The Café Crème (espresso with steamed milk) served in a large, white bowl. Unlike a latte, the ratio is stricter, resulting in a robust, bitter-sweet elixir. The Hot Chocolate (Chocolat Chaud) is a point of pride—thick, dark, and almost pudding-like in consistency, served with a pitcher of whipped cream.

To review the menu of Café de Flore is to engage in a paradox. One does not visit this particular establishment—located at 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain—merely to eat. One visits to occupy a space where Sartre deconstructed existence, where Hemingway drank to forget, and where Picasso sketched on napkins.

One of the most iconic drinks on the menu is, of course, the absinthe. This notorious spirit, once a favorite among the Lost Generation, is still served at Café de Flore, albeit in a more measured and responsible manner. For those looking to try this infamous drink, it's best to order it as a "rituel," which includes a sugar cube and a precise pouring technique.

One of the standout dishes on the menu is the sole meunière, a delicate sole fillet served with a zesty lemon-caper sauce and a side of steamed vegetables. Another highlight is the confit de canard, a rich and flavorful duck leg dish served with a side of garlic mashed potatoes and a drizzle of reduced Grand Cru wine.

The plat selection at Flore is defiantly old-school. Do not look for quinoa bowls or avocado toast. Instead, expect: