It was a quiet Monday and my colleague Corrine LaBalme of LA BELLE FRANCE (sadly defunct) was writing a feature about the Batignolles area of the 17th and wanted company. She had heard good things about RIPAILLE but this was her first visit to this quaint neighborhood bistro.
It was a quiet Monday and my colleague Corrine LaBalme of LA BELLE FRANCE was writing a feature about the Batignolles area of the 17th and wanted company. She had heard good things about RIPAILLE but this was her first visit to this quaint neighborhood bistro.
We were warmly greeted by Philippe who once were seated suggested a Domaine de L’Aigle 2002 Chardonnay form Limoux. It was yellow like a Sauterne with just a hint of fruit.
If you are on a budget 11 euros buys a main course with salad and a glass of wine and for 15 euros you can have an appetizer and main course or a main course and dessert.
We splurged: a refreshing gaspacho of tomatoes and red peppers with fresh mint for Corrine and for me grilled 
zucchini rounds and girolles redolent of the forest. As a main course Corrine had a crusty, grilled cabillaud and I roast pigeon on a bed of chopped Brussels sprouts and bacon.
We had just enough of Jean Foillard’s wonderful 2006 Morgon left to accompany our cheese assortment that included a Livarot and Pont L’eveque from Philippe’s native Normandy. Coffee and a shared moelleux de chocolat concluded a perfectly pleasant and relaxing meal.
Ripaille is the kind of bistro du coin that is filled nightly with neighbors seeking good value, amiable ambiance and pleasant service. And if you want to look across a table and gaze into your lover’s eyes go for lunch when you’ll have lots of privacy.
Ripaille
69, rue des Dames, Paris 75017
Metro: Rome
Tel: 01-4522-0303
