It is difficult to return here to put words down after the events of this November 13, 2015. Difficult and painful, to be perfectly honest.
Yet, it is via this blog that I have always shared my favorites and my discoveries with you, with the sole purpose of encouraging you to get out of the house and discover the rich and vast cultural, gastronomic, and event-filled offerings of our beautiful capital.
And today, I am struggling to leave my own home. Last Sunday, I had to force myself to step outside and head to the 11th arrondissement, not far from the tragic events of Friday, to discover the Restaurant Astier. It had obviously been planned before that sad evening, but it took a significant effort and the motivation of my favorite photographer’s stomach to resolve myself to take public transport that day.
In the end, it was the best decision to make. It did me a world of good. And at the same time, I told myself that if I no longer left my home, how could I convince you to do it? How could I make you want to do it?
It is a tiny act of resistance, limited to my modest capabilities, but it is my small contribution to the collective healing of the wounds of this city that is now, and more than ever, mine.
This long introduction is to explain the state of mind in which I discovered this bistro and my desire, despite everything, to continue talking to you here, because I love Paris, I love going out, having a drink on a terrace, going to the theater, to a restaurant, to a museum; in short, I love my life as a Parisian.
To return to Paris, the Astier establishment is truly a capital institution, having been born in the late 1950s. The restaurant is currently run by Frédéric Hubig-Schall, who, in addition to being a lover of fine dining, is also extremely knowledgeable about wines (do not hesitate to ask him for advice; he knows his subject).
The welcome is warm, and the checkered tablecloths and period photos hanging on the walls add a very retro note to the address, which seems to float outside of time, in a legendary Paris that perhaps only exists thanks to places like this.
Must try:
- As a starter, the stuffed green cabbage with wild rabbit and hazelnuts, rich jus, and walnut oil (€10).
- Another seasonal starter, the creamy chestnut velouté with smoked bacon and truffle oil (€9); we loved it!
- Another seasonal main course, with the succulent (and very generous) duck pie and foie gras, served with its truffle sauce.
- The wild boar stew cooked at “low temperature,” cranberries, smoked bacon, and a special mention for the delicious lovage gnocchi, which beautifully accompany the dish (€26).
- The signature dessert of the house, the Grand Marnier soufflé, which is reserved for regulars of the establishment or lucky customers. Indeed, you won’t see it on the menu because it requires such preparation that it is announced in the dining room only on days when the team has the time to prepare a few. It is huge, made in custom-made molds, and above all, you have to share it with your table neighbors, otherwise you might not be able to finish it, which would be a real shame!
The extra touch: a very beautiful selection of wines, particularly biodynamic ones.
Price: classic Astier menus with starter + main + dessert at €35 / starter + main + cheese platter (impressive, I recommend it for fans) + dessert at €45.
The good plan: for lunch from Monday to Friday, the “canaille” dish at Astier starting from €15.
Restaurant Astier 44 Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, 75011 Paris open 7 days / 7
Find all my restaurant reviews in Paris below:
⇒ All my restaurant reviews in Paris
MAP OF MY FAVORITE FOOD SPOTS IN PARIS AND THE ILE-DE-FRANCE REGION
Restaurant 
Bar 
Pastry / Bakery 
Tea Room / Coffee Shop
Brunch 
Ice Cream Parlor
Photo credits: Nicolas Diolez and Mademoiselle Bon Plan Photos not royalty-free, photographer's permission required before any use
