paris: part 2 (bistro best)

the most difficult decision in paris? deciding which bistros to go to! it always feels as though there are five different bistros on each block, and no way of knowing which ones are must-visits. before our trip, i did some research on what the most beloved bistros in the city were, and the results were great! below are some photos from bistro allard and bistrot paul bert.

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the chilled calamari salad with tomato, parsley and lemon at bistrot paul bert

the duck sausage and pork cassoulet at bistro paul bert. cassoulet is one of my favorite dishes in the world. it always tastes as if it was cooked for hours ( it probably was) and the flavor and texture of the stewed white beans with the succulent meats is one of the tastiest things that comes to mind when i think of french food. this one was off the charts!

the haricot vert salad at bistro allard. we first had this dish at bistro allard four years ago, and richard has been talking about it ever since. blanched thin green beans are tossed with a creamy dressing and topped with cured duck breast and chives.

the grand marnier souffle at bistrot paul bert. typically, i am not one for liquor flavored desserts, but this one was so light, airy and smooth, that the mild flavor of the grand marnier enhanced the flavor of the dish perfectly.

paris brest at bistrot paul bert. what else can i say? i have never had (or heard of) this dessert prior to this trip, and it was a.m.a.z.i.n.g! fluffed chestnut cream piped inside a light doughnut-type pastry circle.

chocolate mousse with crispy chocolate wafers at bistro allard. this is the ultimate chocolate mousse. it doesn’t try to be a deviation on a classic; it was just utter perfection of one of the best chocolate-lover’s desserts in existence.

bistrot paul bert: 18, rue Paul Bert, 11e, Paris, 75011

allard bistro: 41 Rue St André des Arts