As in New York, dining in Paris is full of choices. Right or Left? Bistro or Brasserie? With so many choices, sometimes it can be overwhelming, so where does one head when food is the only choice you really want to make? Why, Le Relais de l'Entrocote of course, where the decision is made for you.
OK, so you will have to choose between the two outposts of this steak frites standby, but once you are seated behind the red and white checked tables, simply indicate the temperature of your meat, rare, medium or well, and leave the rest to them.
They don't take reservations, but on a Thursday night we waited barely ten minutes for a cozy table next to two older couples with three bottles of house wine to the wind. Simple green salads with walnuts and crusty bread appeared as we gave the waitress our meat preferences.
The temperature of our wine was unfortunately off, arriving ice cold. But no one seemed to mind, or rather we all knew we had come for the beef, not the Beaujolais. So at last when our perfectly cooked steaks arrived, with perfectly crispy fries, we toasted to each other and all the things we were thankful for, since the meal also doubled as our Parisian Thanksgiving.
And what a way to celebrate! With succulent meat dripping with l'Entrocote's secret sauce, of which butter is most certainly a dominant ingredient. But when something tastes this good who cares how bad it is for you? We did show some restraint and when done, requested only the check and not dessert.
The following evening I walked past the restaurant on my way home only to see a huge line pouring out the front door. Have patience I thought, it will be worth the wait, but to those who might go in the future I would say, have foresight and don't go on the weekends.
Le Relais de l'Entrecote
20 bis, Rue St-Benoit, 6e
15, Rue Marbeuf, 8e
The red wine is supposed to be cold! It is a speciality.
Posted by: antonia collins | December 15, 2004 at 11:21 AM
I ate here about a month ago, It was great, especially seeing how I didnt have to order anything from the waitress. All she asked was how I wanted it cooked. The special sauce was excellant and the steak was great.
Posted by: Greg | April 21, 2005 at 03:13 PM
has anyone any idea what's in the sauce? I'd kill to know the ingredients!!
Posted by: | April 12, 2006 at 11:46 AM
Wow,
My first experience with this restaurant was about 6 years ago, when a close friend who lives in Paris took me out for dinner.
I must say, that it is my favorite restaurant in Paris and I try to make it back every time I am in Paris. And yes, the best part is they only serve one meal, so you only need worry about which wine or dessert to order.
It does get very crowded with mostly locals and the noise at time can be unbearable.
It is definitely my "best kept dining secret" in Paris.
Posted by: Janet | April 13, 2006 at 01:29 PM
I just got back from Paris and loved eating at this restaurant. I am not a chef: I am trying to figure out how to make a similiar sauce. Would love some ideas. Thanks!!!
Posted by: Robbie Kuchar | May 12, 2006 at 03:02 PM
It is my favorite place in the world. I used to think that Cuban food was enough to get you high, but once I am at Le Relais de l'Entrecot, I forget my congrí or my palomilla or even my sacred mojito, it is sinful!!!
Posted by: Victor Llerandi | November 13, 2006 at 07:26 PM
I loved this place, me and my boyfriend are also trying to reproduce the dressing at home, but, no way! we will just have to go back to Paris to enjoy this meal.
Posted by: Mare Rodri | November 29, 2006 at 08:29 PM
Check out my blog for the sauce recipe (ingrediants, no measures, though!)
Posted by: adrian | June 09, 2007 at 06:06 AM
IT IS VERY NICE
Posted by: My NAme a borat | June 19, 2007 at 10:05 AM
excellent! would love to try MR's recipe! How to find it is another question.
Posted by: chas | December 03, 2007 at 03:08 PM
Im a spell that youve got the closet where
Posted by: video | December 13, 2008 at 08:48 AM