Bread, wine and cheese?
Don't mind if I fondue.
Of all the places I ate at in Paris, this was hands down my favorite experience. Nevermind the fact that this place is totes adorbs and the waiter was even more totes adorbs, the food here is nothing short of outstanding. In fact, when people ask me how my trip to France was, I mention this restaurant somewhere among the Louvre and the Catacombs. Art, death and food...there isn't much else, is there?
The experience started when we walked in. the waiter/host asked (in French, as this is Paris) if we had a reservation in French, II forgot myself and the $60k it cost me to graduate with a French major and replied back in English "do we need one?" The waiter smiled warmly and said "right this way please." He led us downstairs to a stone-walled basement section that looked positively medieval -- but in a très charmant way. The restaurant was full of an international cast of diners, French, Spanish, UK, and of course, us, the Americans. I decided that either boded very well (world acclaim?) or really badly (tourist trap?). Fortunately, I am pretty sure it's the former and not the latter. The food and service reminded me that I probably just think too much.
We ordered a plate of mixed ham and the savoyard fondue, along with the requisite bottle of French wine, Jean Baptiste Adam's Alsatian Pinot Noir. The wine was a perfect compliment. I took a picture of the label so I'd remember it, though somehow I doubt I'm going to find it at my local Kappy's Package Discount.
Deciding the copious bread we'd be eating couldn't POSSIBLY be enough of a carb overload, we also got raclette. It's a chunky potatoes au gratin, basically, but so creamy and smooth. You won't find this just anywhere, but it's French comfort food at its best.
Like I said previously, the service was great. The waiter had the whole restaurant, about 16 full tables ranging from two to six diners, upstairs and downstairs. What's funny is I expected him to be absent and aloof, but really, he was always around when we needed him. Though it was clear this guy was working his rear off, he was always very helpful, super-friendly and despite getting a hold of myself to remember that I do, in fact, speak French, he cheerfully responded in English. So, that tells me if you don't speak French well or at all, you'd be just fine here. Not that I advocate going to a foreign country without at least some knowledge of the language. But far be it for me to tell anyone how to live (but if you find yourself lying in a ditch, remember I told you so). But I digress...
Dessert was pretty good, though it may seem rather trite, I finished with a crème brulée. I mean, I am in France and it's not as though I've ran into too many American eateries that can seem to get it right. And yeah, as expected, it was very good. Ryan got gateau á trois chocolat, which I stole a bite of. Very yummy.
Really, the only thing I have to complain about was knowing I wouldn't be having it again any time soon since I have to go to Paris to get it...otherwise I'd be eating there once a month. Oh well, I guess I'll always have my memories. read more