POTD: Ici est né le mot ‘Bistro’

From 2022 12 25 Paris

"A taste of Paris,
'Bystro' in every bite,
La Mère Catherine."
—h/t ChatGPT

Today's photo-of-the-day is of La Mère Catherine, a brasserie in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, France, in the Montmartre district. La Mère Catherine claims to be where the word "bistro" originated. In 1814, a group of Russian soldiers there asked for drinks to be served "bystro" (Russian for "quickly"). True or not, it's a good defense when the French blame the invention of the fast food restaurant on Americans. It actually started in Paris.

Note that this photo was taken in late December. Despite the chilly weather, Parisians (or tourists) are eating at outdoor tables, like you see in real cities around the world.

Bonus photos are after the jump.

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From 2022 12 25 Paris

From 2022 12 25 Paris

Place du Tertre, famous for
its painters, cafés, and ambiance