We'd had a pretty busy day. And then I got the notice that our flight time had changed to very early in the morning. I had reservations about getting up at 4am, then managing to get to CDG for our early flight. So, much like what I did on a previous visit, I went and booked a night at the Sheraton in CDG Terminal 2. We'd have dinner and what not, then vacate the apartment, heading to the airport via the RER arriving around 9pm or so.
While having our no-so-good dinner at Pirouette, we noticed another place in the square was doing some major business. I looked up the place; named Le Petit Bouillon Pharamond, in case you don't know, a Bouillon (like the broth) is traditionally a restaurant that serves traditional French meals, for good prices, that serves the working class. We think of it as kind of a "diner", but with definite French touches as most Bouillons have wonderful, traditional decor. In recent years the Bouillon has been making a comeback in Paris. I had been eager to check one out and here was the opportunity. Plus, Pharamond is open from noon to midnight daily; making a very non-Parisian dinner at 530pm a possibility. Plus, we'd beat all the dinner crowds.
We managed to just walk in a snag a table with no problem. We loved the decor of the place.
And lest you think it was only tourists eating that this hour; I present this gentleman.
He strolled in, took a table, knew all the staff, never needed a menu and they just brought him his dinner. There are many apartments in the area, so perhaps he lives in one of them?
We each ordered one entree and one plat.
The Missus started with the Terrine et Poulet (6,9 € – $7.25/US).
This as quite nice; tender, great balanced offal flavors with a hint of sweetness.
I got the Bone Marrow (6,5 € – $6.75/US)
Simply seasoned with sea salt, this was so buttery and beefy. It was heaven with the baguette.
Speaking of the bone marrow; one couple saw a gentleman and his friendly pooch having an apero at one of the outdoor tables. They asked and got permission for this 70 kilo (we asked) sweetheart to get his own "entree".
For Her plat, the Missus ordered the Andouilette Grillee – the grilled sausage (11,5 € – $12/US)
The sausage had a nice "snap" with a herby-garlicky flavor. The jus had just the right amount of salt for our taste and those mashed potatoes were quite nice.
I got the Beef Tartare (11,9 €, $12.40 US).
Man, this was much better than I expected. The beef, while perhaps chopped a bit more finely than I like was nicely chilled, with a clean finish, loved the ratio of capers and scallions to beef. But the most surprising thing were the frites, which were crisp outside and creamy inside.
Service was efficient and fast. Man, to think that this dinner with wine was around $45 US….and remember, this is France, where the 15% service fee is included (not added) in the pricing.
We'll definitely check out more Bouillons when we're wanting a more traditional French meal in Paris.
Le Petit Bouillon Pharamond
24 Rue de la Grande Truanderie
75001 Paris, France
After dinner we decided to take a nice stroll past all those familiar places.
Traveling has changed me a bit…..and for some reason France has as well. When walking past the Louvre I saw this Nona struggling to get up on one of the stone photo thingies outside the Louvre.
I'm not sure why; but I decided to "lend my shoulders" to the effort.
Which was a success and we all go a good laugh out of it.
I hope she made it down safely!
There's something about Paris that we love. We can't really put our collective fingers on it. It's vibrant, full of surprises, excellent food, and also there are those other moments.
I'm not sure where I read it; but the city still defines itself as a conglomerate of "villages"…..
And a beautiful one at that!
Ah Paris, we can't wait to return!
Thanks for stopping by!