Le Violon d'Ingres

It was a cold and rainy day in December when we arrived for lunch. Started with flutes of "Demoiselle
Parisienne" champagne made for Christian Constant, the proprietor. The place was filled with ladies out to lunch and businessmen. There was even a young man of about 5 or 6. All seem to be having a fine time.

There is a long leather banquette on one length of the restaurant with enough space in the back for bags, coats - it even protected my hat. The room is brighten by the good lighting and light sunny yellow on the walls. Service was superb. I love this location. Rue Saint Dominique is one of the friendliest street in the quartier which is known to the residents as "Quartier de Gros Caillou".

Everything I had, tranche of foie gras en brioche aux gelee de Pinot Noir; Croustillant de Bar aux amandes and the irresistible souffle aux sauce caramel were outstanding. A pleasure to dine on Christian Constant's creations!

One of those restaurants in the running for more Michelin Stars so the usual starched table cloths and grovelling waiters in pre-tied bow ties. The clientele it attracts seem to be those rather severe old French women from he 16th who look like they need to lighten up a little. I found the decor grim especially with no windows and wood chipped walls. All of which is a shame because the food was very good. The chef should kiss goodbye to the Michelin system and do his own thing...oh and move to another location.