Le Petit Saint-Benoît

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This will be my last post on Paris, but before I close the week I have to do a post on my favorite meal in Paris. Yes, there are many wonderful restaurants and our dinner with Michael and Thomas at Brasserie Balzar was amazing. But the place that won my heart and tummy was Le Petit Saint-Benoit. A Paris restaurant dating back to 1901 the interior seems equally old, right down to the tin ceiling and tarnished mirrors. The daily menu is handwritten and then duplicated using the old dittomaster method of the 1960s.

We walked in an hour before closing, as did a very large group of locals. A few people were seated before us, but we took it in stride and with a smile. Obviously the right tactic. A very kind waitperson brought us a glass of wine and assured us she would seat us as soon as possible. I will add that the house red was extremely drinkable and we were shown extreme patience with our less than stellar French (we can order wine, say hello and count to ten…with help!)

We each ordered a large steaming bowl of Beef Bourguignon, easily the best we have ever eaten. A delicious mélange of flavors, the tender beef fell apart in the rich deep broth. We kept ordering more bread just to soak up the juices. If you go to Petit Saint Benoit do get there when they open to get a table, as it usually fills up quickly. And just as in 1901, they still do not take credit cards.

I will end by saying that our first trip to Paris was sheer bliss and I cannot wait to return in July. For all the Parisian stereotypes one sometimes hears we had nothing but pleasant encounters.

Photos from Le Petit Saint-Benoît website