Bistrot de la Porte Doree

Bistrot de la Porte Doree Restaurant Review:

In the case of Bistrot de la Porte Dorée, the name belies reality. This is more of a mini-brasserie than a bistro, with its typical wooden floors, white tablecloths, sparkling china plates and copper bars above the banquettes, not to mention the energetic waiter clad with a white apron over his black vest. An unpretentious neighborhood brasserie indeed, it is located on the fringe of Paris on the Boulevard périphérique (the ring around Paris) at Porte Dorée. This "Golden Gate" opens up on the Bois de Vincennes, the other large park of Paris. If you happen to be in the area after a walk in the park, don't miss the opportunity to try the prix fixe, which will satisfy a robust appetite at a cool price. First comes a nice bottle of Bordeaux and a terrine of rillettes for the table to spread on good country style bread. Both are comprised in the unbeatable prix fixe of €36,50 including tax and service. Then, there's a large selection of appetizers such as escargots in garlic butter, calf's head in vinaigrette, duck foie gras prepared in-house by the chef, and feuilleté of crayfish in a saffron sauce. The choice of entrées is similarly ample: pavé de boeuf (thick beef steak) enhanced by a green pepper sauce, duck confit with pommes sautées, lamb chops with rosemary, and duck magret. There are lots of fish options as well, including ray with capers (a classic), grilled bar (sea perch) served with a tomato and basil sauce, and gilt-head in orange sauce. The choucroute de poisson (fish sauerkraut) is a whole meal in itself. Be aware that the menu never changes---it's been around for quite a while, so they know how to do it well. Everything is prepared with quality ingredients. If you choose cheese for a dessert, they will bring a Camembert that you'll want to devour entirely, that is if you're not already full, which is unlikely.