Le Petit Celestin

Le Petit Celestin Restaurant Review:

Le Petit Célestin features formica tables with red and white checked tablecloths and napkins, banquettes and bistro chairs upholstered with moleskine, a floor covered with multi-colored tile fragments (as was common in the Thirties), and photographs on the walls recounting the joyrides of the boss. A small, sunny terrace---a great plus--- faces the Seine and the Ile Saint Louis. Here we are in the bistro of Elisabeth and Jean-Pierre Castel. Everyday, chummy patrons give a working over to dishes like the lukewarm herring filets, lentil and bacon salad, and pigeon terrine. When we visited, Elisabeth the owner was in a very good mood and gave us an excellent homemade fresh vegetable jardinière. We had already gobbled up a mustard andouillette (which was juicy inside after being quickly fried), sautéed potatoes and a prime cut of beef with shallots. As final gourmandises, we tasted three different kinds of creams (custard): crème brûlée, vanilla and caramel. Prices are very reasonable.