Youpi et Voila: No Yippee-ki-yay and no here there either, despite what the big boys and treasured girls say.

4.0 Youpi et Voila, 8, rue Vicq-d'Azir in the 10th, is a place that "swear to God and hope I die" was at the top of my famous "list"; raved about by the big boys and my trustworthy former co-host at a website whose name cannot be spoken, so it was a natural choice for a couple who admire her (that is, my trustworthy former co-host at a website whose name cannot be spoken) as I do.  I wandered by the place twice without seeing any identifactory markings but finally decided that like Joseph Smith said when arriving at Salt Lake City (according to one source) "This is the place."  ([Phew - talk about run-on sentences.)]

As the male part of my friendly host/couple said on perusing the carte "Well, we're not going to go broke here."  Indeed, 3 courses are 25 E, 2 = 20 and el cheapo wine is 20 E as well.  But, it's a moderately forced choice "menu," at least at lunch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three of us were going to order the white asparagus with a 65⁰ egg and piggy belly and Kalamata olives (sounds scrumptious no?) but I decided that was a silly waste of three tosses of the dice and went for the ceviche of black mullet with avocado cubes which was pretty good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then, Madame had the line-caught (ha!) hake and M. and I the pigeoneau with (the dreaded) polenta and a ginger (could'a fooled me) sauce.  The poor pigeon I had was tough, tasteless and overcooked, oh my; Madame's fish was not 1/2-bad, however; indeed they both loved their dishes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M. for dessert had the apple crumble and Mme and I the goat cheese with crushed early strawberries and crumbled speccullos (this year's "in" dessert ingredient which I always thought was spelled speculos but can be speculoos or whatever you want apparently.)  In any case, despite the pilpul, no big deal.

With two bottles of a fine (and cheap, because I thought I was sharing payment, although in fact, even if Bill Gates were treating me, I'd order it again) Gaillac, their own bottled/filtered water and two coffees and to celebrate St Marc's Day, three marcs-of-a-sort, the bill was 156 E; however, a couple could easily have a meal plus wine and coffees here for 75 E.  Disclosure: M. picked up the check, insisting that in September, when Colette returns, we'd share.

Go?  Ah, dear Reader, against the opinions of all the other rapporteurs and my co-diners today, I cannot in good conscience (and mine is in bad shape) recommend it.  Sorry.

Comments

[Alec Lobrano]

Thoroughly agree, John. Went the other night, and my verdict soon. Best, Alec

[Margaret Pilgrim]

I'm not so fast to condemn.

Although not a fan of tartares, I found the veal tartare fresh tasting and well seasoned, a huge portion that I somehow surrounded.

I requested the pigeon very, very rosy and it was served precisely that way: lovely bloody pigeon with a fine polenta to soak up the jus.

Our major quibble was the noise level, exacerbated by a foursome of Americans who overwhelmed the room. In fact, we left without dessert because we could no longer hold a conversation.

My one hope would be for the chef to add the spice of risk to his well sourced and prepared plates.

[Phyllisflick]

I very much liked Youpi et Volia but am not surprised by dissenting opinions. I had the four course “blind tasting menu” for 36 euros at dinner and we liked certain courses better than others. The dessert--a black radish rice pudding”--was not what I would call delicious but it was interesting. I loved my main dish which was seared veal with polenta.

Patrice Gelbart, the chef, is someone who goes out of his way to source local products from small producers, most of which are organic, and that goes a long way for me. Intent is important so I am very forgiving if I don’t like a dish as long as I know the chef is trying to convey something. So, I’m happy to try black radish for dessert even though it doesn’t really fit the notion of dessert and might be a bit odd. The service at Youpie et Voila was very generous as well. I like what they stand for and what they are trying to do so I would gladly go back. Plus, as you said, these prices are not going to break the bank and he really does use exceptional products. Here’s my take for a second opinion: http://myparisnotebook.com/2012/03/12/youpi-et-voila-patrice-gelbarts-modern-bistro-in-the-10th/#more-1818