Chez Dumonet

**

We haven't been writing much about our restaurant
experiences in New York, because we have been eating out less frequently and
enjoying the taste of homecooking more.

 

But, within a couple of days of arriving in Paris
we had a absolutely wonderful experience. We generally don't go to Michelin
starred restaurants in Paris, except for special occasions. A 3* restaurant can
easily run to $300 - $500 a person - before wine! Our palates are not that
discriminating, and a big part of the cost goes to providing flawless service.
 We prefer smaller, more intimate restaurants with excellent food. We use both
Michelin and Zagats (which has gotten much better in recent years) and local
publications to identify interesting sounding places.  Sometimes locals or other
travelers give us tips about a new or an unusual spot. 

 

This week we went a restaurant called Chez Dumonet on
Rue du Cherche Midi. It's a small, very informal restaurant established in the
1800's and by the look of the decor, nothing much has changed.  The same family
has been running the place lately for at least two generations.  Besides the
food, they've gotten service down pat and judging from the warm and familiar
greeting given to those walking through the front door, it's clear that this is
a neighbourhood place where people come back on a regular basis.  By the time we
were comfortably seated, a waiter came by splashing white wine into our glasses
and setting two yummy amuse bouches before us--a wonderful beginning!   Chris
started with a big pot of pickeled herring and lyonnaise potatoes. She was in
seventh heaven. I started with a country terrine. For the main course I had a
whole baby duck served roasted with a brown sauce. It was delivered atop a bed
of wilted fried cabbage that was outstanding. Chris had a pigeon millefeuille
that made us both wonder if there was an opportunity back in NYC where we seem
to have an abundance of pigeons right in front of our building!  The meal was
great and the envy of the table next to us who had played it safe with fillet of
beef and green salad!  We'd decided to pass on desert but it was not to be--out
came a large plate with a sampling of goodies that included all Chris's
favourites which we promptly consumed with coffee.  Not a crumb was left behind
as we left satisfied with a smile on our face. Who ever said that service was
only great in restaurants with star ratings! 

 

It was the kind of restaurant where everybody
was very friendly. We were sitting in the front near the bar and got a good
sense of the restaurant. People were still waiting to be seates when we left at
10:00. The chef came out to ask how we liked everthing and stayed to chat for a
few minutes. Overall, it's the kind of restaurant you hope to find in Paris, or
anywhere.