I wasn't sure what to expect on our recent visit to
Chez Janou. It's been described as "trendy" and since it was featured in Samantha Brown's
Passport to Europe television show, I was afraid that it would be loaded with tourists. Well, there were only a few tourists in the bistro and I certainly wouldn't call it "trendy." This old fashioned bistro is located a few blocks from the beautiful place des Vosges in the Marais. It seems like everyone is having a great time in this vibrant, compact eatery. The food is Provencal and straightforward French (very good
entrecôte). The wine list offered decent priced wines with a heavy emphasis on those from Provence. The highlight of the dinner was dessert (pictured above). A bowl of chocolate mousse is brought to the table and dished out. Delicious! The bistro is known for its large selection of
pastis (anise-flavored aperitif). Very friendly service.
Chez Janou
3rd/Métro Chemin Vert
2 rue Roger Verlomme
Open daily for lunch and dinner
Tel. 01/42.72.28.41
www.chezjanou.com
Le Reminet (pictured above) has been in
Eating & Drinking in Paris for the last several editions. This quaint bistro is located in the Latin Quarter near St-Michel and just across the river from Notre-Dame. We were a party of six, which in such a small place can always be a challenge. The staff was helpful and pleasant and the romantic atmosphere (down to candelabras on the tables) made for a wonderful evening. We all started with a
kir royal (an aperitif made with champagne and creme de cassis). Most of us had a green salad (it wasn't on the menu, but most restaurant are happy to make one up). Good wine list featuring wines from all French regions. The food was excellent. Some of the choices were:
picatta de veau (veal picatta)
joue de cochon (pork cheeks)
pot-au-feu (a stew of meat and vegetables).
Le Reminet
5th/Métro St-Michel
3 rue Grands Degrés
Open daily for lunch and dinner
Tel. 01/44.07.04.24
As reported last winter,
La Maison in the 5th (just around the corner from Le Reminet) has been purchased by new owners. Claude, the fun and interesting former owner, and his French bulldog "Polo" have retired. Sadly, most of the charm of the former La Maison is gone and we can't recommend its replacement.
Aux Trois Petits Cochons is a lively, friendly and gay (in every sense of the word) bistro in the Montorgueil quarter. If available, make sure you try the excellent
blanquette de veau (veal stew). I started my meal with the delicious pumpkin soup (highly recommended). Always a good time and always a great meal. For photos about this restaurant, see the blog entry just before this one.
Aux Trois Petits Cochons
2nd/Metro Etienne Marcel
31 rue Tiquetonne
Tel. 01/42.33.39.69
Open daily. No lunch
http://www.auxtroispetitscochons.fr/
Cafe Beaubourg overlooks the Pompidou Center (housing a modern art collection). It's getting just a little run down, but it's always fun and there's great people watching. It wasn't as crowded this November because there was a temporary strike which closed the Pompidou Center, so there were fewer people around the area. Still, a great place for a snack and drink.
Posts
.jpg)