp fast enough. 

Estate agents’ publicity was flying through the air and the café terraces were populated by the few committed smokers.

Into the warmth, vite!

Maison Nosh established itself in cours Sextius a couple of years ago – review here (https://aixcentric.com/2015/04/19/snacking-in-aix/)

Now they have opened a branch in the cours Mirabeau, on the right going up, ie. opposite all the cafés.  I wonder if this will start a trend?

Enviable mosaic floor!

It is quite small (seats 42) but like its Sextius branch, nicely designed with sleek  modern fittings, lots of cacti, and a floor that suggests it used to be part of a bank.

The coffee is good, and they offer English-style cakes like lemon, walnut or carrot cake by the slice.  And even trendy chia pudding!  They have salads and also a soup of the day – butternut squash today.

On Sundays, both branches offer brunch but because the premises are small, they have sittings at 11 and 13:00hrs which need to be booked.  Their website states that reservations aren’t necessary for Mirabeau, but the staff told me that Sunday brunch has to be reserved: http://www.maison-nosh.com/aix-en-provence-brunch-dimanche-produits-frais/

‘Papilles by Laurane’ is another good bet for fresh food for lunch.  Proprietor Christophe has a dedicated team who work all morning preparing salads, quiches, plats and soups….and are now offering a plat vegetarien for 13 euros.  A group of us tried this yesterday and found it enjoyable and good value.  It comprised a bowl of cooked lentils, pitta bread with a very nice ratatouille filling and salad topped with warmed goats’ cheese.

Papilles is at 12 ave Victor Hugo, just steps from La Rotonde.  NOTE – it’s closed Saturdays and Sundays, but open all day on weekdays.

Across ave Victor Hugo, towards the bottom of the cours Mirabeau, there’s a newish restaurant called the Corner Bistro.  You may be familiar with it from its original branch in rue Emeric David…it’s very much a burger-bar, but the ones we tried were home-made, very good, accompanied by salads and frites.  On Sunday lunchtimes, they offer brunch. Here’s their menu: http://www.cornerbistro.fr/ Ideal for families with teenagers.

Nice terrace but also a fair bit of seating inside for days like today!