Le Comptoir
Where? Le Comptoir (14th Arrondissement, Paris, France) Map Menu
When? Monday May 1, 2017
Who? Me
Food Style? French Bistro
After an 800m evening stroll through the Catacombs of Paris, I'm hungry. Literally outside the exit is this little bistro, with a very upbeat and friendly vibe. I'm feeling super pleased with myself because I ordered everything in French, and even understood when the waiter asked me what I wanted to drink. Let's see if what I get matches what I ordered.
Entree
Wild Burgundy Snails with butter and parsley
Success number one. I have a plate of six escargot. They smell amazing, rich with oil, garlic and herbs. The bread soaks up any remaining sauce, much of which overflows from the shell as I pluck the snail out. The snail itself has a good texture too, it's soft but still has bite. It's really tasty. I'm smiling involuntarily again, as I often do when the food is superb.
Mains
Fish of the Day with French ratatouille and carrot crisps
Success number two. The fish of the day, salmon, with French ratatouille. Again, it smells gorgeous. A rich, hearty stew with lots of flavour and soul, with a perfectly grilled slice of salmon steak. I'm nodding my head after each bite I take. I'm not quite at the level of the food critic in the eponymous Pixar film, who has flashbacks of his childhood where he's eating his Maman's ratatouille, because obviously I never got ratatouille when I was a kid, but I have to say, I am very pleased right now.
Dessert
Creme brûlée with lavender infusion
I have to have dessert. I have ordered a French classic. La creme brûlée parfaite - the perfect creme brûlée - must have a toffee shell that cracks when hit by a spoon, producing a nice thock! sound. The shell on this is perhaps too thin for that, but the lavender infusion is subtle yet incredibly delicious. The texture under the shell however is perfect - solid but smooth without blemish, showing it has been cooked for the right amount of time. This is a very generous serving and it is sure to leave me well and truly satisfied.
C'est delicieux!
Posted by Jeremy at 7:40pm on Friday June 9, 2017 :: 0 comments :: 