28, av Ledru-Rollin (12)
Tel: 01-46-28-46-76
AMBIANCE/DÉCOR
A movie set bistro. In Gare de Lyon neighborhood. Elderly, energetic owner dominates the room; takes orders, checks on tables, advises on menu, creates a completely memorable experience – with one caveat: An offered digestif gift is 15€ on the check. A recommended wine substitution priced 75% higher. Great food, great fun.
Another spectacular dinner demands amplification.
Le Quincy illustrates the range of Paris dining and the peril inherent in lists of “favorite restaurants”.
On two back to back nights Versance (see 2nd) and Le Quincy.
One in spacious, formal surroundings, with an ambitious chef serving complex works of art on the plate, assisted by a serious and somber staff. Midweek, a dining room half full, mostly couples. Very high prices, very precious food.
Le Quincy, a Paris “farmhouse” in décor. Small. Every table boisterous and full, almost all men. Two waiters and a larger than life owner, everywhere at once. A talented, but anonymous chef (plus one helper and a dishwasher) in the tiny kitchen (which guests pass through on the way to the courtyard toilet).
A menu replete with every bistro classic: terrines, hams, sausages and salamis, followed by coq au vin, chicken with morels in cream sauce, stuffed cabbage, grilled beef, veal chop, inexpensive wines. Family style bowls for dessert: chocolate mousse, prunes, sliced oranges, etc.
Which do you like better? Impossible to answer, two completely different ambitions. Both serve good food, one self-importantly, the other joyously. Different strokes.
Le Quincy has become among my favorite Paris restaurants. It is more “real bistro” in style and quality of cooking than any other. On every visit, almost all French (and mostly men!). The “elderly, energetic owner” still brings personality and oversight to the floor, with humor and charm.
Rotating daily specials: chicken with mushrooms, blanquette of veal. Otherwise small, but diverse menu of bistro classics.
Large portions. Small, now more diverse wine list.
The surroundings are tired, but the restaurant is always full of happy, well-fed guests. We love being among them. (Including Henry Kissinger hosted by a former French Foreign Minister on our last visit).
FOOD
Terrific bistro food with daily specials, several unusual. Simple, good. Very well executed. Stuffed cabbage, baby lamb. Don’t miss the “Grand Assortment” dessert for the table. Bowls put on table. Serve yourself. As much as you can bear.
SERVICE
Competent waiters supported by owner – there since 1972.
PRICE
Medium-high, but worth it at twice the price. Cash only.
Nothing changed, the best we could ask for!
(11x) (2010-2019)