I had a couple of ideas for restaurants and a couple of others recommended by friends. Andy wanted to go someplace typically "French," so we headed over to Bastille and a traditional style bistro called Chez Paul. Thanks go to regular reader Bettyann for the recommendation! We were a little early, so we took a stroll around the neighborhood. We were the first to be seated for lunch, but the place filled up pretty quickly after that.
We both decided to order the menu du jour. If I remember correctly, Andy's appetizer was a salade de maquereau fumé (smoked mackerel salad) with warm potatoes and other vegetables in vinaigrette. I chose gésiers confits avec sauce au Porto (preserved gizzards served in a Port wine sauce). Wine was a demi-pichet (50cl pitcher) of Côtes du Rhône red. Perfect.
We both took the same main dish, araignée de cochon (a tender cut of pork, I'm not at all certain what it's called in English) in a honey/vinegar sauce with a side of thick French-fried potatoes. The potatoes were perfectly crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside. We continued with the Côtes du Rhône. Again, perfect.
We each had a slice of apple tart for dessert and coffee after. A wonderful meal all around, made even better by the bustling atmosphere, the friendly staff and, of course, the company.
You'll get no sympathy from me. I have no hair to go on with. You look happy. I would love to be there.
ReplyDeleteSounds amazing, you are looking well,
ReplyDeleteIt’s great to see you! So happy you enjoyed the restaurant, it’s been my favorite for years. Yes, that waitress is a hoot, isn’t she?
ReplyDeleteBettyAnn
What a wonderful restaurant! You look so handsome.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous place! Oh, it's so exciting to get to go to Paris :) Where did you stay? Or did you go home that evening? Your haircut looks great, and I love the white.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you had a chance to see your old friend and have a classic Parisian lunch! Did not know this restaurant, but will certainly try it as soon as we can. Many thanks to you and to BettyAnn for sharing the address. Chez Paul's website is very informative.
ReplyDeleteThis place looks pretty good. I've been to Au Chien Qui Fume, you mentioned previously, the one in Montparnasse. We went there while trying to find the other (which is a different restaurant, different owner) over by the Louvre. The one by the Louvre is really good too and very traditional bistro.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely day! Thanks for the photos and news. -- Chrissoup
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