Barbra Austin

My first meal here, in early May, was an utter pleasure, not least because of the good company, or that it began with a coupe of Lassaigne at the bar. We were seated in front of the pass at the open kitchen, radishes and butter arrived, and we required no coaxing to commit to the five-course menu.

I’m on the road now (more on that soon) but here are a few stand-out meals I’ve had recently in Paris.

Natural wines and simple food served in a quirky space by handsome hipsters is the formula for many popular bars à vins in Paris.

It’s such a relief (and all too often a surprise) when the restaurant that every is talking about turns out to be good.

Right now that restaurant is Rino.

There aren’t too many places in Paris where you can eat with your hands.

We went to Le Repaire de Cartouche to drink, but we ate surprisingly well.

We almost didn’t order dessert the other night at Bistrot Paul Bert.