The Bistro Belhara in the 7th is one of the most classic, yet forward-moving bistros in town; the moment you enter you're greeted by one of the two waitguys, each of whom has his own shtick; encased in a very trad bistro setting and surrounded by French foodlovers (at least at lunch). The menu is overwhelming and reasonable (34 E for 3 courses) but supplemented by two specials, one of which, the palombe, said only at night - well, our waiter got the chef, one Thierry Dufroux, to wave that restriction, and on we went.
As we sat down, our oldest French friend (the one we've known longest not most aged) said "You've gotta try the bread and butter, they're great" - and this from a gal from Normandy! She and Colette ordered the fish soup which was way above gold standard, maybe platinum, and I had the cepes and girolles with bacon - hey you only go around once unless Buddhist, which I'm seriously considering.
For mains, our friend from the 20th and 21st (Deauville) had the echine de porc (superb) and Colette and I shared the cocotte of dove with potatoes (the other special) which was approaching stratospheric quality.
For desserts, Madame our old friend, had the raspberry tart and Colette had the rice pudding with great nuts including some tasty pistachios - and then appeared two roasted figs - hoooo boy!
Our bill, with two bottles of wine, no bottled water but 6, yes 6, coffees, was 178 E for 3, thus 118.66 E a couple - Zowie!
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