Inside: PAUL Bakery Georgetown

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Oh, sorry. That was the sound of the Metromix staff collectively drooling on their keyboards. A new PAUL Bakery is opening in D.C.

The authentic Parisian bakery is expanding from their popular Penn Quarter location and there's no more fitting spot than historic Georgetown. In fact, the new PAUL storefront is almost too perfect of a find. Located on the corner of Wisconsin Ave. and M Street, between Banana Republic and the Georgetown Park parking garage, the bakery takes the place of the City Tavern Club's former kitchen, the same spot where George Washington was served his meals. The space was built in 1889, coincidentally the same year PAUL was founded in Lille, France, in what was surely an act of tasty destiny.

The minds behind the new PAUL have done their best to respect both their old French and new American traditions at the location, spending two years rebuilding and renovating from below-the-ground up. On the first floor you'll find the traditional pastry case, where wide-eyed patrons can look over the selection of treats before taking some with them. Upstairs, however, you'll find the haven of a cozy Parisian café serving breakfast, lunch or dinner by wait staff. This eat-in dining area, which seats 30-40 people, is the most impressive part of Georgetown's PAUL. Large windows provide guests with an amazing view of the busy neighborhood streets below, while the above skylight and loft, decorated with baguettes, vintage baking equipment, and paintings of France, provide the right ambiance.

As far as the food, you'll find all your favorites from the Penn Quarter location here. That means, in addition to the traditional assortment of bread and baked goods, you can try great savory meals like eggplant, ham or salmon quiche, hot and cold sandwhiches stuffed with mouthwatering meats, cheeses and fresh vegetables, and even a few healthier salads. And of course there's the real draw of amazing French pastries, from gooey eclairs to perfect fruit tarts to buttery croissants to sweet macarons to sugary puff pastries to... sorry, we're back to the drooling again.

PAUL will also have a few special menu items exclusive to the Georgetown location, including Paillasson Saumon Fumé (potato pancake topped with smoked salmon) and Crêpe Provençale (rolled crepe with tomatoes and goat cheese), in addition to their array of seasonal specials. (We lament the passing of Halloween just for their Pumpkin Seed Bread.) And with a new liquor license, they'll also be able to serve a glass of wine or champagne with your afternoon meal to complete the perfect PAUL experience.

PAUL Georgetown will officially open on Monday November 21st. If you stop by starting Wednesday November 16th and are super nice (and tell them Metromix sent you), you might be able to take part in their “soft opening.”