No complaints about the food at Racines. In fact, it's one of the best places I've eaten in Paris in a long time.
Unfortunately I took some of the worst pictures of one of the best-looking—and probably the most heavily-inked—restaurateurs in Paris, so you'll have to go meet Pierre Jancou for yourself.
He was waiting on the tables that day and was happy to chat in French, English, and Italian, as necessary.
The pasta showed off how Italians (particularly in Bologna) are able to coax lots of flavor from the thinnest, almost non-existent ragù. While it didn't look like much, it was sensational. And although I've written about the lack of excitement over organic products in Paris, at Racines I was happy to eat my words.
The menu changes daily and on our visit, there was a salad of thinly-shaved vegetables from Alain Passard's garden and very light rabbit rillettes to spread on slices of fresh baguette.
We ordered each of the main courses: steak tartar with real, honest-to-goodness, made from scratch frites, braised pork cheeks with tiny, excellent roasted potatoes, and Festonati pasta.
With Meg and Dorie, our quick lunch ended up lasting almost 3 hours—or more. The wines are fascinating to sample and "more than organic."
Racines
8 passage des Panoramas (2nd)
Tél: 01 40 13 06 41
Hi, David: I visited Racines when I was in Paris last November. Pierre was very nice and accomodating. At the time, he still was waiting to have the gas turned on, so no cooking was being done. He did serve me a selection of great bio-wines and some great meats and cheeses, but the Lardo was just spectacular! It's on my list when I return in October. Cheers, Ed
Hi, David!
I took note of Racines.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge about Paris in such a funny brilliant way in your site! I will be there in July and thanks to your valuable posts and of other (lucky!) bloggers living in Paris I was able to plan a great (I hope!) trip.
If you ever visit Vienna, do let us know!
Au revoir,
Carolina
Mmm, I intend to go ASAP. I know my bosses and some of my fellow chefs really like this place and now you: there's nothing more I could want in terms of recommendations!
As if i needed another reason to want to be in Paris....geez! That looks awesome, and Pierre & his ink would fit in perfectly here with some of my Portland restaurant pals. Thanks for sharing...sigh...........
I think these photos are great. :) The salad is a work of art.
By the way, I made your Devil's food cake last week and it was wonderful. thanks.
I sent the restaurant info to my mom, who's in Paris right now. wish I was there with her. sigh.
All right! You might not recall, but I told you you'd like this place. Hope you got some lardo di Colonnata too!
I don't recall, but perhaps if you'd mentioned the lardo, that would've made me remember your suggestion! -DL