Friday, October 16, 2015

He’s a Frenchie! But this Outpost is Americany! – Wednesday, 7 October


I’m happy to say that I was there when it all started! (Not that that makes me special or anything, but still….)  Read my report from 2009:  http://mariellen-musing.blogspot.com/2009/11/frenchie-saturday-14-november.html

Gregory Marchand and his team have now created a little compound on rue de Nil (the tiny street is as unassuming as its name suggests) with Bar à Vins (a wine bar) and Frenchie2Go as well as the original, now slightly expanded, resto.  He’s a sensation with locals and visitors – it’s almost impossible to get reservations at the resto – long lines form outside Frenchie2Go at lunchtime – the wine bar starts filling up as soon as it opens at 7:00 pm, and I’ve seen people eatin’ and drinkin’ and havin’ fun in the street outside of it!

Anyhoo, back to Frenchie2Go. They serve burgers, fries, hot dogs, chicken, pulled pork, a few other sides, and beer & wine. You can try to grab one of the few stools at tall tables inside, or lean on a little counter outside, or take your food to go. I stopped in about an hour before they closed, so I was able to order my food, grab a stool, and wait for the server to bring my order to me.  It’s still fairly gauche to eat “on the run” in Paris – most people sit down, even for lunch, for a couple courses and wine – but there have always been sandwich vendors on the streets and delis that sell slices of quiche and individual pizzas to go.  Marchand is taking the trend even further, with his more-American-than-French offerings, and people are eatin’ it up!

I could eat lunch here every day (literally and figuratively). My pulled pork and red slaw sandwich (perfectly seasoned, a bit vinegary, with just a touch of heat), crispy/tasty fries with ketchup & bbq sauce, and tap beer were absolutely yummy. And about 18 euro! The only trick was eating the fries with a fork, as they do here - I couldn't be totally gauche!

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