Welcome to the Neighborhood

Friday night a friend arrived in late from New York and we wanted a quiet, local restaurant to go to. I had an idea of a place just around the corner, but when we passed by it looked dead and not inviting so we kept walking. I remembered earlier in the week I had passed by a new wine bar/restaurant and we decided to go check it out. We entered in and were warmly greeted (often a surprise), by a waiter who must also be the manager because he projected an air of propriety. I wanted to ask him if he was, but his accent was of a muffled, nasal origin which kept throwing me off. Anyways, not the point.

The point is we ended up having one of the top 5 meals I think I have ever had in Paris. Food was of French fare but sooo fresh and good. My restaurant reviewing skills are not going to be sharp right now, because I cannot even recall the name of the first dish we shared, but we both thought it read cassoulet and were expecting meats, but what arrived was a delicate cheese soufflé with a side toast with sliced, grilled onions on top. The combination was absolutely delicious and in all good Frenchiness, not overwhelmingly heavy or large.

To step back a minute, we were offered a complimentary glass of champagne to start with and an amuse-bouche of boudin noir in a leaf of brick (which is somewhat like philo). We ordered a wine per Monsieur’s recommendation from the Langueduc Rousillon region, and it was truly one of the best wines—full bodied, resembling a good California Zinfandel, but not as heavy.

For a main course we both ordered the lamb, which had apparently been cooked for over 10 hours and you literally could eat it with a fork, it was so tender and full of flavor. The dish was accompanied by potatoes gratin that I almost wanted to marry. It just took this fairly common pairing to the nth degree.

Next: We shared a crème brûlée au chocolat. Again, a common dessert that was outrageously good. Delicate and creamy brûlée with melted chocolate underneath. Espressos were served on a white, porcelain dish that had two spots for the little cups of coffee, along with a few more complimentary chocolates. Needless to say, we rolled home.
Score another point for Batignolles!
Le Village (cave-resto), 14, rue des moines, www.levillagededdy.com