3 rue Therese 1e arr., Paris
Metro - Pyramides
I never made it to "le grand magasin" yet but instead I decided to have lunch first. I originally tried to eat at one of mt favorites from last year "Le Cosy" but they were packed!
Instead I consulted my restaurant list and found a "cheap eat" recommended by Time Out" called "Chez Stella". This wan't high on my priority list but since it was in the 1st arrondissement and nearby it seemed like a good choice.
The best part is that Chez Stella offers a 3 course home cooked lunch for €12. You can't beat that.
The atmosphere is small, quaint and cozy. Imagine that you've visited someones home and they put a lot of tables in the dining room. The walls are a golden yellow color trimmed with blond wood and decorated with bad "color by number" paintings.
The menu selections are simple and include meat, turkey, steak and chicken. There is always a daily special. A few items have a small supplemental addition.
For my starter I selcect "oeuf mayonaise" which is a hard boiled egg sliced in half and topped with mayo. Around the egg is some salad greens, shredded carrot, cukes and a potato salad which is filled with potato and peas. It was very good.
For my main course I ordered the steak au poive vert (steak with green pepper sauce). This plat has a €3 supplement. The meat is preety good and the green pepper sauce is dark and rich with that spicy bite of pepper. On the side I got an order of frites which were piping hot and crispy.
For wine I ordered the small "pichet" of red wine which was €1.80 and yeilds about 2 glasses. It wasn't too bad!
There are about 5 selections for dessert ranging from chocolate mouse to apple tart. I selected the "gateau fromage blanc" which is a light lemony flavored cheesecake with a tasty caramelized brown top. To add caloric insult to injury, it is served in a pool of creme anglais.
Total bill including supplement and wine - €16.80
Chez Stella is not a fancy restaurant. Think of it as that little homey joint around the corner. Generally you get what you pay for and the €12 price for a three course meal seems right. Chez Stella isn't serving the latest nouvelle cusine, they just feed hungry people who want a nice lunch. Menu selections are simple and I think this would be a good place for anyone who might be a fussy eater. There are no snails, guts or intestinal foods served here.
Service at Chez Stella is sweet and friendly. They do not deliver any attitude and seem happy that you are visiting.
For friendly service, cute atmosphere and good food I give Chez Stells 3 hearts.
If you have been to the Louvre and want a decent lunch, Chez Stella is only a short walk away.
Chez Stella does not open on the weekends. I also did not see any ashtrays or smell any smoke.
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I fully agree!! It is sad that Chez Stella is not open on weekends. I am going anytime in Paris for the past 13 years and it is great that she recognises me everytime. Try it out!!!
Posted by: Fred | Monday, April 30, 2007 at 10:27 AM