Living in New York, I get to taste many different kinds of food, from Ethiopian to Japanese, but it’s been quite a while since I’ve dined at a French restaurant. I can’t even blame my recent bout with food allergies for my abstinence. The stereotype with French cuisine is always in my mind: heavy cream sauces, lots of meat, lots of fat, etc. These days I far more prefer lighter, leaner dishes that don’t make me leave the table feeling bad about myself.
But for a change of pace, I decided to join a group of friends and take a trip to a spot in midtown I’d been to years ago: Les Sans Cullottes. They have a great price fixed menu that has a lot to offer. The meal starts with a literal rack of sausages and a basket of fresh fruits and vegetables, liver pate and creamy dressing. There’s even pickles and of course French rolls. And that’s merely the appetizer. Tonight I had the calf liver with onions for an entrée. It was amazing. Cooked to perfection, the meat was flavorful, the sauce delectable. Everything was cooked to perfection. I even enjoyed two glasses of the house Cabernet Sauvignon, which I usually don’t like. But when it’s French, how could it not be good? I’d forgotten that French doesn’t have to mean heavy. Sure, butter and cream are classics, but there is also a simplicity about French food that is both comforting and satisfying. I’m quite glad to see that this restaurant has survived the recession and has managed to keep its integrity over the years. Here’s to great food, great company and rediscovering great cuisine.
No comments:
Post a Comment