Paris- Brasserie/Bistro Challenge

[jmp7020]

I will be traveling with a group of friends in Sept. 09 to celebrate 50th and 60th birthday's and 25th and 30th wedding anniversaries. All of us have traveled around the world and eaten in fabulous restaurants. One of our favorite things to do is vintner dinners or hosting our own vintner dinners. I am a very accomplished cook and salivate at the opportunity to cook for my friends. With that in mind....we want to forego the "big" Michelin * restaurants and find the local establishments that take pride in their food. The small places that the chef is usually the owner.

My perfect evening...a meal of fabulous local ingredients, unbelievable pastry and cheese, good local wines, and the feel that you are at the owner's home table for dinner, a genuine love for what they are doing. To top it off, a look into the heart of the establishment...the kitchen!

We have rented an apartment near Luxembourg Gardens on Rue de Vaugirard. Any thing in the vicinity would be great (away from the vicinity would be great too).

We will also be traveling in Chartres, Amboise and Normandy. Any suggestions there would be appreciated.

I look forward to hearing your recommendations of your memorable places.

[souphie]

Just back from Joséphine Chez Dumonet. At first I thought it was somewhat expensive for brasserie style cooking, but when they brought me a plate of paté that could have generously served four for nine euro, I changed my mind about that. The place hasn't changed a bit since 1975 and the food was pretty solid in the brasserie department. They're renowned for the trufled scrambled eggs in season. And they're open every day.

[jmp7020]

This is wonderful

[souphie]

Oh, and I got those pics developed too: http://picasaweb.google.fr/ZeJulot/Jo...

(I added some pictures from the bread they have, which comes from the boulangerie next door on bd Montparnasse)

[ChefJune]

Okay! You win... next time I am in Paris I want to go to Josephine with you.

[kbrandon7]

bonjour souphie, about how much would a dinner for 2 plus wine cost @ josephine chez dumonet? merci!

[souphie]

That depends a lot on what you have. Three-course meal will be between 40 and 80€ (more if you're into truffles and this is the season) and wine between 20 and 100, there again depending on your tastes and assuming you only drink one bottle ;-)

That's all per person so the short response to your question is 150€.

[JmVikmanis]

We spent only 187 for two with herring in oil, artichoke salad, duck confit and cassoulet plus one bottle of wine and creme brulee. It was all fantastic.

[souphie]

Le Pétrelle fits the bill, except for unbelievable pastry. Closer to your vicinity is Christophe, again without the unbelievable pastry, with a much less funny atmosphere but more impeccable food (always top notch ingredients). l'Ami Jean fits the bill too, including the window on the kitchen, but this is really packed and tiny.

[jmp7020]

Thank you!!! we will be in Paris for 9 days and look forward to "dining around"

Are you into "Pastry"? I really would like to take a "private" class from a great baker while in Paris.

[Cookingthebooks]

After sampling a number of bistros -- including Chez L'Ami Jean (liked) and l'AOC (very disappointed), my favorite continues to be Aux Fins Gourmets, as it is simple, classic, old-fashioned and unpretentious. They serve southwestern food and their cassoulet and confit de canard are unparalleled in my opinion. AFG is within walking distance (albeit a longish walk) to your apartment -- 213 bd St Germain, 7th, 01 42 22 06 57.

Also, don't forget Pierre Hermé is in your neighborhood as well.

[Delucacheesemonger]

Ah, the bostoc

[souphie]

You need to try the one from Des Gateaux et du Pain. I'll try to make some pictures for you so you can wait.

[Delucacheesemonger]

You never cease to amaze me. merci.

[souphie]

I finally got those pictures developed. Enjoy: http://picasaweb.google.fr/ZeJulot/De...