Superb Lunches at Petits Prix

Last week in Paris we met friends for lunch twice, and on both occasions the food was not only delicious, but the prices quite reasonable for the menus we enjoyed. On Wednesday we met Sue and John Talbott at Louis, a small, new Right Bank restaurant headed by talented young chef, Stéphane Pitré. The setting is as contemporary as the exquisite food. Although there are only two menus offered without choices, they are both incredibly creative. At lunch the three-course prix fixe is 32 euros while the six-course one costs 48 euros. Our group ordered two of each.

Things got off to a good start with amuse-bouches presented on a stone block that included a savory Parmesan cookie topped with Camenbert mousse, a verdant cube of herbed brioche, and a savory mustard meringue served with honey. A chilled soup of summer squash topped with icy cold cucumber granità and a sprinkling of caviar, salmon topped with roasted radishes and cherry leaves drizzled with miso vinaigrette, and duck served with miniscule beets and black currants were all delicious. A warm chocolate cake topped with a glossy scoop of arugula (yes, you read that right!) ice cream was a memorable ending, as was a dessert of lime foam with champagne.

 

The next day we continued our midday eating marathon and met our friends, the Porters, at the La Grande Epicerie (food hall) at the Bon Marché. There four of us perched on high stools at a counter at Truffe, a unique bar that offers dishes prepared with fresh truffles. We sampled scrambled eggs topped with shaved white summer truffles, raviolis in cream sauce and tagliatelle, both showered with “truffes,” and pâté with a truffle filling served with toasts. Amazingly the prices for these truffled dishes ran from 19 to 24 euros.

So, when you plan your next trip to Paris, save time to enjoy some of the city’s best bargains—“les déjeuners français!”

Louis
23, rue de la Victoire
75009 Paris
M° Le Peletier.
Tél. : 01 55 07 86 52

Truffe
La Grande Epicerie de Paris
Bon Marché
38, rue de Sèvres
75007 Paris

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2 thoughts on “Superb Lunches at Petits Prix

  1. Betty,
    I am loving your food blog. The pictures are great and the descriptions make we want to visit every place.
    Holly and our daughter are in Paris now, renting an apartment on the left bank and taking French classes. I’ll be there the week after next and can’t wait. I think I have “kid in a candy store” syndrome about the food- I can’t decide what restaurant to choose.
    You look great, hope allies going well, Steve Wittmann

    • Hi Steve,
      How wonderful to hear from you. We just got back from Paris and had great food during our entire stay. Do try Semilla which I just mentioned in a post. And, absolutely don’t miss La Grand Epicerie (the fabulous grocery store at Le Bon Marché dept store). If you got to the latter, walk down the rue du Bac (right outside the store) and sample pastries at La Patisserie des Reves (St Honoré is my fave), at Des Gateaux et Du Pain (gorgeous pastries), have hot chocolate at Angelina’s, and buy exquisite candies at Jacques Genin. You really will be a kid in a candy store after that expedition! Happy 2016 to you and all your family!

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