Le Comptoir du Relais

Paris, FR

Oddly enough, we hadn't been to a traditional brasserie throughout our entire trip until we made a point to come to Le comptoir du relais on Saint Germaine. This is an extremely popular bistro which is apparently impossible to get a dinner reservation, but they take first come first serve for lunch. We didn't arrive until almost 4 for lunch and we still couldn't get an outdoor table. Nonetheless, there was no wait and I was looking forward to some traditional cafe fare. I had heard about this place on Anthony Bourdain's 100th episode of No Reservations and was hoping for an amazing showing.

Escargot

The entire menu is in French and the staff, although speaks some
English, they're not there to translate for you. We knew we wanted
traditional flavors so Chu-Toro finally got her escargot, covered in pesto. It was well cooked and tasty.

L'oeuf mayonnaise

Bourdain raved about the eggs mayonnaise which is why I ordered it. It's a strange dish, two hard-boiled eggs covered in mayonnaise sauce, which is very creamy and good. There were also a couple hearts of lettuce making the dish feel like an egg salad. A interesting, tasty French dish.

Croque monsieur

For the second course, Chu-Toro went with the classic croque monsieur, a classic French simple ham and cheese sandwich. 

Braised beef

I had a braised beef steak in red wine, and an assortment of vegetable. It was tender, tasty and well cooked.Overall, we were happy with the showing even though it didn't seem like anything too extraordinary. 

Overall 6.5/10 

June 2, 2011