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8th April 2013.
During the gala of the Philippine Art & Artifacts Exhibit at the Musée du Quai Branly, Gaita Forés (who, with Vicky Pacheco and their crew, prepared the food for the gala's lavish reception) learned we staying on rue du Cherche-Midi in St-Germain du Prés (arr. 6). She then highly recommended Chez Dumonet (117 rue du Cherche-Midi 75006 Paris, France) which was along the same street in the same arrondissement (the street is very long and crosses arrondissements).
We had to wait around 25 minutes for our table, but were quickly given complimentary champagne apéritifs while we waited.
The restaurant, also known as "Restaurant Joséphine" (established well over 100 years ago) turned out to be just two minutes' walk up the street (our apartment building was at 100 rue du Cherche-Midi). I asked Lorenzo to make reservations for us for a late dinner, which he quickly did. The restaurant is reputedly one of the very best of the few old-style bistros left in Paris.
Amuse bouche of Pumpkin Soup.
Regular servings at Chez Dumonet are well-known to be very large, so most dishes are available in demi (half) portions. The immediately above photo is of Joaqi's starter of Foie Gras Terrine (full portion). Lorenzo opted for a demi portion for his entrée, which was just one thick slab of foie gras instead of two. The full portion turned out to be too much for even Joaqi (our resident foie gras and boeuf tartare freak), but Catha (who opted out of an entrée) and Mauro (who can eat a lot anyway) helped him out with the second slab.
Mauro's Crispy Langoustine starter.
My starter of Oeufs au Truffes (demi).
Finishing off our first courses.
For the main courses, I had actually ordered a bottle of 1999 Matrot Volnay 1er Cru, but they had run out and, instead, immediately offered a basic, village level 2008 Olivier Leflaive Volnay - Actually quite pleasant, though rather straightforward. Fresh nose, medium-bodied, a silky-smoothness that glides across the palate, healthy acidity, moderate length. Not that much of a middle, but acceptable. Juicy cherries, bit of dark raspberry, hint of ceps, underlying dark, ripe plum, hints of wild cherry trail in the finish. The fruit has a pleasant freshness to it.
I had wanted something from a better producer, older vintage, etc., but didn't feel like re-reading a wine list which wasn't kept up-to-date anyway. Besides, at its relatively modest price by Parisian standards, it was acceptable.
Catha's Boeuf Bourguignonne (demi).
I tasted the boeuf bourguignonne (incredibly tender and moist beef), and, while it is certainly one of the best ones I've had outside of Burgundy, its sauce seemed rushed, i.e., not anywhere as deep or flavorful as compared to that of Ma Cuisine.
A waiter helps Joaqi open...
...his full order of Oeufs au Truffes.
Renzo's Cassoulet (it was humongous, and very good).
My Mille-feuille de Pigeon (full portion). The pigeon itself was cooked nicely rare (very juicy, moist, and tender), but, really, cannot hold a candle to the depth, juicy, earhthy, caramelized splendor of Ma Cuisine's roast pigeon. The potato slices were too salty for me as well.
Mauro's Tournados Rossini aux Truffe (full portion)...
...served with real Truffle Mashed Potatoes. Mauro loved his main course.
An order each of Molten Chocolate Cake...
...for Renzo & Joaqi.
Catha skipped dessert and just had coffee. Mauro and I had each ordered the Grand Marnier Soufflé, but it turned out our waiter had forgotten to tell the kitchen - which was just as well as we were already too stuffed. They were very apologetic and said they'd comp dessert, Catha's coffee, and my double espresso. I told them there was no need for that as we were already too full, but they did it anyway.
Petits-fours