Le Stado, Paris

A typically Parisian restaurant that shares two common loves with the English.



The first: rugby. It’s not just some jump on the bandwagon kind of affair while les tricolores are up and running, there’s plenty of memorabilia that pays homage from the days of Jean-Pierre Rives or Serge Blanco.

The second: duck.



Confit duck with fried garlic potatoes: all that cooking in the fat makes it easy to separate from the bone.



Duck breast with Espelette: sliced meat a little dry but the espelette chilli pepper sauce is a winner with a spice that’s just nice.

3.5 / 5 yums!
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Where? 150 Rue St Honoré, 75008 Paris, France
What? Around 14€

Le Chateaubriand, Paris (May 2011)

The Lady Gaga of the San Pellegrino top 50. Some will get it, some won’t.

It’s such a stripped back place, and you’ll have to shed the clothes from your brain and free the mentality to experience some of this avant-garde cuisine that sets out to create lasting breaks in the ground.

Amuse bouches:



Mini brioche



Ceviche grapefruit: perks you right up



Grilled duck heart rolled in seeds (aniseed, sesame) – liquorice allsort anyone? First signs of the mad hatter.



Cucumber, seaweed – so, much, green. Cooling yet salty, you could cook a good pasta with the broth.



Wild turbot fish, arroche, Jamón ibérico jus – where’s the fish.



There is its! A healthy meat and one veg with a savoury porky juice.



Crispy skinned chicken, artichokes two ways: crispy fried slices, smoked, and a burnt eggplant dip that I don’t agree with.



Strawberries, pea puree, mint (and milk) – pairings of these ingredients are classic, but all at once… not quite.



Cherries, sabayon, beetroot crisp – perfect… until you get the olive that’s like the irritating neighbour who just lingers around.



The kind of place for bored food critics who’ve tasted everything and have come for the thought provoking food. Just like Gaga, some will get it, some won’t. I didn’t.


2 / 5 yums!
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Where? 129 Avenue Parmentier, 75011 Paris, France
What? Set menu 50€

Chez Palmyre, Nice

Economic theory is thrown out the window here.




This restaurant is quintessential old town Nice. I actually don’t know what that is, but it’ll be a place that would inspire Melbournians for that next cozy Northcote bar.

Now at the ridiculous price of 14€ for 3 courses that changes with what’s good at the markets, they could rightly, or wrongly just slap together leftovers from the night before and serve.

What you do get is something far more special that tries really, really hard to please and simply showcases what simple French cooking is all about.



Blistered tomato stuffed with ratatouille and smoked salmon and parmesan crisp – How pretty.



Soup of the day – a lovely rich, creamy pea soup. I could turn vegetarian for this.



Chicken “pie” – shredded protein topped with a silky potato mash and mustard sauce.



Duck rolled in pastry and red wine sauce – jackpot.



Chocolate terrine – the money maker.



It’s fair to say that when demand surpasses supply, prices can rise. Probably not here. Leave a generous tip. One of my favourite meals in Europe.

4 / 5 yums!
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Where? 5 rue Droite, 04 93 85 7 Nice, France
What? 3 courses 14€

Rossettisserie Restaurant, Nice

There are roasts, and there are roasts. Then there is this charming rotisserie in old town Nice.

The only choice is the meat either chicken, veal, pork, beef or lamb. And the side.

Desserts of the day. Crème brulee and a sabayon.

It’s a good Sunday everyday.

4 / 5 yums!
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Where? rue Mascoinat 8, Nice, France
What? Meats 11-13.50€

Luc Saledo, Nice

I’ve probably said something like this before, but a meal at Luc Saledo is a bit like paying for a Target brand but getting Missoni.

A great introduction to contemporary French at a price that’s a no brainer for the deep pockets, and on the threshold for those on a budget.



Complimentary appetisers



Pan seared foie gras, seasonal fruits, baby salad



Beef tartare, lemon dressing, crispy vegies – primal and delicious.



Fillet of sea bass, peas and asparagus puree.



French toast, caramelised apples, cinnamon and toffee ice cream – a heavy finish with a classic morning starter.



All about strawberries – a 4 way is always fun.



Too bad you can’t exactly enjoy the meal though, because you’re constantly waiting for the flashing lights and police sirens to get picked up.  This cheap eat in Nice is an absolute steal.

4 / 5 yums!
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Where? 14 Rue Maccarani, Nice, France
What? 3 courses 44€, 5 courses 65€