It’s a good, unusual address that awaits us near the 11th arrondissement of Paris. At the Chez Loulou restaurant, we find ourselves in the lair of a passionate chef who welcomes us in a unique atmosphere where we savor traditional cuisine revisited using fresh produce and good value for money.
It is one of those intriguing addresses that arouses our curiosity and invites us to follow our instinct. Along the rue de Montreuilat number 51, a wooden and mysterious sign reveals through its window, an anachronistic lounge with a vintage spirit where numerous antique pieces and decorations embroider together an unusual setting resembling a cabinet of curiosities. Under hanging bouquets of dried flowers, we can see set tables. It’s hard to resist the temptation to discover this strange address. We push the door open and it’s immediately as if we’ve passed through the other side of the looking glass.
“I’m coming” we are warned from another room. Linksthe owner then arrives. After having officiated in the whole Paristhis experienced chef has set down his bags in the 11th district of the capital to open its restaurant, Loulou’sa place in its image, quirky and full of surprises. With warmth and without fuss, he invites us to settle in while interacting with us very naturally and with a frankness that contributes to the soul of the place. Throughout the evening, we will discover a passionate chef with a strong character and at the same time very attentive to his guests. And when one of them ventured to call him “Chief”, he was immediately cut off: “ Oh no, not Chef! I’m Loulou”.
On the menu, presented on the slate, there is little choice. “You know why” Loulou whispers to us. Alone in the dining room and in the kitchen, our host makes a point of offering homemade food and cuisine concocted from fresh, seasonal products, and all for a good value for money. Au dinnerit will cost €28 for the starter + main course + dessert menu and €25 for a starter + main course or main course + dessert formula. The map presents traditional dishes mastered and twisted by Loulou’s creative spirit.
To begin our tasting, our first choice is the stewed oyster mushrooms in chicken stock and portone of the chef’s recommendations. A forest entrancegenerously garnished with mushrooms and very comforting. We also let ourselves be tempted by the inspiration of the day, a soft goat cheese. “It’s a cold starter but I’ll tell you no more” we are told. Under its bell, a snow rabbit reveals a creamy goat’s cheese stuffed with dried fruits and topped with a lemon sorbet. The whole thing awakens the taste buds with freshness. The contrast of these two plates sets the tone: Loulou has not finished surprising us.
For the rest, we let ourselves be seduced by another suggestion from the chef: “Lamb with a spoon roasted in a melon”. Directly served in the fruit, we find a tender meat which matches well with the sweet flesh of the melon all enhanced by fresh notes of mint. Another temptation is the boneless and braised rabbit leg. “recipe from our grandmothers”.
It comes with lentils and delicious mashed potatoes which will indeed remind us of the generosity and comfort of our grandmothers’ cooking and this time, we won’t have to insist on finishing our meals. vegetables. The richness of the flavors preserved in the rabbit meat demonstrates slow and controlled cooking as well as a careful choice of raw materials.
Here we are, full and yet we are reluctant to leave Loulou’s friendly and warm cocoon. So, we decide to go further, and share dessert. We glance at the slate. There roasted brioche all caramel is marked by three hearts: we will not need more to make our decision. THE Loulou style French toastwith its salted butter caramel, and its scoop of ice cream to match will end our escapade on a regressive note. Then comes the dreaded moment, that of departure. We take a last look at the thousand and one curiosities that surround us and we regretfully move towards the exit, promising ourselves that we will come back.
We recommend this address in particular to lovers of bistrots tradis and to the curious who are ready to let themselves be carried away by the spirit of discovery. The menu evolves according to the inspirations of the chef and the seasonality of productsLoulou also wants to ensure that he continues to guarantee the best possible value for money when developing his menu. During our visit, we were able to discover rich, gourmet cuisine, although without a vegetarian option on the main course. Chez Loulou also offers two reservation slots per service, 12 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. for lunch, 7 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. for dinner. We strongly recommend that you make a call before your visit to reserve your table!
