A tradition started 24 years ago continues. Since 2000, my first meal in Paris has always been at…read moreL'Homme Bleu. And when you return after over 2 decades you wonder if the food will still be as good as you remember it.
It exceeded every expectation!
Seksu Homme Bleu - couscous with merguez sausage, lamb chops and meatball kebabs. The 'gravy for the couscous comes in a separate container, with the couscous sitting on top in its own container with strainer type holes in it.
Seksu n'inebgi - couscous with lamb in sauce and merguez sausages.
Akanaf s'iberdien n'izimer - grilled lamb chops with vegetables and 2 merguez sausage. The lamb chops are tender and juicy and perfectly seasoned. The merguez tends to be drier and a bit tougher. It's just that type of sausage - you either love it or you don't.
Tajine s'uxarfi - lamb with mixed vegetables, pickled lemons and olives. Brine-y and more savory...the pickled lemons were absolutely delicious and were a great contrast to the brine-y olive flavors.
Tajine Iham lahlou - lamb with almonds, pears, onions, prunes, orange blossom and cinnamon. This is the more traditional Arab/Berber flavor and even though it's more 'sweet' it's still savory and oh my heaven it's delicious. The flavors, the texture of the lamb with the texture of couscous work in harmony to create a gastronomic masterpiece.
The spicy harrisa paste that they bring is a great complement to add a little heat to your dish.
Notice the pattern -- lamb- lamb - lamb.
No matter how full you think you are - get the sweet mint tea at the end - it's a great digestive aid; mint forward with just the right amount of sugar.
Note: you have to get as many main courses as the number of people in your party. So, if you go with 5 people then you have to get 5 dishes. These can be shared family style, but even if you think it's too much food- this is necessary. You can mix and match from the menu. Entrées (appetizers) do not count. We were 5 people. We ordered 2 couscous (came in one container), 2 tajine (came separately) and 1 grilled plate.
When we do this again, we would do 2 tajine, 2 grilled plates and 1 couscous.
My palate, my soul and my heart are satisfied.
A bientôt L'Homme Bleu. Je reviendrai.