Terminus Nord (Gourmet Chick in France)

Before hopping on the Eurostar to leave Paris I managed to squeeze one more meal in across the road from the Gare du Nord train station. The sign above the door at Terminus Nord reads 1925 and this is a place that does what it says on the tin. It appears that nothing has changed since the golden days of train travel at this classic French brassiere. Brass railings divide the leather banquettes into snugs and every centimetre of the place exudes 1920's Paris from the mosaic floor to the faded art deco mural that adorns one wall. The menu offers all the classics you would expect: oysters, snails, steak, fries and tarte tartin.

Waist coat clad waiters scurry from table to table nimbly dodging piles of luggage. Everyone here is coming or going from Gare du Nord. It is really a matter of squeezing in one last meal as I have spent so much of my time eating in Paris that I don't really have much of an appetite left and I am also running short on time before my train leaves. Still, I am happy to seize the opportunity to sink back into the leather seating and indulge in a bowl of French onion soup with cheese glazed croute. When my soup arrives I realise that all the French onion soup I have eaten to this day has been just a pale imitation. This is the real deal. Rich dark liquid topped with huge hunks of bread which drip with melted cheese. The cheese congeals into the soup until each spoonful of soup clings to the tureen through a spiders web of cheese. It is the perfect farewell to a snow covered Paris.

Details: Terminus Nord, 23 rue de Dunkerque 75010, Paris, France (33(0)1 4285 0515)

Damage: Reasonable

7/10

You might also be interested in: more Parisian dining escapades at Mama Shelter and Sorza.