Chez Laurette
Where? Chez Laurette (Honfleur, France) Map Menu
When? Wednesday May 3, 2017
Who? Me
Food Style? French
Honfleur is a small town right at the mouth of the river Seine. The waterfront area is a bit touristy so I've tried to go into the back alleys to get something with a hint of authenticity and also something that isn't ludicrously expensive. This place says "cuisine actuelle" so I hope they live up to that. I've chosen mussels in white wine sauce with fries since seafood is in abundance at this coastal town.
Mains
Moules à la marinière - mussels with white wine, parsley and onion
I need to get used to the fact that mussels in Europe aren't the fat juicy green lipped variety from New Zealand, which makes me slightly sad. Nevertheless, the mussels taste great, lots of onion and parsley and a hint of white wine, but some of them are a bit gritty, probably with a bit of sand. It's not on the same level as my favourite moules avec frites from Leuven, the Belgian beer cafe in Wellington, but it's not bad.
I finally get to the sauce at the bottom. It's maybe a bit watered down, and doesn't taste very good with the baguette. It's missing sweetness, like maybe a bit of citrus to balance out the sourness of the white wine.
Posted by Jeremy at 8:04pm on Friday June 9, 2017 :: 0 comments :: 
Aux Tonneaux des Halles
Where? Aux Tonneaux des Halles (1st Arrondissement, Paris, France) Map Menu
When? Tuesday May 2, 2017
Who? Me
Food Style? French Bistro
I purchased some desserts from a patassier near Chatelet. As I walked back to the train station, I noticed a pedestrian mall filled with busy eateries, so I pulled out Yelp and got it to recommend a place, so here I am at Aux Tonneaux. There isn't a hint of English anywhere; there's locals and a menu completely in French. I thought about ordering the 1kg côte de boeuf but it was probably a bit on the expensive side at €60. Instead I've ordered the terrine and the duck confit, two very French dishes, and a glass of rosé.
Entree
La Terrine du Chef
The terrine is very tasty, but not the smoothest terrine I've ever had. I'm guessing it's chicken, just because that's the first thing that came to mind when I tasted it. It goes so well with the baguette and pickled red onion. The salad has been dressed with a hint of mustard (I hope it's from Dijon!) and I love it.
Mains
Confit de Canard
An impressive leg of duck arrives. It smells delightful. First bite - oh wow. That flavour. The meat is a tad dry and the skin isn't very crispy but the flavour is spot on, rich with onions and herbs. I can hear Manu Feidel's words in my head though - "where is the sauce!" - I wish there was more gravy so I can eat it with the bread. It's so delicious.
Posted by Jeremy at 8:00pm on Friday June 9, 2017 :: 0 comments ::
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 ::