SnackTime With Jen— Where’s The Beef? November 15th

Welcome to my newest feature, SnackTime With Jen. This midweek morsel is a small taste of something fun. Topics range from food (of course) to fashion, amusing little discoveries both locally and abroad, and a variety of interesting intel too tempting not to share. So let’s get snacking…

Most Americans are familiar with the dish Steak Frites. The translation here isn’t a toughie– it means steak and fries. It is served all over the States and in most European brasseries, so of course it happens to be a menu staple across Paris as well. After tasting more fries than I care to admit, occasionally even accompanied by a steak, I can tell you honestly that the Steak Frites at La Bourse et La Vie is without a doubt the best in all of Paris. Let me tell you why…

First of all to say that the portion of potatoes on this plate is obscene is putting it mildly. Those golden fritters have the perfect crispness and just the right amount of salt to be completely addictive. And the steak. Whoa. The meat is super lean, grass-fed, aged for thirty days, and the au poivre (peppercorn) preparation brings just the right amount of spice and crunch. The standout here that takes this unbeatable combination to the stratospheric next level is that these two components sit atop the richest, most decadent savory cream sauce I have ever sampled in my life, bar none. I took every fry for a long swim and made sure each bite of steak soaked up the sauce, too. This dish was life affirmingly good. They do have other things on the menu, including a particularly good side salad with a shallot vinaigrette with tiny chives. But please but don’t even show your face here if you’re not having the Steak Frites– you’d be occupying precious real estate reserved for visitors desperately seeking a taste at this intimate eight-tabled gem.

I know that many Americans used to have a beef with the French. But after eating their actual beef, I’m guessing you’ll be thrilled to put down your harsh words and gratefully pick up your knife and fork instead.

Remember that Wendy’s commercial from way back where the old lady yells, “Where’s the beef?” Well I think we finally have an answer, honey. So it’s no surprise that La Bourse et La Vie makes my Best Of Paris List for their outstanding version of Steak Frites.