Wonderful in every way! I would have liked to come here multiple times. :)
Jet lagged and dreary-eyed, Husband and I waltzed in here around 3:30pm, and were looking forward to our meal. It was a full house, and we ended up having to wait about 20 minutes or so. While waiting, I couldn't help but observe the enjoyment all the diners had on their faces. A broad range of nationalities and ages were represented as well, and each were savoring each bite in a relaxed setting.
We saddled up to the front of the bar, and got comfy. The entire menu looked excellent, but we relinquished to choosing 4-5 small plates to share.
This is what we got.
1- Ravioles de langoustines, mousseline d'artichauts (Langoustine ravioli with artichoke mousseline, 16€): Crowd favorite, and for good reason. The silkiness in the handmade pasta was so smooth and soft with just the right amount of chew made me crave some more. Each ravioli was huge in size, and the filling was not only flavorful but balanced in proportion. The mousseline sauce was the anchor to the dish, and we were so glad that they gave us bread to sop up that deliciousness. Mmm...I salivate just thinking about it. At 16€, it was beyond worth it, and I would have gotten two orders.
2- Confit de foie gras de canard, pain de campagne (Confit of duck foie gras, whole wheat toasts, 14€): So good too. Enough bitterness but just a slight sweetness made this a great snack. Paired with some vin (wine), this dish gets transformed even more. Great portion to share.
3- Pigeon rôti au four, ail confit et jeunes carottes, navets et oignons (Roast pigeon, confit garlic, baby carrots, turnip and onions, 29€): Really juicy and tender, and with a subtle smoky flavor. The carrots, turnips, and onions were soft enough without being mushy. The confit garlic was mind blowing, and when you cut into it it pairs beautifully with the meat of the pigeon. Good size pigeon for two, and the skin was delicious. :)
4- Bisque de crustacés à l'ancienne légèrement crénée (Old fashioned shellfish bisque, 7€): This one was probably the only dish that was a tad salty, but the flavors were still harmonious. It truly was an old-fashioned bisque, and the portion was more than enough for two.
5- Cocotte du jour (chicken liver with mushrooms in chicken foam, 16€): Beautifully plated with a crispy tart perched on top of the bath of chicken liver, mushrooms, and foam, I'd vote to get their daily special if you can. Definitely worth it, and highlights the technique and ingredients the best.
In hindsight, we probably should have ordered fewer dishes so we could sample dessert. Prices were very reasonable given the location and ingredients. No reservations might turn a lot of people away, but they are open every day. Service was great, and we had a fun time chatting with the wait staff. Some other patrons didn't seem so patient, and as a result, became frustrated with the wait. All I have to say is, you're in Paris, and enjoy every moment of it.
Once you get over the slower pace of things, you'll have a wonderful time, and the food speaks for itself. Highly recommend! read more