The jam-packed terrace of the Cave Gourmande tilts ever so slightly downhill. The adorable Manon seated us at the only remaining table and took our order. It was a magnificent day and the kitchen was overburdened so Manon comped us our excellent glasses of Saint Emillion. It was worth the wait!
It was one of those unusually warm and sunny late September days when all of Paris seems to be sitting on a café or bistro terrace. We had met our friend Liliane at her splendid apartment that had formerly been owned by the French Ambassador to China. It’s floor to ceiling windows look down on the the Place Adolphe Max.
After lovely port served with olives, dates and nuts we took her advice and walked up to Montmartre and the jam-packed Cave Gourmande whose terrace tilts ever so slightly downhill. The adorable Manon seated us at the only remaining table and took our order.
The kitchen was overburdened and it was taking along time for our meal to come so Manon comped us our excellent glasses of Saint Emillion. It was worth the wait!M was intrigued by the 16 euro boeuf bourguignon, a precursor to chilly days ahead. The meat melted in your mouth and there was more than enough for my to share what is quite possibly the best preparation of this dish that I have ever tasted.
I continued in a classic vein with a 21 euro piece de boeufthat was uncommonly tender and tasty. Accompanied by hand cut fries, crunchy vegetables and a small, crispy salad it was a challenge to finish it all
Definitely worth the hike up to Montmartre.
La Cave Gourmande 96 rue des Martyrs 75018
Hours: Noon-midnight daily
