Paris’s outer arrondisements can seem a little far away, but they’re really not. To get them can also depend on train or bike route. To get home from Bagnolet in the 20th, my VĂ©lib cycle is an easy 20 minutes, but getting there is a bit more difficult with one-way streets.
In any case, this is where a number of 5 rhythms dance classes are held, and as Marc
Silvestre’s Friday class finishes at 9:30pm, I thought I’d treat myself to a meal.
Hidden among Asian traiteurs (delis/caterers/take-out/trattoria) and Middle Eastern restaurants on Rue de Bagnolet is an unassuming cozy restaurant, as seen above, that had a small number of great reviews on Trip Advisor and Yelp. I’ll add to that positive acclaim.
I had a simple dish of pig’s cheek with a potato mash. I know I’ve had beef cheek before, and remember it being particularly tender. The pork was very tender but also had a nice bit of texture. It was very delicious. I had this with a quarter of Cote du Rhones and then, because the main was so delicious, decided to have a Moelleux de Chocolate, that was not exactly molten but nicely soft and melting in the centre.
I felt extravagant and decided to finish with a lovely armagnac. As you can tell, I was very pleased with myself, for finding a great restaurant, and having a perfect humble French bistro meal.
Even surpassing the food was the service. I really love the slightly formal but gracious service of some of the French bistros; it felt like the gentleman was the owner or manager. A relatively simple and quick meal but I felt like I was treated like a king.
Le Pourquoi Pas
17 rue de Bagnolet, 75020 Paris