Mons in Les Halles de Lyon - Paul Bocuse

Very near our apartment is a place called Les Halles de Lyon - Paul Bocuse.  This is a gourmand’s 

Mons in Les Halles de Lyon - Paul Bocuse

wonderland!  Nothing but the best – meats, bakery goods, confections, wines, sea food, fresh fruits and vegetables, cheese, spices…you get the picture.  One of our favorite places there is Mons, a fromagerie  (cheese shop).  Mons is primarily a retail establishment; one can just go in and tell them what the event is and what wine will be served, and they will offer you the perfect cheese – many times more than one choice.  The manager, Etienne Boissy, has been awarded the honor of Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 2007*.  That certainly speaks well for the establishment! And, Mons also has a small counter with stools where they serve a variety of cheese plates, accompanied by bread and the appropriate wines as well as small repasts.  Just the thing for a toasty day when no one wants to cook, and who could turn down their cheese, anyway?

A quick side note on cheese…The French take their cheese very seriously.  Cheese is a very important part of any proper dinner in France and comes just before the dessert.  (We have caused stifled gasps and raised eyebrows when we’ve mentioned the American habit of offering cheese as an appetizer.) There are often several cheeses offered during the cheese course, and they are to be eaten in the proper order.  A place like Mons has many choices of every type of cheese imaginable (around 200); they vary by place of origin, age, and price.  It’s a cheese-lover’s paradise and definitely the place to pick up the perfect cheeses for that night's cheese course.

Cheese board with salad and bread.

Anyway, we have had a late lunch/early dinner at Mons’ counter twice so far this stay.  Both times have been very enjoyable – not only because the food (cheese!!) has been great, but also because of the atmosphere and servers.  In both cases the manager has come over to make sure everything was to our liking and exchange pleasantries. And, on both occasions, our servers have spoken English as well as French and have been happy to share stories about why they can speak English. (This time our server had lived in Auburn, WA and worked for a cheese company there as well as their shop in Pike Place Market and elsewhere.)   Anna has had the “chef’s choice of salads” (thinly sliced smoked duck breast and warm, soft goat cheese slices on a large toasted croutons on a bed of various greens and tomato slices with a light balsamic vinaigrette) both times.  David had the salad the first time and a charcuterie board (assortment of thinly sliced meats, sausages, and sliced, small pastries filled with pate and meats) this most recent time.  Both were excellent.  This last time we ended with creamy cheese desserts made in house (Anna’s included caramel and was a huge hit).  Absolutely delicious!!

The place was consistently busy with shoppers while we were there.  Not surprising!  Mons is definitely a favorite of ours – not only for the perfect cheese for any occasion, but also for a light meal and pleasant conversation.  We are very fortunate to be living so close to it!

*The title of  Meilleurs Ouvriers de France is a unique and prestigious honor in France awarded to

Etienne Boissy,Meilleur Ouvrier de France

people in a variety of trades after a contest which is held every four years.  This is a really huge honor complete with an award ceremony in Élysée Palace with the President of the Republic of France in attendance.