Paul- The Ultimate Boulangerie

I escaped to the brightly-lit, too-clean, air-conditioned mall yesterday to work. Not for the inspiration, but more for the change of scene. Because in the downstairs, next to the Etam, Devred, and all those people-watchers who loiter on benches, there is a Paul. Oh, how I love Paul. The perfectly flakey crossaints, buttery pain au chocolat, dainty cakes and mouth-watering pastries. Who cares if it's a bobo chain that has an outlet in just about every train station in France. Actually, I wish there were more stores, maybe in Alexandria, Virginia and San Francisco (and not just the three measy little outlets in South Florida). Among all the couples, and older mothers and daughters, and university kids enjoying their afternoon gouter, I sipped a delicious cappucino and worked. Of course my coffee cup was accompanied by a perfect little profiterole on the side. Yum.