Fish La Boissonnerie proves that consistency trumps trendy. Since opening its doors in 1999, it has been a reliable left

bank favorite where locals, foodies, major food writers, Michelin inspectors, sommeliers, chefs and international visitors have come together to shake hands on a regular basis and share new "news" over a glass and/or meal in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere.

It is such a regular fixture in so many lives on the left bank, that a familiar theme song sticks in my head for hours after spending time here catching up with everyone...

"Making your way in the world today takes everything you've got.

Taking a break from all your worries sure would help a lot.

Wouldn't you like to get away?

Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name,

and they're always glad you came.

You wanna be where you can see,

our troubles are all the same.

You wanna be where everybody knows your name."

Owners Juan Sanchez and Drew Harré are two sincerely nice and down-to-earth guys who've built an unintentional fan base by providing a comfortable and affordable place to enjoy simple yet great food and wine that doesn't cost a fortune, and for treating everyone who walks through the doors like family.

Although Juan hails from Miami and Drew from New Zealand, they are considered Parisians these days since Juan also owns La Dernière Goutte wine shop (opened 13 years ago) around the corner and Drew is known as “Mr. Cosi” for creating the very first Cosi sandwich shop across the street (21 years ago). Naturally, the breads and wine are both featured at Fish – long loaves of freshly bread are brought in several times an hour.

The name “Boissonnerie” throws most folks for a loop though. Once having served as an 18th century fish shop, the word “Poissonnerie” was spelled out in gorgeous mosaic tiles over the front door before being partially covered over time and later businesses.

When Juan and Drew decided to pool their culinary efforts to create a local wine bar with fresh & good for you food, they uncovered the poissonnerie (pronounced ‘pwah-sahn-er-ee’) mosaics and changed the first letter “P” to a “B” – et voila! The word boissonnerie (pron. ‘bwah-sahn-er-ee’) was born... indicating a place to drink.

Dedicated to restoration and historic preservation in all of their businesses, the mosaic tiles are still intact as are the interior 17th c. stone walls and wooden beams which contribute to the unpretentious and authentic ambiance.

One of the best features among many, is that “Fish” is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner (a full hour earlier for dinner , 7pm, than most other places.) Should you be in Paris, reserve your meal for one of these days since finding a decent place to eat with good food & wine that is open on a Sunday/Monday is a real challenge.

Although the wine list is chock full of wonderful small producers, so is the weekly wines by the glass chalkboard which gives diners the opportunity to sample different wines versus one bottle. Stop in for a quick glass at the bar or order a different glass with each course.

In fact, their long relationship with some of France’s most interesting winemakers (and because they are open on days when other restaurants are closed) - is why Fish draws in other Parisian sommeliers, chefs, and restaurateurs on days off, looking to discover something new.

Entrée (starter) choices range from buffalo mozzarella topped with baby greens, shaved fennel and toasted sliced almonds to fresh vegetable soups and silky foie gras on toast with a balsamic glaze. Three grilled white fish choices always top the list of main dishes, served with vegetables, herbs or risotto. Contrary to the name, Fish serves more than that - rounding out the menu with a white and red meat for carnivores such as grilled pork tenderloin, duck or lamb over lentils.

Kids are also welcome for lunch and the early seating – except that you won’t find sodas here (only artisanal juices) and a special menu called “The Flying Fish” is for those short on time who will receive a beautiful green salad followed by a pasta of the day. On Sundays only, the Flying Fish becomes the Flying Fish hamburger – paired with oven roasted potatoes, coleslaw and homemade ketchup on an English muffin bun.

Desserts are subtle cheeses, chocolate fondants, apple and pear crumbles or the lemon-orange tart finished crème brûlée -style.

When you put all the ingredients together – a warm welcome, the nicest bartenders in Paris (Paul, Hayden and Thibault) pouring great wines from small French producers, handmade breads coming in the door, terrific market-driven meals prepared by Chef Matt and his team upstairs...all for around 32 euros, it’s no wonder that Fish has a recipe for bringing happy regulars to its doors every single day of the week, year after year.

Walk-ins for lunch without reservations are easier than dinner... but reserve just to be sure.

Fish La Boissonnerie, 69 rue de Seine, M° Mabillon, Open every day for lunch and dinner, 01.43.54.34.69