I finally took an L in Paris. After eating excellent food and getting excellent service throughout Paris, my wife and I stumbled on what seems to be a racist restaurant. I thought it was unusual that all the Asians were herded into the back corner of the restaurant where it was extremely hot and stuffy. But what's the point of opening the windows, you're just inhaling 2nd hand smoke. It's Paris though, EVERYONE smokes. cest la vie...
You know something is wrong when you've ordered your food, and the table that was seated 20 minutes after you, orders AND gets their food first. It's ok though, they're busy, kind of, so let's give them some slack. Another 15 minutes pass. Ok, it's so hot I'm starting to lose my appetite. The waiter's spidey sense must be tingling because the moment my wife and I toy with the idea of asking about the food or just cancelling the order, the waiter grabs the food from the kitchen. The universe heard us! Actually... I wish it didn't.
First off, steak frites can be made terribly wrong. Come here if you want to experience awe. Yes, I was in awe, about how awful it tasted. The most common French cuts of beef are the entrecôte, rib steak. This was chewy, full of tendon and flavorless, aside from the overwhelming taste of rosemary. Subpar frites considering I had better at a street vendor just earlier at lunch.
The thing is, I didn't want to be rude so I didn't complain, but I also only ate half of my meal because I'm a firm believer of not wasting food. This time I just couldn't do it. I guess they took offense though. Because from that point on, it was apparent they didn't want to give any service anymore. I've never had a harder time trying to get the bill. And when we did, the young man who apparently was the manager or owner's son took his time with the bill. He walk around, chatted with people, set a table with utensils when the restaurant was less than a 3rd full. I've never seen anyone so happy doing busy work. Oh crap, we need change? Yup, another 15 minutes wasted while the restaurant continued to empty and the "manager" chatted with the bartender who was cleaning cups.
You know what though, we still left a tip.. but here's a tip for everyone else. Come here if you like disappointment. I knew Paris had to have bad food (and service). FINALLY FOUND IT!!
Do yourself a favor. Walk 5 minutes and go to Cafe Blanc. We had a 2nd meal there. The service was AMAZING and sooo friendly, plus the food was good. It really was night and day.
Oh, I won't even get started with the poor excuse of a foie gras salad my wife ordered. YMMV, but others have had subpar ratings on the steak frites also. My mistake for not reading more reviews first. CAVEAT EMPTOR. read more