"The Real César Salad in Paris"

by Lisa Michaux, Tastemaker in Residence

My Favorite Lunch (and sometimes dinner!) at Les Cocottes (photo by Lisa Michaux)

It’s been a bit rainy in Paris lately and sometimes a cozy meal inside away from the rain can revolve around greens. Don’t get me wrong; I love a great French meal as much as the next person, but sometimes I just want something simple and light. Enter Le vrai salad César Ritz at Les Cocottes in the 7th arrondissement near the Eiffel Tower. Chef Christian Constant owns three restaurants on the same block and his kitchens have produced numerous chefs that have gone on to create their own restaurants in the city. Constant formerly headed the kitchen at The Ritz in Paris, so I’m going to trust him when he gives me this delicious salad filled with hard boiled eggs, chicken, perfect little croutons and tangy parmesan. I love that when I am eating alone, I can eat at the bar at Les Cocottes and watch all the activity and talk to the servers. The last time I did this though, they gave me a hard time about not finishing all my salad—I did point out that I finished all the eggs and chicken and only left a little lettuce. 

Gaufre à la Chantilly, caramel à la fleur de sel from Les Cocottes (photo Lisa Michaux)

Of course, this leaves me room for dessert. I know, I said I was eating light, but Constant is known for his desserts. He is famous for his chocolate, but I love the Gaufre à la Chantilly, caramel à la fleur de sel (Waffle with whipped cream and salted caramel sauce), and it is available in half portions! This combination of crispy waffle edges, warm salted caramel sauce, and divinely light whipped cream is the perfect ending to an amazing lunch (or dinner!) in Paris.

"This is where you’ll find me when it is raining on my terrace."
 
Les Cocottes de Christian Constant
135, rue Saint-Dominique
75007 Paris