Dining out finds

In this city which is replete with restaurants, it becomes a bit of a challenge to know where to go. Often it is easier to just go to the familiar places where you know you can have a good meal. It is nice however to make discover new haunts. Here now are some new (at least to us) finds:

La Gazetta- located in quiet side street the 12th arrondissement not far from the Place D’Aligre serves an interesting and daily changing menu. The food is quite surprising and inventive. Because the menu changes daily, the selection is not very large. What is there however is very well done and very refined. It reflects the influences of Scandinavian chef Petter Nilsson who trained at Le Fumoir and the Gard. Lunch is a bargain with a menu of 14 Euros. There is likewise a dinner formule for 34 Euros. What I liked about the place was the warm ambiance present. Whether you are in a dinner en amoureux or with very good friends, one can have a lively time conversing and whiling away the time.

Aux Fine Gueules in the 1st arrondissement is a tiny place which is great to have a hearty dinner with good friends. Since it is rather small, one has to make reservations and there is a chance that you are seated very close to the other guests. The food however is really good, notably their meat dishes. Their speciality is the beef which is served rare, medium rare if the chef is feeling indulgent with his more squeamish guests. They likewise have a choice wine list. Given the quality of the food and wine, be prepared to spend a bit on dinner. One leaves the restaurant completely satiated however.

Dans mon coeur il y a… It was because of the name that I was persuaded to try this restaurant. Another thing going for it was its location in the 10th arrondissement. It is one neighborhood I hardly know so trying out the restaurant was a good way to visit. The restaurant is very atmospheric, designed for romantic dinners. It comes complete with the low lights and plush leather seats. The menu is in the form of an impressive booklet and there is quite a variety, including pasta dishes and salads. There is even a vegetarian selection. Quality wise, the food is pretty good and it is served in big portions.