L'Absinthe — Restaurant in Paris

Worst restaurant we've been to in Paris during our three-weeks stay. The waitor was very rude and didn't provide the type of service nor knowledge one would expect in a decent restaurant, not to mention one that is Micheline anything. Although we made a reservation for a patio seating, we were given a table inside the restaurant. We should have left right then. As for the food, first, we were given stale baguette pieces that were too hard to bite into. We were not given any butter or plates. When we asked for some plates for the bread (this was before touching the bread), he gave us each a tiny saucer, the type one puts under an espresso cup.

We each ordered a starter and a main. I have to say that the food was disappointingly subpar. For example, we ordered two steaks, both medium. One came in slightly rare, while the other one was very uneven - too well done in one area and very rare (raw) in another. We also ordered duck. It was awful as well. The lamb wasn't good either. Same with the starters. Everything was too salty plus over cooked, under cooked, or both. The only thing that was not bad was their Hot Duck, a fois gras sandwich. Those of us who had the duck (main) experienced stomach issues that night and part of the next day.

The waiter had an attitude throughout our meal, and he spent most of his time with his back to us, waiting to be called on by those sitting on the patio. There was so much waiting. The meal lasted an excruciating 2+ hours. How could this be a Michelin (plate) restaurant? It makes one wonder if it is just another example of a Parisian...

Well, what a fantastic find and experience, I located this restaurant using the Michelin guide app and it certainly did not disappoint!

The appetiser of roasted artichoke on a bed of puréed cauliflower was sublime with the beautiful fragrance of Chevril and other herbs and my main course of poached cod was probably the best fish dish I have ever had across many Michelin starred restaurants! The balance of the flavours and texture and the richness of the broth with the wild rice combined with the saltiness of the cod and the freshness of the poached tomato grilled with Parmesan on top was such an amazing combination and the lightness of the foam sauce is just delicious. This should definitely soon be one star and worth not only a detour but a special journey! Also mate congratulations to the team for being so gracious with a solo diner, friendly attentive and on point. ...

So very French, so beautiful! ❤️ We have asked our concierge for a recommendation for a nice French bistro, and this is where he sent us to, very much to our satisfaction! Hidden away in a little square is this lovely bistro with a very friendly service and great food! It is worth it, opting for house wine. It is cheap and tasty! The menu included everything from, snails, to foie gras and to frog legs and steak... Less adventurous I had a vegetarian meal. Starting with mushroom ravioli, followed by grilled artishoke and cheese for dessert. My partner loved the snails and the foie gras to start and claimed that the veal was superb. Of course as the name gives it away, it is all about Absinthe in this place and it is very interesting how it is being consumed there... ! 😀 Not too much on that one, you must experience for yourself! 👍😉 Great place, can only...