Boeuf en deux cuissons, le paleron confit et l’onglet roti, garniture d’un bourguignon

When someone used to ask me for a cozy no fuss restaurant to go to, I would say la Rôtisserie near the Tour d’Argent and I knew I would get many thanks the next day. Since the owner redecorated the restaurant and changed the staff, it has become very disappointing, noisy, trendy, irritating although the food is still good. But I am happy to tell you that I have found an even better hang out near the Louvre this week, and I plan to return often : it is La Régalade Saint Honoré.

Fleur de sel presented with pâté while you wait

I wrote about the  Régalade a year ago when Mireille Guiliano had a ladies dinner party there. And it was excellent and friendly. But now that they have moved across the street with the same chef Bruno Doucet,  (on 106 rue St Honoré), it is even more exceptional.

The 39€ menu is unbeatable with five choices of starters, main courses and desserts and the dinner I had with two friends from Mexico City, on my birthday was exceptional. It all starts with pâté de campagne brought to the table with bred and cornichons to eat, while you wait to be served.

Quasi de veau rôti, cromesquis de pomme de terre, échalotes confites à l’estragon

Scalops with effiloché de truffe and marinated salmon were both out of this world to start. The beef cooked two ways was melting in my mouth and fabulous and so was the quasi de veau with shalots and tararagon. My friend chose the pigeonneau and it was also delicious.

We all had Soufflé au grand marnier for dessert but could have taken Pineapple with mango sherbet or Rice pudding or chocolate fondant.

Wines are varied and interesting and we had a great Chateauneuf du Pape but could have chosen Cotes du Rhône.

Old beams for this traditional place near the Louvre which also has a private dining room for 8

The plat du jour was a delicious pigeon

(open seven days a week! 01 42 21 92 40)

Service is friendly and smiling, customers are young and mostly food lovers and the decor of old beams and white walls is not overwhelming. I could not have had a better evening. And will try to go to the two other Regalade to report on them…