Eating Europe #1: Le Petit Gourmet, Paris

The journey had been long. In the name of budget travel (and in my case a desire to avoid flights, although still took 3 in the course of our 17-day trip) we had left Newcastle upon Tyne, UK at 1 am and arrived in Paris the following evening. After 18 hours on a bus, what I wanted more than anything was a glass of wine. 


 However, as we neared Paris, my friend expressed interest in trying out a restaurant near our hostel that served French cuisine that was proper Halal (not just Halal options), which I correctly assumed meant no alcohol. Since it was nearby and I was very hungry and knew if I reeeally wanted wine afterwards there would be options, I was down. Wasn't quite sure what to expect with the food, however - would I even like 'French Cuisine'? 

We did not reach until later into the evening and the small restaurant was quiet, but thankfully open. We were greeted by a friendly staff that immediately sat us. It was a calm, relaxing environment which was what we needed after almost an entire night and day of traveling! 

Oh, and they even gave us an appetizer on the house! 

As it was my first dining experience in Paris, the prices struck me at first - in the €20s for the complete meals, but really, with all that was included, the prices were very reasonable. The amount I got for just under €20 was plenty and actually ended up being one of the best deals I got in the city of lights. I ordered the 'Onion Soup,' which yes, I was curious to see if it was the same as 'French Onion Soup.' It was! It was satisfying - nice and cheesy, I did add quite a bit of salt though. Later on in Madrid, I met a Brazilian guy who spoke about how Americans added salt and pepper to everything...maybe that explains it.

Since I had been buying all my own groceries and doing all my own cooking for the first time the previous six months, I had been craving salmon. I like to balance out the fact that I like to go out and have (crazy overpriced) gourmet burgers with a glass of wine by eating very cheaply at home - 20 pence spaghetti and 30 pence cans of beans are my staples! That, coupled with the fact that I don't trust myself to properly cook fish and most other meat, means I had been longingly looking at salmon in the store but too afraid to buy it. When I saw it on the menu for around €12, I had to have it!

I was very happy with what I got! The sauce was delicious, but better yet, the salmon was cooked perfectly. It wasn't dry at all, it was juicy (is that a proper term for fish?) and melt-in-my-mouth amazing. My friends all seemed content with their dishes as well. Maybe it was just having a proper meal after a long journey, or having quality fish (and greens!) for the first time in months, but I loved Le Petit Gourmet and would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Montmartre and especially anyone looking for Halal options for French food.

Restaurant Info: 

http://www.lepetitgourmet-paris.com

39 rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 75009