Le Catrina — Restaurant in Paris

Checked in not long ago around the early evening, this is my latest Revisit to the area near Gare du Nord, went through many pretentious bistros and restaurants from the past few years where things may appeared grand, but strangely lacked the exquisite taste I was seeking for. Was browsing the map for restaurants, the photographs left by past patrons caught my eye and I am indeed very hungry since I did not eat much throughout the entire day. Went for a full course. Got served Ouef Cocotte Foie Gras as a starter. If you missed a Brunch, this one really gives you the 'Bon Appetit'. Literally can clear a basket of sliced up baguette with just the starter. The main, it appears simply beef steak cutlets, creamy mash potatoes and served with a mixed salad. However the dressing and the gravy from the steak, works well together. Actually cleared a second basket of baguette slices to soak up the goodness. When it comes to dessert, first thing coming to my mind was Creme Brulee, it did not disappoint. The caramel crust layer, topped with a trio of chocolate chips and a rather frothy & tasty creme brulee left me a very strong impression this restaurant knows what they are doing. It's ordinary ingredients that may look cliche, but do not get deceive by its outlook, just take a bite and you won't stop. I took on the offer from the manager to try their Cappuccino, it's not extraordinary, but I cannot refuse, it's a form of compliment to go all the way, when they are giving you 100%

It's a cozy bar and restaurant where the staff and its patrons well acquainted. That's usually a great sign for any new guests.

It's bookmarked as a restaurant to go to when you arrived by Train. 👍👍

A full course, started with Coca Cola and finished with a Cappuccino. All under €30. A bargain along with excellent quality, something you cannot get from most restaurants trying to be French, even in London. Amazing discovery.

Went back for a few revisits over the following days.

Had a lunch with my partner on Saturday for a late lunch near 3pm. Still good taste, just ate too much and did not finish the Ocean salad. Then the other time, really early Sunday, had morning coffee with some Cappuccinos, some croissants and orange juices. Met the owner again, passionate family man. Thoroughly, enjoyed the weekend there.

Monday, went back for a brunch. Tried the Country omelette with ham, cheese, onions and potatoes. Cooked to perfection. Highly recommended. 👍

The only drawback was the creamy Rissoto with chicken and chorizo, was too cheesy and not the white sauce I imagined it would be. Sadly, the starter, it was a pancake with seemingly goat cheese filling, but its on the salty side and I cannot finish it. Usually I clear my plates. Still, the restaurant is one of the bests around...

This place was a couple blocks away from my hotel, so I popped in for a quick dinner. Had a steak frites. Service was good. Food tasted okay, but I am not a picky eater. I tend to care more about the beverage than food--and the wine selection was pretty lousy, at least by the glass. They just had a few categories of red--bordeaux, cotes due Rhone, etc.--without anything about the producer or vintage. The Cotes de Rhone I had was drinkable, but not great. Okay, that's not uncommon in a neighborhood cafe. But the worst part of the experience was that I am very sensitive to music. When a place plays music that I dislike, I often just leave, and I should have left Le Catrina without eating, as all throughout dinner the place was playing some thumpy US and North African hip hop and rap music that made it impossible to relax and enjoy my meal. Maybe the other patrons really loved the music, but it ended up putting me on edge. And judging from the look of the other patrons, I doubt very many of them put on rap music when they good home. I've never understood why these places don't play something a little classier. I went to another place nearby to have another glass of wine, and they were just playing a local radio station--couldn't spring a few bucks a month for a Spotify account? . . . and Billy Joel's Uptown Girls was on the station. Since Christie Brinkley said that Joel abused her physically, I have always hated that song on principle--and who needs to listen to old Billy Joel...

First impression, a decent French bistro next to the gare de l'est. Stuff seems pretty nice, and nothing to complain about with such a budget-friendly recipe. But then something goes wrong. When I got my 50cl Stella Artois, I found it's too sour for a pilsner beer. And the entrecôte seemed a little bit overcooked. Even at that moment, I didn't think there was anything lethal at all. For the respect of the chief, I just finished my meal and had a cozy night with my friends. However, after going home, I started feeling not right and then vomited several times that night. The next day, diarrhea appeared... The meal seemed to trigger my gastroenteritis, and at least 3 of my friends had the similar situation as mine. I am not here to blame the restaurant. But please make sure that food poisoning won't happen in your restaurant, since this isn't a matter of good or bad, but...