Ze Comptoir de la Gastronomie

[Disclaimer – Some find it offensive that others might enjoy foie-gras and other by-product of ducks. Even thought it’s not all about foie-gras, his post is mostly targeted for the others.]

The gourmet store

Le Comptoir is one next-door épicerie fine (gourmet store) and restaurant that we love. One of these places that any foodie would die for.

For instance, as far as we know, it’s one of the very few places where you can purchase non-pasteurized salmon eggs. We would eat this with our week-end breakfast boiled eggs, together with chives or cilantro herbs.

There is also delicious smoked salvage salmon from Scotland’s, tarama of many sorts (try the wasabi tarama for a real discovery, but avoid the truffle one if you ask me), marinated herrings, etc

Of course, the foie gras has been a steady best seller for Le Comptoir, together with many other great charcuterie preparations, including paté en croute and saucisson de Lyon.

This store has been there for a very long time (yes, since the end of the 19th century!), and it is amazing how they managed to keep a constant top-quality on their best-sellers, while at the same time adding new products now and then. During November and December, there is a truffle foie gras which will make you come back (money no object).

You will find in this gourmet store all the ingredient to fix yourself a great traditional meal or aperitif at home, including a good selection of wine and Champagne, unless you want to try all these delicacies on-site, in which case, head for the in-house restaurant.

You will also find a small selection of finely curated cheese, just alright for a quick fix with a bottle of wine. But for the real stuff in this matter, nothing beats rue Montorgueil’s La Fermette, as far as we are concerned. Only a few minutes away from Le Comptoir.

The restaurant

The restaurant is heavily relying on the gourmet store ingredients (mutatis, mutandis). You can access their details and menu online. Since it made quite a reputation of itself in many travel and restaurant guides, it is advisable to book in advance.