Le Moulin de la Galette, Paris, France

Le Moulin de la Galette
83 Rue Lepic,
Paris, 75018
France

Tel: +33 (0)1 46 06 84 77
http://www.lemoulindelagalette.eu/

Rating: 5 stars (out of 5) Excellent

Date of visit: 13th October, 2008

Meal: Lunch

The Moulin de La Galette, the last Montmartre windmill, was painted by many famous painters including Renoir, Van Gogh, and Picasso, and is situated near the top of the Montmartre district in Paris. Often that you find yourself disappointed by famous places as they do not meet expectations. With a rich and vibrant history dating back to the 18th Century it is does not disappoint.

Straight off the Eurostar, on a beautiful and warm (almost hot) October day reaching 25C, we arrived for a 2pm lunch reservation and chose to do our lunch meeting outside in the tiny terrace area. We were promptly brought menus in both French and English and a separate sheet for the Prix Fixe titled "Propositions For The Lunch" from which we chose 3 courses for 25 Euros, a glass of house red, house white and a bottle of Evian. Our drinks were promptly served and out waiter was friendly and talkative in both English and French.

My starter was "La Ferme" - "The Farm", boiled Chicken with vegetables and Duck Foie Gras in pressed into a Terrine accompanied by a Horseradish Fine Mousse and Mustard Seeds and a little side salad. An absolutely perfect start and fantastic cooking and presentation.

As quickly as our starter was swept away after finishing, our main courses were brought over. My first choice of Steaklet of Duck was not available so I chose the veal option which was off menu. Out came some beautifully cooked veal on a bed of sauteed potatoes, shredded cabbage, onions, olives, and mushrooms all gracefully garnished.

I took a moment to cheekily take a photo of my dinner guest's main of Saint-Jacques à la Plancha, et Petits Légumes - Scallops à la Plancha, and small vegetables.

For dessert - Gâteau aux noix, mousse légère aux marrons, Sorbet au lait d’Amande. A moist yet dense walnut cake accompanied by a velvety smooth Almond Milk Sorbet and a smoky light Chestnut mousse.

Every course was perfect, and in reality just the right portions for lunch. At 25 Euros for the three courses and coffee, lunch here is a bargain. This restaurant is a hidden gem full of history in a beautiful area of Paris. A true Parisian landmark atop this restaurant, which could've so easily be turned into a tourist trap has instead been turned into a trendy and gastronomically notable bistro by Michelin-starred chefs Antoine Heerah and Cédric Bernard. Excellent!