Tucked away on a charming cobbled street in Paris’s 1st arrondissement, Télescope Café is a tranquil haven. Its location, near some of the city’s most popular tourist spots, belies the calming and inviting ambiance that greets you upon entering.
Nicolas Clerc: A Journey into Coffee
We sat down with the owner, Nicolas Clerc, to delve into his passion for coffee and the journey that led him to open Télescope. We were curious to know how his love affair with coffee began and what led him to create this delightful Parisian gem.
The Spark of Passion
Nicolas’s journey into the world of specialty coffee started with a taste of something extraordinary. In 2009, he encountered a Chemex brew of Ethiopian coffee, roasted by Intelligentsia, that ignited his passion. The unique flavors and textures were unlike anything he had experienced before. But it wasn’t just the taste; it was the atmosphere of the specialty coffee world that truly captivated him. The international camaraderie, the diverse brewing methods, and the shared enthusiasm for discovering new roasts and flavors resonated deeply with him. It was like finding a new trick at the skatepark, a sense of community and shared exploration.
Learning from the Best
Nicolas honed his craft by immersing himself in the heart of the coffee scene, gaining valuable experience from some of the industry’s leading figures. In New York, he learned the technical aspects of coffee while spending time with David Latourell at Intelligentsia. He credits Sam Penix at Everyman for teaching him valuable practical skills, moments he cherishes even today.
Brewing Perfection at Télescope
We asked Nicolas about his approach to brewing, the flavors he seeks in his coffee, and what makes Télescope a unique experience.
A Focus on Balance
Nicolas strives for balance in his coffee, allowing the inherent flavors of each bean to shine through. He carefully avoids technical mistakes, focusing on a precise extraction process to bring out the best in each cup. Sometimes, he likes to experiment with different extraction methods, unlocking unique characteristics of the coffee, but he doesn’t adhere to strict rules.
A Sanctuary from the Parisian Hustle
Nicolas envisioned Télescope as a haven for respite from the bustling city life. He wanted to create a space where people could unwind, escape their routines, and simply enjoy a delicious cup of coffee. The café’s inviting ambiance, warm aromas, and soothing atmosphere offer a welcome break from the Parisian energy.
From Inspiration to Reality: The Birth of Télescope
We were intrigued by the story of how Télescope came to be, and Nicolas shared the unexpected path that led him to open his own café.
An Accidental Encounter
Nicolas had always cherished the idea of opening a coffee shop, but fate intervened in the most serendipitous way. While grocery shopping, he bumped into a real estate agent he knew. Uncertain what to say, he blurted out, “Hello Madame, how are you? One day, I may be looking for a small space to open a coffee shop.” The agent replied, “I only do apartments, but the neighbor is selling his place in the street.” It was a chance encounter that led to the birth of Télescope, a place he couldn’t resist bringing to life.
Coffee, Food, and Life Beyond the Grind
We concluded our conversation by exploring Télescope’s unique offerings and Nicolas’s passions outside of the café.
Coffee and Food: A Harmonious Duet
Nicolas’s menu is a testament to his commitment to finding a balance between what people desire and what he finds delicious. He strives for perfection, sourcing the finest ingredients to craft both sweet and savory treats that complement his coffee creations. While he recognizes the importance of following his own palate, he’s learned that sometimes, catering to the desires of his customers is essential.
A Passion Beyond Coffee
Beyond brewing coffee and engaging with his customers, Nicolas finds solace in the natural world. He wishes he could spend more time in coffee fields, but recognizing his role as a barista, he has found a new passion: the world of viticulture. Surrounded by vineyards in France, he’s immersed himself in the practices of agriculture, learning about the delicate process of growing grapes. He sees this as a potential bridge to his ultimate dream – experiencing the journey of coffee, from bean to cup, firsthand.
Télescope Café stands as a testament to Nicolas’s passion, dedication, and belief in the power of a great cup of coffee. It’s a place where people can connect, relax, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life, all while savoring exceptional coffee in a truly Parisian setting.
