Le Paradis

Le Paradis 166 Bedford Rd 416 921 0995

Le Paradis has been around for a long time. In fact they declare they have been open for 9424 days. It is always superb. It is always reliable and it is authentic French cuisine. There is a long hallway at the front with tables. It is great for people watching. The room at the back is up a few stairs and sometimes can be a little noisy with the low ceiling. There is another room on the first level that is airy and spacious. Reservations are taken for a specific time but not a specific room. The food is so good that you will only be thinking of your taste buds and satisfied soul.
My birthday celebrations began with a flourish. My dear friend and I go back to high school days. We still try to meet weekly for a lunch and keep in touch. Birthdays are sacrosanct. My friend and her husband were my hosts and I was delighted with her choice of venue.
The evening only got better as time went on.
The Beetroot Salad was perfection. Beetroot, fennel, goat cheese and carrots are served with an orange vinaigrette.($8.00) Every morsel was devoured. Even though we shared the salad the generous portion was more than sufficient.
The host opted for the daily special of Boeuf Provencal. The meat was tender and tasty. The dish was perfectly prepared and seasoned. Nobody was leaving anything on their plate.
I have dined here on many occasions since its opening. I always have the perfectly prepared Saumon a l’Alsacienne. The pan roasted salmon is served with braised cabbage and a citrus cream and reisling sauce.($17.00) I believe it is also possible to have cold Poached Salmon on request. It was a celebration and I wanted a change. The Blaff a la Martiniquaise was a dish fit for a king (or queen) It certainly was enjoyed by the birthday girl. Mixed fish, calamari, & shrimp are braised in a spicy tomato, habanero and citrus broth.($17.00) The fish was tender. It was topped with crispy shoestring potatoes. The sauce was a culinary work of art. It had a piquant tang of fresh saucy tomatoes. I would like to bottle up that sauce and have it on hand for topping eggs, fish or even for dipping bread.
I was also tempted by the Ragout de Legumes ($13.00) Mixed vegetables are braised with North African spices and served with chick peas and couscous. I have enjoyed this dish and love the mélange of herbs and spices. The Foie de Veau a la Framboise offers pan seared Provimi calf’s liver steak with raspberry vinegar demi-glace.($16.00) Bavette a l’Echalote is a marinated beef flank with a shallot demi-glace.($15.00)
The place is always full. No wonder. The food is outstanding and offered at an affordable price. It is authentic French cuisine perfectly prepared. Daily specials are listed on the blackboard.
Try and save room for dessert. Le Paradis is famous for the Lemon Tart and Crème Brule. Oo La La!
I hope we continue to be friends for many more years. I just may take her back to Le Paradis for her birthday to have such a fine meal all over again. It may not be original but it is guaranteed.