I was flying solo for lunch the other day and tried out a new restaurant in a still seedy but gradually gentrifying part of the 11th arrondissement.
I got there early and received a warm welcome and a table for one (with no attitude attached). Ordering from the fixed-price lunch menu was easy, with only two choices for each course, priced at three for €22.
I was off to a brilliant start with a simple dish that showed how delicious and interesting vegetables can be when treated with a little creativity. It was a medley of beets in different colors, mingling mellow and sharp flavors (some were pickled), combined with mustard seeds and sitting on a bed of mild fromage blanc. A little arugula added greenery, crunch and more flavor.
My main course was confit shoulder of lamb, rich and moist, with homemade mushroom “ketchup.” On the side were what looked like communion hosts to this ex-Catholic, but were really extremely thinly sliced rounds of raw fresh mushrooms, which, together with raw leaves of brussels sprouts, created a delightful and unusual little salad.
For dessert, I chose the extremely fine chocolate ganache. It came in a generous helping, complemented by a cookie and a topping of crumble and chopped nuts.
The staff in the small, comfortable restaurant was prompt and friendly. Chef Marlo Snellman is an alumnus of Frenchie, a good recommendation if ever there was one. His lunch dishes were simple but not simplistic. They were well thought out, made with quality ingredients, tasted great, and were generous and satisfying.
Massale (the word refers to a crop’s best seeds, which are saved to be used the following year), has only been open two months but has already planted the seeds for success.
Favorite
Heidi, You are the GREATEST food guide ever.. still like Patricia Wells but you `re my brightest star.
Here are my favorites for lunch on our semi-annual trips:
Chez Dumonet on Wed for gigot
Le Dome terrace for fish soup and people-watching
Comptoir St Germain for Yves’ menu du jour, L`Ecallier for fish, Paul Bert steak or pork chop, Machon Henri agneau six heures. We always try something you have recommended between our favorites. All the Best, Eddie Murphy
Thanks for the compliment and for the recommendations!