Paris - d'chez eux
Autumn 2008
Frank's view 
'Non'
Jacques Chirac’s popularity with the French voting public was marred by allegations of corruption. Was his popularity with foreign dignitaries visiting Paris enhanced by his choice of restaurant?
The waiters at d’chex eux are eager to talk of the time Chirac entertained Putin at their famous Parisian bistro. Apparently d’chez eux was Chirac’s canteen. The restaurant also claims American comedian Jerry Lewis amongst its famous regulars.
The concierge at George V had no hesitation in recommending d’chez eux, which is a convenient 10 minute walk, past the Eiffel Tower.
The bistro has been there for over 40 years, and seemingly untouched for many more prior to its opening. The lighting is incredibly harsh and clashes violently with the green tiled floor. Mahogany mirrors line the walls, each with pegs, removing the need for a cloakroom.
I started with Moules mariniere (€16.50), which was bland. The Camel’s companion chose plat des Jambons (€15.60) and chewed, and chewed, and…
To follow, Le Cassoulet (€33.50) and Carre Persille, parsley seasoned rack of lamb (€36.70). The lamb was slightly over-cooked. Both were accompanied by cheesy potatoes. The Desserts Maison (€12.00) were, as one would expect in France, very good.
At over €100 per head for a very mediocre dinner, including good - but not exceptional - wine, d’chez eux was not a bargain. The euro has since further strengthened against the pound and dollar. I would be horrified to be charged around £35 for my lamb main course.
Visiting Paris in 2009 will be a very costly and painful experience.
Dine carefully.
d'chez eux
2 avenue Lowendal
75007 Paris
+33 1 47 05 52 55
http://www.chezeux.com/
The waiters at d’chex eux are eager to talk of the time Chirac entertained Putin at their famous Parisian bistro. Apparently d’chez eux was Chirac’s canteen. The restaurant also claims American comedian Jerry Lewis amongst its famous regulars.
The concierge at George V had no hesitation in recommending d’chez eux, which is a convenient 10 minute walk, past the Eiffel Tower.
The bistro has been there for over 40 years, and seemingly untouched for many more prior to its opening. The lighting is incredibly harsh and clashes violently with the green tiled floor. Mahogany mirrors line the walls, each with pegs, removing the need for a cloakroom.
I started with Moules mariniere (€16.50), which was bland. The Camel’s companion chose plat des Jambons (€15.60) and chewed, and chewed, and…
To follow, Le Cassoulet (€33.50) and Carre Persille, parsley seasoned rack of lamb (€36.70). The lamb was slightly over-cooked. Both were accompanied by cheesy potatoes. The Desserts Maison (€12.00) were, as one would expect in France, very good.
At over €100 per head for a very mediocre dinner, including good - but not exceptional - wine, d’chez eux was not a bargain. The euro has since further strengthened against the pound and dollar. I would be horrified to be charged around £35 for my lamb main course.
Visiting Paris in 2009 will be a very costly and painful experience.
Dine carefully.
d'chez eux
2 avenue Lowendal
75007 Paris
+33 1 47 05 52 55
http://www.chezeux.com/
Be Frank: agree or disagree? What do you think?
