One of those must visit restaurants right now in Paris is Frenchie. For those who can't get a booking, go to Frenchie Bar a Vins, directly across the alley, where you can sample the Chef's outstanding and inventive modernist French cuisine without a booking. But do know you have to get there at 7 when Frenchie Bar a Vins opens to get a table.
When I showed up the other night at 6:50pm, there was already a line of about twenty people deep. Granted the bar can hold about thirty five to forty, if they are lucky.
Once inside the space, one sees that the first room is two small communal tables and a petite counter bar. In the back room, there are a few additional tables, some communal and some for two tops. The entire space has low ceilings giving it an intimate and cave like feel. Both rooms have a warm and rustic energy enhanced by the fact that they are outfitted strictly with wood - wood tables, wood stools, wood walls, wood beams.
So what of the menu and the wine list?
The menu was divided into a series of categories -- cured meats, salads, fish, pastas, meats, cheese, and desserts. Under each category there were between two and four options -- each creative yet classic and distinctly characteristic of the chef's point of view.
So what did we have?
We shared the burrata topped with a wild basil pesto. Decadent and creamy, unctuously oozing all over the plate once cut in just the right ways. Absolute heaven in cheese.
Then I had the grilled mackerel with asparagus and anchoives. Fresh and flavorful, aromatic and delish. This was clean elevated French cuisine without a fuss.
The recommendation of the Beaujolais was fruity, light yet with a nice weightiness.
Overall a wonderful meal in the presence of a fantastic chef. Next time - a meal at Frenchie and then hopefully the newest must visit joint- Septime.
Frenchie Bar a Vins
6 Rue de Nil
Paris 75002
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