A Craving Must Always be Satisfied When Possible
I decided it was a good idea to trek across several arrondissements, collecting thousands of steps on my iPhone health app, to arrive at the wildly popular Parisian breakfast spot — Holybelly 5.
I will walk great lengths in any weather when something far in the distance will please my tastebuds. Pancakes glistening under syrup, berries, and toasted hazelnuts on social media will definitely lure me out. And, so, on Saturday, mid-morning, I wove my way up to the 10th arrondissement and 45 minutes later, arrived at a long line of Parisians and tourists waiting for a coveted spot in the restaurant for their first meal of the day.
Thirty-five minutes into the line, I was close enough to scrutinize the menu on the window, and my eyes immediately zeroed in on the “Sweet Stack.” Despite five other parties being in front of me, I was lucky when the host pointed at me and said, “We have an opening for you.”
I was seated at the bar, with a prime perch in front of the bustling kitchen. Chefs doled out pancake batter onto hot skillets in perfectly symmetrical discs and sizzled strips of bacon nearby.
Their Motto is “It’s Good Because We Care”…
The host came by a few times, giving friendly updates about the ETA of my pancakes, offering me Wi-Fi, and refills on my beverages.
Then, finally, the pancakes arrived. I drizzled syrup from a small glass container, dug my fork in, and took three layers of pancakes in one big bite.
Soft, hot, sweet with a subtle hit of savory to balance it, all enrobed in organic maple syrup. My only lament is that there were not three more layers after my long, hungry wait.
The pancakes brought me across several arrondissements for a satisfying morning meal. And the friendly service will bring me back.
Holybelly
5 Rue Lucien Sampaix
Paris, France 75010
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