Tag Archives: French restaurants

Truffles, Caviar, Fois Gras: Gourmandise De Luxe for the holidays

16 Tuesday Dec 2014

Posted by in Paris Wanderings

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , ,

Delivering the goods: Maison de la Truffe with two locations in Paris. This establishment has been sharing the black diamond of French gastronomy with the most delicate palates in the world since 1932. Don’t know much about this unappetizing looking earthnut?  In short truffles are a kind of subterranean fungi, a mushroom that grows underground. Most commonly found in Europe, Asia, North American, and North Africa, truffles tend to grow in forested areas around the base of trees. They are still traditionally hunted by pigs, but more and more dogs are being recruited for the job as they can be trained to not eat the little prizes.

Even more about truffles: http://maison-de-la-truffe.com/en/contemplez.php.

truffle_noire_no_worries_paris

In 1978, Guy Monier, a chef by trade, took over the house and pursued its development by creating a tasting area and transforming it into a luxury food shop and restaurant. Today, the family business has become a key location for truffle enthusiasts and amateur gourmets wishing to discover a variety of quality products.

trufflesno_worries_paris

LA MAISON DE LA TRUFFE, 19 Place de la Madeleine, 8th arr., +33 1 42 65 53 22, open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. boutique and tasting

no_worries_paris

LA TRUFFE MARBEUF, 14 rue Marbeuf, 8th arr., +33 1 53 57 41 00, restaurant and boutique

Selections from their main course menu: 

Tagliatelles à la truffe brumale, 29,00 €
Risotto aux langoustines et truffe brumale, 29,00 €
Bar poêlé, sauce aux perles de truffes et tagliatelles de légumes, 29,00 €
Filet de boeuf Rossini, sauce aux truffes, 55,00 €

from a reviewer:  “Good food, spacious tables, quiet clientele and great service. When you enter the restaurant and take a deep breath, there is no doubt what is the main kitchen’s ingredient. The truffle smell is so powerful. Truffles are displayed everywhere in beautiful black and white pictures witnessing the comings and goings of very professional servers.”

If you’re looking for a unique Parisian experience and have the urge to splurge, wander on by for a taste or make a reservation for lunch or dinner. Can’t make it to Paris this year? Maison makes it very easy to order online: e-shop: http://www.gourmandisedeluxe.com/nos-produits-maison-de-la-truffe.htm

French Restaurants: r.e.s.p.c.t.

10 Monday Mar 2014

Posted by in Paris guide, Paris tips

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , ,

parisrestaurant

Be aware their job is their profession, not a trade they’re temping at to get through school or a step in their career path. To get a waiter’s attention say: “S’il vous plaît, Monsieur/Madame.” Don’t call them over until you are ready to order and try to know what you want; their time is valuable.

A golden rule that will serve you well in restaurants and just about any place you visit (even elevators): say “bonjour!” (“bonsoir!” in the evening). This doesn’t just mean hello.
It’s recognized French code for, “Yes, I am here, and I am respecting you by being polite, so you are going to respect me and maybe even be pleasant to me.”

You’ll be amazed — it works.

Where to eat in Montmartre: gastropubs

24 Monday Feb 2014

Posted by in Paris guide, Paris tips, Paris Wanderings

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , ,

mime Montmartre

A few suggestions just down the hill from Sacre Coeur. All the rage now are tapas (french style) and you’ll find the most exquisite at chef Geoffroy Maillard’s Extension, 16, rue Eugène Sue, 33 1 42 59 43 24 Metro: Chateau Rouge, Jules Joffrin

waiter Montmartre

Chéri Bibi on the east side of the hill combines arty flea market decor, traditional French cooking and sensible prices. 15 rue André del Sarte, metro: Barbes-Rochechouart. phone 01 42 54 88 96

painter Montmartre

Le Grand 8,8 rue Lamarck serves unpretentious bistro fare, the kind of food you’d find in a Midi square. If you’re looking for comfort food, sign in here. Metro: Lamarck-Caulaincourt. phone 01 42 55 04 55

How to insult a Paris restaurant

20 Thursday Feb 2014

Posted by in Paris guide, Paris tips, Paris Wanderings

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , ,

restaurantParis

First on the list is capturing what you’ve been served with your camera or IPhone. Rude, rude, rude, an insult to chefs who consider themselves artists, don’t appreciate being copied or having a bad photo of something they’ve created spread across social media. Adding to that, some guests startle others at nearby tables with their flash and some go so far as to style the setting by moving chairs, tableware, other customers. Food porn? Sacre bleu!

Then there are the clients who ask for a doggie bag, call the waiter “garçon” and ask for butter for you know what. When in any country, a good general rule is to read up on the customs before you go. Be a respectful traveler. Some basic rules are in the No Worries Paris guide.