As I mentioned in previous posts, spending two weeks in Paris meant that we'd have time to explore and spend more time enjoying the city. So far on this stay the Missus had Her hair done, we'd done our third (and most successful) visit to the Louvre, and even visited what is claimed to be the oldest pet cemetery in Europe. The Missus was really into getting me to "put in my steps", so I thought we'd take a nice stroll to the 5th Arrondissement and check out the Jardine des Plantes. Though we had passed by the area many times during our stays in Paris, we had never visited. We just thought it would be a nice place to take a walk and relax. The 70 acre park hosts an Alpine Garden, the Natural History Museum, and even a Zoo, right in the heart of the city. We would just be taking a pre-lunch stroll on this day though.
On the way to the garden, I made sure we took Rue du Temple. Why? Well, because of this.
Wondering what this is? Well, I'm going to make you click this link to find out!
It was a nice stroll to the garden. As we entered we saw that there was an exhibition going on. I found out that every year during the holiday season the Jardin has what they call their "festival of lights". During the evening I believe there's an admission fee, but it's free during the day.
The theme for this season (2022) was "Mini-Mondes", literally the little creatures.
And was quite fun and interesting to see; even during the day.
It was quite charming!
We walked down each path, watched families enjoying themselves, a group of folks were doing Tai-chi in one area. It was a very pleasant stroll.
Now the reason I decided to stop by was for our lunch destination. Across the street from the garden resides the Grand Mosque of Paris along with the prayer rooms and such, the Mosque has a cafe and restaurant. And the restaurant is located right across the street from the southwest exit of the garden.
I had checked out the menu online and it featured items we've enjoyed during our travels; like Brick we enjoyed in Tunisia and Mechouia, they even had Shakshuka on the menu. I was wondering if this would make the Missus tell me I needed to step up my Shakshuka game, like She did after having the dish in Jerusalem?
The place was pretty quiet when we arrived. It was around 11am in the morning. There was another couple who just arrived and several folks still working on their laptops and such.
The interior was quite nice! We were told that lunch was not served until 1130, but were given menus; including the one for Hammam as well! Just in case you want some waxing as a appetizer to your couscous.
The Missus got some mint tea and I got some coffee and we just sat and relaxed.
The mint tea was quite good.
Right around 1120 all the laptops were closed and folks started leaving. I guess it was now lunchtime?
We placed our order and then within 10 minutes the folks started coming in, viola!
'
Soon enough our food started arriving. We didn't go for any of the couscous or large dishes; mainly because we really wanted to see how our favorite dishes from previous trips were.
First to arrive was the Mechouia.
This was super bland and needed more tomato for some acidity. It had a greasy tongue feel and also would have done well with more salt. It hadn't been cooked long enough and the peppers and tomato hadn't broken down enough. It also needed more onion in our opinion as well.
This was delivered along with the Mechouia and we cracked up!
Well, this is Paris, right? No pita here! Actually, the baguettes were very yeasty and light. A bit more crisp-crustiness would have helped, but these were not bad.
The Zaalouk (eggplant salad/dip) was up next.
The eggplant was fairly creamy, this really also needed more salt and spice. It could have used much more harissa, though the texture was good.
Finally, the Brik arrived.
When this arrived, the Missus and I gave each other a "look". This didn't seem quite right. And yes, it was overcooked, lacking in flavor, the filo like pastry was hard instead of crisp. And that egg; that poor overcooked, unseasoned egg. 'Nuff said.
The final dish to arrive was the Chakchouka (Shashuka).
This was on the watery side and bland. Glad the egg wasn't cooked to death, though we'd have enjoyed it more runny. You can just tell by the look, can't you? It really lacked the tangy-sweet-acidity from having enough tomatoes. I don't think they used much Harissa in this as it lacked spice. Overly light in cumin tones. You get the picture, right? At least the Missus wouldn't be telling me I needed to up my Shashuka game.
Overall, a very disappointing meal. Though the place was packed when we left. Service was a bit slow, but the young folks working were nice. I'm sure there's better to be had in Paris; so hopefully on a future visit.
Restaurant La Mosquée de Paris
39 Rue Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire
75005 Paris, France
On the positive side, we'd enjoyed our time at the Jardin des Plantes.
And the day was young. We'd passed a patisserie on the way here that the Missus was interested in and we still had another place to visit on the docket for the afternoon.
Thanks for stopping by!
