Crepes and food in Paris
It seems that the price of food-everything from crepes to prix fixe-has risen as steadily as the temperatures this summer.
Crêpes are disappointing: it is hard to find anyone who is making the crêpe fresh. Watch out for those pre-made ones stored in open stacks. No telling how long they have been there; when re-heated they are less than tasty. Besides, some crêperies are folding the crêpe before filling and that just won't do. Not to mention that in the course of a year, the on-street price has risen from about €2 to as high as €7.
Food prices in restaurants have risen dramatically too. And with the rise in price has come a decrease in quantity and (yes, this is possible) a decrease in service.
However, I must mention two restaurants that rate high on my list for value, quality and service.
The first is Les Trois Marmites. A tiny restaurant of only bout 35 seats, tucked away in the 20th arrondissement. The price has risen, but still below most prix fixe places (it is now €19). The food is outstanding. Everytime I take friends there they are somewhat dubious because it is out-of-the-way, but when they take their first bite, they are completely impressed. The flavors just explode in your mouth.
The menu changes regularly so it is hard to say what to have, but there are ample choices for 1st and 2nd plates as well as desserts. They also have a good wine list. Only caution: very warm inside during the summer and no outside seating. Be sure to make a reservation! No website; address: 8, Rue Julien Lacroix, 75020 Paris (Métro: Ménilmontant). Phone: 01 40 33 05 65. Hours: 8pm-2am; closed Monday. (Map)
The other location is La Maison de Verlaine. Situated in the house where the poet Paul Verlaine died from alcoholism and perhaps toxicity due to absinthe, the place is small and interesting. Food is good quality French, with some of the best Onion Soup I have ever had. It is now owned by a Greek family, so do not be surprised to find taramasalata on the menu! Located near the Sorbonne in the 5th arrondissement, friends don't moan about the distance, and are impressed by the taste. Wine list is good and the house wine is nice.
They offer several prix fixes some without wine and some with (from €12 to €24). Temperatures are warm inside during the summer but tolerable; worth the wait for an outside seat. Ask for Spiros. No website; address: 39, Rue Descartes, 75005 Paris (M&eaute;tro: Cardinal Lemoine). Phone: 01 43 26 39 15. (Map)
Tom
Crêpes are disappointing: it is hard to find anyone who is making the crêpe fresh. Watch out for those pre-made ones stored in open stacks. No telling how long they have been there; when re-heated they are less than tasty. Besides, some crêperies are folding the crêpe before filling and that just won't do. Not to mention that in the course of a year, the on-street price has risen from about €2 to as high as €7.
Food prices in restaurants have risen dramatically too. And with the rise in price has come a decrease in quantity and (yes, this is possible) a decrease in service.
However, I must mention two restaurants that rate high on my list for value, quality and service.
The first is Les Trois Marmites. A tiny restaurant of only bout 35 seats, tucked away in the 20th arrondissement. The price has risen, but still below most prix fixe places (it is now €19). The food is outstanding. Everytime I take friends there they are somewhat dubious because it is out-of-the-way, but when they take their first bite, they are completely impressed. The flavors just explode in your mouth.
The menu changes regularly so it is hard to say what to have, but there are ample choices for 1st and 2nd plates as well as desserts. They also have a good wine list. Only caution: very warm inside during the summer and no outside seating. Be sure to make a reservation! No website; address: 8, Rue Julien Lacroix, 75020 Paris (Métro: Ménilmontant). Phone: 01 40 33 05 65. Hours: 8pm-2am; closed Monday. (Map)
The other location is La Maison de Verlaine. Situated in the house where the poet Paul Verlaine died from alcoholism and perhaps toxicity due to absinthe, the place is small and interesting. Food is good quality French, with some of the best Onion Soup I have ever had. It is now owned by a Greek family, so do not be surprised to find taramasalata on the menu! Located near the Sorbonne in the 5th arrondissement, friends don't moan about the distance, and are impressed by the taste. Wine list is good and the house wine is nice.
They offer several prix fixes some without wine and some with (from €12 to €24). Temperatures are warm inside during the summer but tolerable; worth the wait for an outside seat. Ask for Spiros. No website; address: 39, Rue Descartes, 75005 Paris (M&eaute;tro: Cardinal Lemoine). Phone: 01 43 26 39 15. (Map)
Tom
posted by Tom - Ubiquity International at 8:38 AM Permalink
2 Comments:
Thank you Dr Tom for the info. It is always very accurate and helpful. I went to La Maison de Verlain. The food was very good and the service extremely friendly.
Keep up the good work. Looking forward to info for other places as well.
Thanks for the comment. I am always glad to know when the information I post is helpful!
Tom
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