Huge Flavors, Huge Hearts, Gorgeous Setting - Baltard au Louvre - Monday, 1 October

I discovered the recently-opened lovely Baltard au Louvre on my last trip. It’s just across the street from my favorite cookware shop, E.Dehillerin (those of you who have traveled to Paris with me know the place!) on the west edge of Les Halles.

It was almost full when I arrived a little after 1:00 today, with a couple large groups of business people and many groups of 2 or 4.  French is being spoken exclusively within my earshot.

Like most restos, they have a prix fixe menu at lunchtime.  All of this, with a beautiful Pinot Noir and a bottle of Badoit for a mere 47.50 euros (about $56).

First up, pumpkin soup with bacon, mozzarella cubes (loved this addition!), croutons and crème fraîche.

Next, very tasty, perfectly seasoned moist flavorful dauraude (sea bream) with roasted zucchini, olive/tomato compote and a cilantro sauce.




For dessert, A toasted slice of brioche with roasted figs and slightly licorice-flavored vanilla ice cream (per the menu it was flavored with Genepi liqueur) - wow!





Delicious espresso with a mini financier (appropriate since the old Bourse is right next door!) and a thin crispy sable cookie

Last time I was here, and again today, I noticed that some of the basic serving functions (water, silver, coffee, setting and cleaning tables, etc.) were performed by developmentally or mentally challenged young adults. The food is great, but their employment practices are enough incentive for me to revisit every trip.