Le Balto

Lunch at noon is ideal, it's quick and the servers are friendly.

Superb selection of cigars at Balto, in the 16th arrondissement. Top quality and a pleasant atmosphere. A must for aficionados! Trinidad Partagas Cohiba…

First of all, I would like to express my gratitude for the warm welcome and professionalism shown by the staff at the tobacconist's for so long. However, with a new salesperson, my visit today was a rude awakening. A young, thin, dark-haired salesperson wearing a white sweater, whom I was meeting for the first time, greeted me with an icy stare and no greeting. Yet, he had no one else in the shop. When I wanted to buy two items, one of which was out of stock, his abrupt response also surprised me – again without a greeting, he bluntly told me that all they had was on display. I felt the tension and didn't reply, making my selection. When I asked to pay partly in cash and the rest by card with a "please," his obvious irritation was evident in his voice, and he was almost trembling. He started raising his voice at me – saying it wasn't possible. His aggression worried me, and despite asking if he was alright, his response, accompanied by a look of disgust, "I'm fine, Madam," left me perplexed. Faced with this despicable attitude, I had to abandon my purchases, so upset that I forgot to return the items immediately after remarking to him, "You don't know how to treat your customers." I returned the items right away after he asked me to. The other salesperson, a taller man, whom I know well and who is kind, only came back later. I was pleasantly welcomed for the same purchase, using the same payment method, at another tobacconist nearby without any problems. I'm not necessarily asking for a smile or even a greeting, but simply basic respect and a decent attitude.

The setting is very pleasant, with a large terrace on Avenue de la Grande Armée, an excellent welcome, and courteous and attentive staff. Prices are reasonable, I recommend it. Bonus points for the illuminated storefront signs which are visible from a great distance.

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