Last December ( during my monthly trip In France and Paris) Mr. Talbott waxed ecstatically about a small Parisian, out of the way restaurant in the 16E ( only 20 tables) that served only meat and potatoes. Having tired of the pretentiousness cooking these days in Paris , you know foams, small portions, California cuisine, more look than taste, so I was intrigued by his comments about L'Atelier Vivanda. It was everything he said and more and within 1 week, I ate there 3 times.
The menu is prix-fixe at Euro 39 ( something many bistros in Paris are doing these days) and what what a deal.
There are only three starters six mains ( meat and chicken) and five different kinds of Potatoes That's it folks, but what an IT it is!
The meat 3 kinds of steak ( cut from a large hanging roast over the stove), lamb, chicken and a hamburger) that's it! It's cooked in an half-semi enclose kitchen on the main floor and its cooked to perfection no sauces used, just cooked on a flat top with lots of butter. No need to put salt or pepper on it, its was so perfect, I almost fell out of my chair. I had this huge grin on my face the entire time I was eating it. I am sure the waitstaff ( who by the way) wears large leather butchers aprons with large knives attached to them, thought maybe I was strange... To accompany the meat one must have the Potato Vivanda - cooked in duck fat! Bien sur! The wine list is small, but well priced and very good!
Its not on the Prix-fixe menu, but also order an appetizer of Iberic Ham that is cut from large Ham ( on a machine that looks like the medieval rack) in front of you...so having this first, you know you are in for a serious meal.
The atmosphere is laid back and cozy, and you'l find mostly locals here and reservations are a must, otherwise, you'll never get in, not with only 20 tables.
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