Lunch (and Shopping Tidbits) at l'Epi Dupin - Tuesday, 24 January

Amuse bouche of "Crème
Parmentier" (creamy
potato-leek soup) 

First course of creamed scallop soup
with squash puree and
with six slices of truffle floating on top!  
(Extra charge for the truffles,
and extra yummy!)

One of the hot restaurants in my 'hood is l'Epi Dupin.  The food gets pretty good reviews, but lots of reviewers mention their business savvy.  I see why.  I walked by a little after noon and poked my head inside to see if they were full (the reviews do say that you need reservations).  The maître d' said that they were, but asked (in fine English) if I could come back at around 2:00.  I said "oui, merci" (it's just a couple blocks from the apartment) and he took my name.  He welcomed me by name when I returned and gave me a nice place on the enclosed terrace.  He then got the chalkboard and explained the full menu to me very clearly and accurately (they have a "prix fixe" menu at both lunchtime and dinner).  I ordered, and then he asked if I'd like him to select a wine for me based on the dishes I selected, saying he'd find something nice yet economical (as I recall, the actual phrase was "would you put yourself in my hands?" - gosh, what an offer!).  I said "sure" in my best midwest accent!  I'm sure that he was impressed!

Grilled veal on a bed of herby roasted
potatoes and bacon, with a wonderful
veal sauce and their really tasty
house "epi" (a whole wheat baguette
snipped and twisted before baking
to look like a wheat stalk).

My food and wine was very good - see the photos and captions.

Dessert - roasted pears with
gingerbread ice cream, caramel
sauce and a beignet on top!

As I was leaving I asked the maître d' about the two bicycles parked right outside the restaurant.  They're the shopping vehicles for the chef, François Pasteau, and himself when they go to the local street markets for fresh vegetables etc. (when it's not raining, he was quick to add!)  It's a little hard to see, but the bicycle on the right has a wooden crate on the front - it's used by Chef.  The maître d' takes the bicycle on the left with the large yellow box.  So cool!

Later I heard the maître d' explaining the menu in Japanese to another guest.  Wow!  Talk about multi-lingual and customer-focused!  Their website is also well translated.  Although there appeared to be quite a few locals here, they clearly know the importance of reaching out to the customer.  www.epidupin.com