In the afternoon I thought I’d have a small snack at one of the little cafes on rue Montorgueil. It was, um, not exactly small. Big eaters welcome here! Or you could have been here to share it with me. Warning, though, I don't share when it comes to Leffe!
For the last couple of years I’ve wanted to try La Marée Jeanne, a newish nearby resto that specializes in fish, but since the reviews have been very solid, naturally it’s been hard to get in. I stopped by after today’s lunch service to see if they could squeeze me in anytime over the next few days. They could accommodate me at 8:00 tonight. Hmmm. Good news or bad news? It’s a cute little place, with tables for about 24, a kitchen that juts out into the room, a few stools at a bar on the other side of the kitchen, four two-tops on the sidewalk, and apparently some seating downstairs (I didn't wander down there).
The daily shellfish special, tiny clams from Normandy, steamed in white wine, lemon and shallots, were a little bit gritty (so you knew they were natural!) and quite tasty. It’s a pretty standard and basic preparation, so nothing for a fish place to hang its hat on (or should I say sink its hook in?!?). 
Then came the daily special, black cod with garden peas, roasted potatoes, beautifully smooth cauliflower purée, and chervil. Again, pretty basic, but sadly the whole thing was under-seasoned. I should have ordered the bouillabaisse! Sometimes it’s better to go with something they make all the time rather than a daily special that they don’t quite have under their belts yet. My very tasty tap Danish Fanø Vestkyst almost made up for the disappointments!
But hey, maybe they were playing an April Fools’ joke on me! I might give them one more try next trip. Maybe.
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