A large majority of restaurants in Paris play up the stereotype of the cozy, dim brasserie with worn, wooden tables and a wait staff that couldn’t care less. If you’re expecting this, then you may be shocked by the tiny Les Diables au Thym, where the well-lit dining room has a clear view of the kitchen and the staff is just as welcoming and helpful as any you would find in the States.
When I met Richard at Les Diables au Thym, a waitress immediately asked to take my coat and handed me a menu where I was confronted with a myriad of choices, each better than the next. I finally decided on a mushroom and chestnut soup to start and the foie gras appetizer as a main course, and we ordered a pitcher of the house red wine to share. The wine was the only disappointment of the entire meal: a bit too acidic, even when we left it to breathe.
The waitress informed us right away that the kitchen was behind and that our food would take some time to arrive, which was a welcome change from staff that often keep you guessing about what happened to your order. However, in the end, the first course came quite quickly, and we finished nearly as fast. The soup was hearty and flavorful: the distinct tastes and textures of the chestnuts and mushrooms shone through and played well off one another. The combination was one that I never would have considered, but I was pleasantly surprised. When the waitress cleared my empty bowl, I waited in anticipation for the next course.
Foie gras is always delicious, and the one at Les Diables au Thym was no exception. It was served with homemade bread filled with raisins, nuts and whole grains, but it was also quite yummy served on the crusty white baguette that was at the table.
Richard and I decided to share a dessert, and it being fall, we settled on the pumpkin cake. For lack of a better word, I have never tasted anything so pumpkiny in my whole life: it was like the concentrated essence of the quintessential fall gourd, infused with a sweet, caramel syrup that made the entire thing incredibly moist and tasty. We cleared our plate with no problem, even after the two courses we had already finished.
Les Diables au Thym may not have the typical Paris décor and atmosphere, but after a year and a half living here, I have to say that, for me, it was a welcome change and one that I look forward to experiencing again.
Les Diables au Thym
36 rue Bergere, 9th arr.
Tel. 01 47 70 77 09
Open Monday to Friday Lunch & Dinner
Price range: 25 – 35 euros per person
www.lesdiablesauthym.com
Emily Monaco is an American student/expat from New York who has
(hopefully permanently) moved to Paris. She spends her time in Paris
seeking out artsy movie theaters, eating in amazing restaurants and
trying to figure out how to use the Vélib.
http://travelday.today.com
I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour includes many of the places I have written about including small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.
I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.
Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com
Hi Richard,
Great review. How about something new in the 20-25 euros price range (including wine). Original. Great atmosphere. In a trendy part of town? Congratulations on your fun publication. Patricia Laplante-Collins
Posted by: Patricia Laplante-Collins the 20-25 euros price range in a trendy part of town?. Congratulations on | November 24, 2008 at 12:47 PM