For my last night in Paris, I wanted a real authentic French meal. I wanted to go somewhere where the locals dine. In a sense I wanted to immerse myself in everything French.
One recommendation later from the concierge, and I found myself at Le Relais de l’Entrecôte. An institution in
Paris, the restaurant has been around for more than 50 years. Upon arrival, I knew it must be something special. On this particular night it was raining outside and there was still a line of people wrapped around the building waiting to get in.
After waiting 30 minutes or so we were seated by a waitress dressed in a black dress and white apron, or what most Americans would liken to as a “French maid” uniform. The tables were so closely packed together that the waitress had to pull it out, so that I could get to my seat. That said, the closeness created a communal feel, and made it very easy to make conversation with your neighbors.
At Le Relais de l’Entrecôte you can order whatever you want as long as it is steak and frites. There is no menu, all you need to know is how you want your steak cooked (it best be rare). There is a small selection of wines to choose from to accompany your meal. We chose the house red, which packed a full body that perfectly, complimented the hearty fare.
Immediately, after ordering you are served a crisp green salad adorned with walnuts and mustard vinaigrette. The
simplicity and lightness of the salad is nice balance to the decadence of the main course. Next, the waitresses brought out plates of thinly sliced and perfectly cooked rib meat and crispy French fries piled high.
But the best is still yet to come. The waitress then douses the meat and fries in a creamy, rich sauce. The taste is reminiscent of pesto, but don’t dare ask about the ingredients – it is a closely guarded secret. Just when you hit the bottom of your plate, the waitress is there with a silver platter offering you seconds.
If you are looking for the best steak-frites in Paris, then Le Relais de l’Entrecôte may well be it. I like the idea of doing one thing and doing really well. They have taken a seemingly simple meal, and turned it into something special with its secret sauce. And what you get is an authentic and truly French experience
About Le Relais de l’Entrecôte:
Location: 101 Boulevard du Montparnasse, Paris, Île de France 75014 (multiple locations)
Contact: +33 1 46 33 82 82
Hours: Daily 12-2:30 p.m. – 7-11:30 p.m.
Reservations: Not accepted
Credit Cards: Accepted
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