May 27, 2011

Best steak frites in Paris?

How do you want it? What drink? What dessert? That's all the decisions you will need to make when you eat at Le relais de l'entrecote. This famous steakhouse in the 8th arrondissement serves only one thing - steak and fries, and for one price - 24.50 euros. That's pretty good value when you get a crisp, green salad and two helpings of the tender strips of grilled steak and chips, plus an abundance of the secret house sauce that makes this dish such a crowd-pleaser.

For over twenty years, their fixed formula and no-reservation policy seems to have served Le relais de l'entrecote well. A long line is formed, noon and evening, outside the door. What makes better advertising than real people queuing 365 days to get in? Their success has been phenomenal and they are now also in Geneva.

Coming back to the steak, it is brought sliced and drenched with a herb-butter sauce, along with the very good fries. The remaining portion is set to rest above votive candles on a nearby station, and then served as soon as your first helping is cleared. The service runs like clockwork - efficient but mechanical. I would happily pop back there if I am craving for a good piece of steak and nothing else. Otherwise, I would prefer something less predictable and formulaic.

2 comments:

  1. How long do you have to wait before you were seated ? The strips of steak and fries make my mouth water.

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  2. Not long at all - 5 mins tops. I think it has to do with the fact that I was alone and I went at 2pm on a weekday. If you are a real carnivore, you will love this place.

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