Le Chalet de Neuilly
Where? Le Chalet de Neuilly (Neuilly-sur-Seine, Paris, France) Map Menu
When? Tuesday May 2, 2017
Who? Priscilla
Food Style? Swiss
I'm here with my friend (and somewhat very distantly related cousin) Priscilla. I told her I wanted to try raclette, after hearing my French friends rave about it. I've never tried anything like this before, but I'm very excited because this feels so authentically French; it is, however, of Swiss origin, which makes sense given the skiing apparatus and other chalet-like decorations around the restaurant.
So, then, what is it?
Raclette with assorted charcuterie, grilled potatoes and pickles
A massive plate of charcuterie arrives for each of us, as well as some bread, pickles and grilled potatoes. Raclette itself refers to the type of cheese that is usually affixed to a grilling contraption that melts the cheese, and the melted cheese drips onto your plate of food, sort of like a reverse fondue. 
The flaps of the grill lift up so you can pause the heat momentarily while you scrape your cheese off the wedge. I'm so enthralled with this; I'm layering it onto the meat, potatoes or bread, or all of the above, at once. It's a really simple concept but executed so well, something the French are very good at in terms of cuisine. I'm so thankful that I've got someone to share this with because there is absolutely no way I could have eaten this much by myself.
Posted by Jeremy at 7:52pm on Friday June 9, 2017 :: 0 comments :: 
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 ::
Chez Barbara
Where? Chez Barbara (8th Arrondissement, Paris, France) Map
When? Sunday April 30, 2017
Who? Me
Food Style? French
It's a bank holiday, so not many places are open. I'm in the center of town, just off the Champs Elysees, but quite a way down a quiet road that has almost no foot traffic compared to the main road. I've just been to Laduree, which is a very famous patisserie, and have consumed a millefeuille so I'm not too hungry at the moment. I would like to get to the Eiffel Tower soon so I can see it lit up at night, so I've chosen something quick but authentic-sounding.
Entree
Salade Périgourdine
I know you don't normally make friends with salad, but the greens are well dressed with a vinaigrette and the duck is nicely seasoned, with a hint of smokiness. By far the most impressive item on the plate is the foie gras. It was so soft and smooth that it has the consistency of double cream butter. It's delicious.
Posted by Jeremy at 6:26pm on Friday June 9, 2017 :: 0 comments ::
Le Tais
Where? Le Tais (11th Arrondissement, Paris, France) Map
When? Saturday April 29, 2017
Who? Me
Food Style? Algerian Barbeque
I have no idea where I am. I just wandered down the road from my hotel to see what was open. This place is busy and I have no idea what's going on. My limited Français managed to get me a table but my super confused facial expression prompted the waiter to find someone English speaking.
He explains that they're a grilled meats place and the raw meat is sitting on full display by the window. I can choose what I want and get it grilled on a plate. Okay! This sounds alright! I've ordered a selection of meats and a mixed salad. Other options available on the menu include couscous and lentils, so I'm guessing I'm in a Middle Eastern restaurant - I'm a little far away, they're actually North African.
Entree
House Salad
The mixed salad is quite big. They've provided me with two bottles of unknown liquids so I just pour them on to see what they are. Olive oil and mayonnaise. Great! That's fortunate! I won't eat all of it now; I'll save some for the meat platter.
Mains
Mixed Grill Platter
The meat platter is here. Oh goodness. I chose one chicken, one spicy chicken and one lamb liver kebab, and two lamb cutlets. I go for the chicken first; yum! It's good. Wonderful texture, not dry at all, and full of that lovely smokiness that all grilled meat should have. Next, the lamb liver. Not as tasty as the chicken, but still good, tad too tough. I think it needs to be highly spiced, Momo's Tea in Mt Albert does a good job with theirs. The spicy chicken is unfortunately not spicy, but still tasty. I have to finish the kebabs first so there's space on the plate to cut up the cutlets. They're salted nicely, lots of flavour, but definitely overcooked, perhaps at medium to well. It's still good though, and I'm well satisfied.
Posted by Jeremy at 6:18pm on Friday June 9, 2017 :: 0 comments ::
L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele
Where? L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele (Naples, Italy) Map
When? Tuesday April 18, 2017
Who? Me
Food Style? Italian Pizza
Naples is known for its pizza, and of course I have to go to this Michelin star restaurant for my fix. It was made additionally famous by Julia Roberts as one of her dining destinations in Eat, Pray, Love. At €4 for a normal sized pizza, this is one of the cheapest Michelin star restaurants in the world. Choose from margherita or marinara and watch the kitchen prepare your pizza in front of your eyes.
Pizza
Margherita - tomato and cheese
Naturally, the restaurant is packed, even at 5.30pm, so I've had no choice but to takeaway my margherita. Of course, if you can dine in, then I would recommend doing so, just so the pizza is fresh and hot off the oven. Despite cooling a little bit, the pizza is full of flavour and I love the fresh garlic on top. Definitely worth it for the amount of money I paid, but it's not mind blowing.
Posted by Jeremy at 10:31am on Saturday April 29, 2017 :: 0 comments ::