I’m not a subscriber so can’t read the review, but some colleagues took me to L’Arret last week and I thought it was a solid lunch option. Didn’t seem particularly Southern, other than the decor, and a few touches (like cornbread stuffing that had French people at the adjoining tables going to their googletranslate to understand). And that ‘cornbread stuffing’ was pretty unrecognizeable to an American, as it came in the form of two crispy sticks. I suppose there was also mushrooms and grits. But otherwise it was a weird melange of French and global influences, which perhaps is a line of critique. I took the poisson du jour, which was a ceviche of some sorts. Nothing memorable or worth traveling for, but interesting and a solid neighborhood lunch option. Maybe they’ve tweaked things over the past months. You could do worse in Paris.
Of course lots of other fun gastronomy while in town. On the restaurant front, my first time at Le Villaret was good, my dining companion suggested it was an off day for the cooking, but the wine list is great and the cheese plateau was a dream for this American.
I enjoyed the food more at Erso, creative well-executed modern bistro food. The “jardin d’hiver” starter was a great way to be playful with sometimes-stodgy winter vegetables. And the dessert variations on kiwi brought excitement to that fruit, especially with a clear and vibrant kiwi sorbet.
Maybe not a destination restaurant, but eating Soupe de Poisson de Roche with remarkable depth of flavor at La Méditerranée, while looking out the Odéon, was all pleasure.
Also ate at Benjamin Schmitt for the first time in the Pigalle, which was fantastic and highly recommended. I don’t tend to do a lot of Michelin star “experiences” anymore in Paris, though will probably do Plentitude on the next trip.