Paris Guide: A Memorable Dinner at Le Quincy
Address | 28 avenue Ledru-Rollin, Paris, Ile-de-France 75011, France
Le Quincy is a quintessential French Bistro that was recommended to us by a friend who visits France frequently and equally enthusiastically recommended by their circle of sommeliers and foodies who frequent Paris with a real joie de vivre. It is owned and operated by Michel Bosshard ( who goes by Boboss) and legend has it he has worked every single day for the past 40 years. When we returned to Paris from Versailles, our group walked to Le Quincy and eagerly waited outside its doors at 6:50 p.m. At 6:59 a waiter unlocked the doors and stepped out for a cigarette. We walked in.
Immediately, I couldn't help but notice that the image of the rooster was everywhere. As you know, the symbol of the Rooster in French Culinary tradition is the inspiration behind my classic I Cook Therefore I am clothing line and the classic blue rooster t-shirt is the favorite of Ted Allen (Chopped host) and our best seller. While I saw the rooster all over Paris and the Champagne region it was so prominent at Le Quincy that I really appreciated it.
We were seated at a cozy table for four in an alcove at the front of the restaurant. Our table, as all the tables, was covered with a red and white checkered tablecloth. Everything had the air of visiting the home of a close friend. Even the front door had a doorbell. Notice behind us, another rooster.
Immediately we were each served a glass of champagne while menus were handed out for our review. It
was difficult to choose what we wanted but we decided to begin with the terrine de Maison for me, escargot, and salmon cru. The escargot was buttery and had a nice garlic and herb sauce. The salmon cru was classic and prepared well.
My sister-in-law wanted a green salad to start. Boboss very much resisted this idea. "It's not necessary". He explained that we would be served a large bowl of cabbage and dressing. When she insisted he sighed and gave up and let her put the order in. Classic. The cabbage salad was in fact excellent and even better with the well seasoned terrine de Maison. It was the perfect combination. The terrine itself had a nice balance so that it was not too smooth or too chunky. It was just right.
For the main I ordered the cassoulet which had come highly recommended to me. It is a dish that traditionally comes from Toulouse. Whites beans and sausage. The dish didn't blow me away, I would have liked creamier but it was solid. Fortunately, my wife shares! I loved her dish.
Now, the name of this dish escapes me and I cannot find a menu online so with the below photo I'll just describe how delicious it was. It was a cod dish served with potatoes in beurre blanc, topped with cheese and dressed with small cubes of fried potatoes. It was a really rich dish but the flavors and textures came together nicely. It was my favorite main at our table.
My sister-in law ordered veal chop in morel cream sauce. Un-pictured her husband ordered the Lapin (rabbit) which was really good.
After a leisure time enjoying wine and good French fare, our plates were cleared and we were offered dessert and we replied, mais oui! We decided to have everything. And, when I say everything it is literally everything on the dessert menu. They brought out large dishes of both fruits and dried fruits soaked in sweet syrups and liquor, a box of cookies, chocolate mousse, gelato, sorbet, rice pudding, and pretty much anything else you might fancy or imagine.
The experience was priceless. Serious but friendly, Boboss was present throughout the meal and even heartily chuckled as my wife and her sister assessed the personalities of every family member. The experience was warm and inviting and the meal was delicious. Humble and hearty in its presentation, the flavors really stood out and it felt like an authentic cultural experience. The food tasted like it was cooked with passion and as a Chef, I really appreciated it. Post meal repose with Boboss through the wine glass. Fin!
