Wow, What a Meal!

After we decided to move to Paris, during those long months when we were getting our house ready to sell and all our papers in order, we tried to learn as much as we could about French customs, the people, and the places we wanted to see.

Noted chef, author, and TV personality, Anthony Bourdain, has appeared in several shows set in Paris and we probably watched each episode three or four times. In one of them he visits a restaurant called "Frenchie", and it's someplace we've been wanting to visit ever since we arrived in France. (It's very popular so you have to book reservations well in advance.)

Last night we finally made our dream come true!

When owner Gregory Marchand was working in London, Jamie Oliver gave him the nickname "Frenchie"

One reason why it's so difficult to score a reservation is that the restaurant is quite small, with no more than about eight tables. The other interesting thing about Frenchie is that they only offer a set menu, and it changes every two weeks. (I teased Melanie that we would probably be eating brains, calf tongue, lamb sweetbreads... she was not amused.)

The food is plated, often with tweezers, behind a bar in the front of the restaurant

Our amuse bouche was maple flavored scones with salted butter

The fresh bread they brought to our table was still hot!

Our first course was an indescribably delicious blend of foie gras, cucumbers, and pickled onions

Course 2 was fresh mushrooms with pureed vegetables, asparagus and a wonderful gnocchi

Delicate fish with cream potatoes, trout eggs, crisps and herbs

Delicately prepared chicken with carrots served three ways

This pre-dessert had avocado ice cream, passion fruit, and a savory crumble. Outstanding!

Our final course had coconut ice cream, mint chocolate mousse ribbons, and white chocolate candies

Every dish offered a unique explosion of perfectly complementing flavors. This was definitely one of the best meals we've had in France.

After a little debate we decided to order the wine pairings and we were so glad we did! More than once the sommelier would bring a wine to our table, then a few minutes later the food would arrive and we'd think, "There is NO WAY these are going to work together." But they were all perfect and it was almost like the wine was changing flavors to match what we were eating!

The dining area was quite small and it was rather noisy, but we wouldn't have changed a thing about our meal at Frenchie. We will definitely be back!