Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Plats Canailles - In France - Simple and Heavy Dishes



In my travel to France for over 40 plus years and eating everything form Three Star restaurants to no stars and in-between, when i comes down to my favorite type of French food - its what the French call plat canailles - best translated as simple and heavy dishes. Some call it home cooking or peasant food. To me,. its the best food in France, bar none.
One of my favorite places to experience this in Paris is Astier. 
Its everything you think about that a real Paris bistro should be. Red checked tablecloths  original woodwork and cafe curtains - its a picture postcard version of a Paris Bistro, to be sure.
Most clients are local ( as its located in the off Paris sightseeing area of the 11th district. Its been there since 1956 and their menu has changed little. A menu of traditional French classics ( no foolish California Fusion cuisine found here, thank goodness!).
Some of my favorites: marinated herring with warm potato salad, cream of lentil soup with smoked duck breast, rabbit in mustard sauce, entrecote with frites, turbot in Bearnaise sauce and a fabulous cheese tray.
It does not get any better than this.

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